Design Manager

Job Profile for Design Manager 47605

This is an opportunity to join one of the UK's most progressive principal contractors, operating at the forefront of the façade remediation sector. Backed by a listed parent group with a turnover exceeding £600 million and strong cash reserves, the business combines genuine financial strength with the pace and flexibility of a modern, dynamic team.
With work secured through to 2028 and project values reaching up to £22 million, the business is delivering complex schemes across stadiums, residential towers, commercial developments and public sector projects.

As Design Manager, you will sit at the heart of project delivery, taking responsibility for the design process across 2-3 live façade and fire remediation projects. Working closely with the Technical Director, pre-construction, commercial and site teams, you will help drive compliant, practical and buildable solutions from design through to delivery.

A façade background is preferred, particularly experience gained with a specialist façade contractor or subcontractor and a good understanding of Stage 5 delivery. However, candidates from architectural or wider design backgrounds with relevant façade, cladding or remediation experience will also be considered.

The role is based from the Fareham head office with hybrid working. The business has a strong people-first culture, with regular employee feedback helping to shape senior leadership decisions, alongside a genuine focus on development, mentoring and long-term career progression.

Design Manager Salary & Benefits
* Salary: £55,000 - £75,000 per annum, depending on experience, with flexibility for a strong candidate
* Fareham-based office with hybrid working
* 25 to 30 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
* Pension scheme
* Project bonus scheme
* Company bonus scheme
* 4 years' death in service cover
* Critical illness cover
* Regular team and company-wide social events
* Comprehensive in-house and external training and development
* Access to Udemy and other training platforms
* Office facilities including stocked kitchen and shower
* Charity fundraising days
* Supportive, collaborative culture with clear progression pathways

Design Manager Job Overview
* Lead the design process across 2-3 live façade and fire remediation projects
* Coordinate design information from architects, structural engineers, fire engineers, manufacturers and specialist subcontractors
* Manage design development through to Stage 5 and project delivery
* Ensure designs comply with current Building Regulations, fire safety legislation and relevant cladding standards
* Produce, review and manage drawings, models and technical documentation using AutoCAD and associated software
* Develop practical, buildable and cost-effective solutions aligned with programme, quality and commercial requirements
* Chair and manage design meetings, workshops and technical reviews
* Work closely with Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors and Site Managers to ensure a joined-up approach to delivery
* Identify and manage design risks, ensuring progress remains aligned with project milestones

Design Manager Requirements
* Experience working with façade, cladding or external envelope systems, ideally within a specialist contractor or subcontractor environment
* Proven design management experience across façade remediation, recladding, fire remediation or complex building envelope schemes
* Good understanding of Stage 5 design and delivery
* Strong knowledge of current Building Regulations, fire safety guidance and relevant cladding standards
* Proficiency in AutoCAD, with wider BIM or 3D modelling experience advantageous
* Excellent coordination, communication and stakeholder management skills
* Able to manage multiple projects and design packages in a fast-paced environment
* Strong problem-solving mindset with a focus on practical, buildable solutions
* Based within a commutable distance of Fareham
* Bennett & Game Recruitment are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.

We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy, and in accordance with GDPR by applying you are granting us consent to process your data, contact you about the services we offer, and submit your CV for the role you have applied for.