Design Manager - Fire Detection

Design Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Design Manager to join a leading engineering and life safety specialist delivering complex projects across critical infrastructure and data centre environments.

This is a key leadership role responsible for managing the design function from concept through to project completion, ensuring all technical solutions are delivered to the highest standards of quality, compliance, and efficiency. The successful candidate will lead a skilled design team while working closely with clients, project managers, suppliers, and operational teams to deliver innovative engineering solutions.

The Role

As Design Manager, you will take ownership of the technical design process across multiple projects, ensuring designs are compliant, commercially viable, and delivered on programme. You'll play a pivotal role in supporting project delivery while driving continuous improvement and maintaining technical excellence throughout the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design team, ensuring high-quality technical output across all projects.
• Oversee the production and review of engineering calculations, technical drawings, design documentation, method statements, HSE documentation, as-built drawings, and O&M manuals.
• Develop detailed technical designs and build budgets prior to procurement and construction.
• Produce and review engineered system designs and technical submissions.
• Ensure all designs comply with current legislation, industry standards, and client specifications.
• Maintain accurate design records and technical documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide technical guidance and support to site teams during project delivery.
• Support estimating and business development teams with technical expertise where required.
• Monitor supplier product developments and assess their impact on future projects.
• Work collaboratively with internal departments to ensure successful project delivery.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, and key stakeholders.
• Keep up to date with industry developments, emerging technologies, and competitor activity.

About You

We're looking for a technically strong leader with a proven background in engineering design management and a passion for delivering high-quality solutions.

You'll ideally have:

• Previous experience in a Design Manager or Senior Design Engineer position within construction, building services, fire protection, or a related engineering sector.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing technical teams.
• Extensive knowledge of fire detection and suppression systems, including relevant British Standards such as BS 5839 and BS 5306.
• Experience delivering projects within mission-critical or data centre environments, with an understanding of critical infrastructure, redundancy, and cooling systems.
• Proven ability to produce and review detailed engineering designs and calculations.
• A sound understanding of health, safety, and environmental legislation.
• Experience preparing project budgets and supporting commercial decision-making.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to lead the design function within a growing and highly respected engineering business.
• Involvement in technically challenging, high-profile projects.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

If you're an experienced Design Manager looking to take the next step in your career with a business that values technical excellence and innovation, we'd love to hear from you.