Design Manager in Chelmsford, Essex

New-Build Schools - DfE Projects - 3-Year Contract

Salary: £68,000 + Car Allowance
Contract: 3 Years
Employment Type: Permanent salary or Day Rate, depending on preference

The Opportunity

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Design Manager to join a leading Tier 1 main contractor on a long-term programme of new-build school projects delivered under the Department for Education (DfE).

This is an excellent opportunity to join an established main contractor on a three-year contract, overseeing the design process across new-build education developments.

We are looking for a Design Manager with experience working for a Tier 1 main contractor, ideally with a background in DfE school projects. However, candidates with strong Design Management experience across other major new-build construction projects will also be considered, provided they have the relevant technical knowledge and experience managing the design process from pre-construction through to delivery.

The role offers flexibility, with the opportunity to work on either a salaried basis or a day-rate arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the design process across new-build school projects, ensuring designs are delivered in line with programme, budget and quality requirements.

• Coordinate architects, structural engineers, building services consultants and other design stakeholders.

• Manage design development from pre-construction through to construction and project completion.

• Review drawings, specifications and technical submissions, identifying and resolving design clashes and potential issues.

• Ensure design information is issued in line with the construction programme and procurement requirements.

• Work closely with project managers, site teams and commercial teams to ensure design solutions are practical, buildable and cost-effective.

• Chair and attend design team meetings, monitoring progress, actions and outstanding information.

• Manage design risks, changes and technical queries throughout the project lifecycle.

• Ensure compliance with relevant building regulations, statutory requirements and project specifications.

• Maintain effective communication between the client, consultants, subcontractors and internal project teams.

About You

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Proven experience working as a Design Manager for a Tier 1 main contractor.

• Experience delivering new-build construction projects.

• Previous experience on DfE school projects or education-sector developments is highly desirable.

• Strong design coordination and technical management skills.

• Experience managing external consultants, subcontractors and multidisciplinary design teams.

• A good understanding of construction programmes, procurement processes and buildability.

• The ability to identify design risks and drive solutions in a fast-paced project environment.

• Strong communication, organisation and stakeholder management skills.

Candidates without direct DfE experience will also be considered where they can demonstrate strong Design Management experience on comparable large-scale new-build projects for a Tier 1 contractor.

The Package

• £68,000 salary plus car allowance, or a day-rate arrangement depending on preference.

• Three-year contract on new-build school projects.

• Opportunity to work with an established Tier 1 main contractor.

• Long-term project continuity within the education construction sector.