Design Manager

Client:

A respected main contractor delivering high-quality projects across heritage, education, commercial, residential, and student accommodation sectors. With a strong focus on collaboration and craftsmanship, we pride ourselves on delivering technically complex and sensitive schemes, including refurbishment and new-build developments.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a project-facing Design Manager to join our delivery teams and take ownership of design coordination on-site and during pre-construction. This is a hands-on role embedded within the project team, working closely with site, commercial, and client stakeholders to ensure that design is buildable, compliant, and delivered on programme.

You will play a key role in delivering projects across:

• Heritage and refurbishment schemes
• Education projects
• Commercial developments
• Residential and student accommodation
• New build and mixed-use projects

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery Focus

• Act as the lead Design Manager on assigned projects, fully integrated within the site team
• Work closely with Project Managers, Site Managers, and Quantity Surveyors to deliver coordinated design solutions
• Ensure design intent is translated effectively into construction
• Proactively identify and resolve design issues on-site

Design Coordination

• Manage and coordinate architects, consultants, and specialist subcontractors
• Ensure timely production, review, and approval of design information
• Chair design meetings and drive actions to maintain progress
• Coordinate technical submittals and ensure compliance with specifications

On-Site & Client Interface

• Serve as a key point of contact for design matters between client, consultants, and internal teams
• Support site operations with RFIs, technical queries, and buildability reviews
• Attend site meetings and contribute to programme and sequencing discussions
• Build strong working relationships with all stakeholders

Pre-Construction Input

• Support tender and pre-construction stages where required
• Review Employer's Requirements and contribute to Contractor's Proposals
• Identify risks, gaps, and opportunities within design documentation
• Contribute to value engineering and practical design solutions

Programme & Delivery

• Manage design programme and ensure information is issued in line with construction needs
• Monitor design progress and escalate risks to programme or delivery
• Align design development with procurement and construction sequencing

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, planning conditions, and statutory approvals
• Maintain high standards of design quality and technical accuracy
• Support implementation of BIM and digital coordination where applicable

Key Skills & Experience:

Essential

• Experience as a Design Manager within a main contractor environment
• Strong understanding of construction processes and project delivery
• Experience working on live construction projects (project-facing role)
• Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary design teams effectively
• Strong knowledge across refurbishment and/or new build projects
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Sector Experience (one or more)

• Heritage / listed buildings
• Education
• Commercial
• Residential or student accommodation

Personal Attributes

• Team-focused and collaborative, with a site-first mindset
• Proactive and solutions-driven
• Strong organisational and coordination skills
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced project environment
• Commercial awareness and attention to detail