Design Manager (Construction) in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear

We are currently working in partnership with a leading Tier 1 main contractor who are looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager to join their regional business.

This is an excellent opportunity to join an established and highly regarded contractor, working from their regional office and supporting a diverse portfolio of construction projects across the region.

The successful candidate will play an important role within the regional management team, taking responsibility for overseeing and coordinating design activities across multiple projects, from pre-construction through to delivery.

This is a varied position offering the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, project teams, consultants and supply chain partners, helping to drive design quality, technical compliance and successful project outcomes.

As Design Manager, your responsibilities will include:

• Managing and coordinating design activities across a portfolio of regional construction projects.

• Providing design management support throughout pre-construction, tender and project delivery stages.

• Working closely with regional operational and pre-construction teams to develop effective design strategies.

• Managing external consultants, specialist subcontractors and multidisciplinary design teams.

• Ensuring design programmes are aligned with procurement and construction programmes.

• Driving buildability, value engineering and design optimisation opportunities.

• Ensuring technical compliance, design quality and statutory requirements are achieved.

• Identifying and managing design risks, issues and potential programme impacts.

• Supporting project teams with technical queries and design-related challenges.

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants and supply chain partners.

• Promoting best practice in BIM, digital design and information management.

Our client is keen to speak with established Design Managers who have a strong background working for a main contractor, ideally within a Tier 1 or large regional construction business.

You will ideally demonstrate:

• Proven experience in a Design Manager position within the construction industry.

• Experience managing design across multiple construction projects.

• A strong understanding of the design process from pre-construction through to project delivery.

• Experience coordinating consultants, subcontractors and multidisciplinary design teams.

• Good technical knowledge of construction methods, buildability and regulatory requirements.

• Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of the relationship between design, cost and programme.

• Excellent communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills.

• The ability to work collaboratively with senior management and project delivery teams.

A relevant degree or professional qualification in Architecture, Engineering or Construction would be advantageous.

• The opportunity to join a leading Tier 1 main contractor.

• A regional office-based position with involvement across multiple projects.

• Exposure to a varied and exciting regional project portfolio.

• Direct involvement with senior regional leadership.

• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

• Long-term career development opportunities within an established business.

If you are an experienced Design Manager looking for your next career move and would like to explore an opportunity with a leading Tier 1 contractor, we would be keen to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion and further information, please get in touch.