Design Manager

Design Manager - Construction (Major Refurbishment & Façade Projects)

Location: Hatfield
Salary: £65,000-£75,000 + Company Vehicle + Comprehensive Benefits

We are working with a leading construction and infrastructure business that is looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager to join its growing team. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong construction professional to lead the design process from pre-construction through to project delivery across a portfolio of complex refurbishment and building safety schemes.

The successful candidate will take full ownership of design management on allocated projects, ensuring design solutions are coordinated, compliant, buildable, and delivered in line with programme and commercial objectives. You will also play a key role in supporting the tendering process by providing technical expertise and design leadership.

Experience delivering major refurbishment, fire remediation, façade replacement, and re-cladding projects-particularly on Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs)-would be highly advantageous.

• Lead and manage the design process from tender stage through to construction and project completion.
• Take technical responsibility for allocated projects, ensuring design quality, compliance, and coordination throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide technical support during single and two-stage tender submissions.
• Coordinate consultants, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to ensure timely delivery of design information.
• Review design proposals for buildability, programme, cost efficiency, and compliance with statutory requirements.
• Work closely with project, commercial, and site teams to resolve technical issues and drive successful project outcomes.
• Manage design programmes using Asta Powerproject or Microsoft Project.
• Ensure effective use of Common Data Environments (CDEs) and BIM processes throughout project delivery.
• Support and mentor junior design team members where required, with the opportunity to provide line management to Design Coordinators.

You will have a strong technical background within the construction industry and be confident leading multidisciplinary design teams on complex projects.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Detailed understanding of major construction methods, including reinforced concrete, timber, structural steel, and load-bearing masonry.
• Experience supporting both single-stage and two-stage tender processes.
• Working knowledge of JCT, NEC, and PPC forms of contract.
• Experience programming design activities using Asta Powerproject or Microsoft Project.
• Strong understanding of procurement, construction sequencing, and design management principles.
• Knowledge of current building legislation, regulations, and industry standards.
• Experience using Common Data Environments such as Viewpoint for Projects and Fieldview.
• Familiarity with BIM processes and digital design tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with excellent attention to detail.
• Proactive, collaborative approach with the ability to drive projects through to successful completion.

Essential

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.

Desirable

• Professional membership with organisations such as CIOB, RICS, RIBA, or ICE.
• Additional qualifications in Project Management, BIM, Health & Safety, or Environmental disciplines.

• Salary of £65,000-£75,000 depending on experience.
• Company vehicle.
• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays.
• Life assurance.
• Employee discount schemes.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Gym membership discounts.
• Holiday purchase scheme.
• Ongoing professional development and funded training opportunities.
• Employee referral programme.
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.
• Opportunity to join a collaborative business delivering high-profile refurbishment and building safety projects with clear opportunities for career progression.