Design Manager - DFE

Our client is an award-winning national main contractor with operations across the UK, delivering high-quality projects across the commercial, residential, industrial and mixed-use sectors.

Due to continued growth and a strategic expansion into the Department for Education (DfE) sector, they have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Design Manager to join their Midlands division. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in establishing and growing the business's presence within the education sector, supporting the delivery of high-profile DfE projects from pre-construction through to successful completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the design process from tender stage through to project completion.
• Develop and implement project-specific Design Management Plans in line with company procedures.
• Coordinate the appointment, management and performance of consultants and external design teams.
• Ensure design proposals meet client expectations, statutory requirements, programme objectives and commercial targets.
• Review design information to ensure buildability, compliance and value engineering opportunities are maximised.
• Chair and participate in design team meetings, maintaining effective communication between all project stakeholders.
• Assist in managing design risk through regular reviews, workshops and project risk registers.
• Oversee the Request for Information (RFI) process and technical document control procedures.
• Develop and maintain detailed design programmes, ensuring key milestones are achieved.
• Work collaboratively with commercial and construction teams to manage design changes and project risks.
• Maintain alignment with project cost plans throughout the design development process.
• Support design verification and technical approval processes.
• Mentor and support Design Coordinators and Document Controllers where applicable.
• Coordinate the production of Health & Safety Files, Operation & Maintenance Manuals and project handover documentation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and the wider project team.

Education, Skills & Experience

• Degree qualified in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Professional membership such as MCIOB, RIBA, CIBSE or IET (desirable).
• Valid CSCS Card.
• Proven experience in Design Management within a Tier 1 or leading Tier 2 Main Contractor.
• Experience working on projects with construction values ranging from £5m - £50m.
• Strong understanding of current procurement routes and construction methodologies.
• Good knowledge of BIM and digital construction processes.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to balance quality, programme and cost.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and organisational skills.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams across various stages of the project lifecycle.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Car allowance or company vehicle.
• Pension scheme.
• Private healthcare.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• Clear career progression within a nationally recognised contractor.