Senior Design Manager in Durham, County Durham

Elvet Recruiment are seeking a Senior Design Manager to join leading UK main contractor to oversee design delivery on projects across the North East, typically valued between £2m–£40m. You’ll lead the design process from tender through construction, ensuring solutions are compliant, buildable and aligned with programme and commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the design function across multiple projects and frameworks.

• Develop design strategies that drive innovation, value and buildability.

• Lead design reviews, workshops and stakeholder engagement.

• Oversee design governance, risk management and value engineering.

• Support pre‑construction activities including bids, technical submissions and tender interviews.

About You

• Strong experience in design management within a main contractor.

• Background across healthcare, education, commercial or public‑sector projects.

• Excellent technical knowledge (architecture, structures, MEP) and understanding of Building Regulations and CDM.

• Confident leader with strong communication, stakeholder and team‑development skills.

• Degree/HNC in a construction discipline preferred; professional membership advantageous.

• CSCS card and full UK driving licence required.

Benefits

• Up to £80k + car/car allowance

• 26 days holiday (buy/sell options)

• Private medical insurance

• Pension matched up to 8%

• Enhanced family leave

• Flexible/agile working

• Professional memberships paid

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For more information, please contact George French at Elvet Recruitment