Senior Design Manager in Warrington, Cheshire

Exciting new opportunity to work for a leading principal contractor on a £50m high rise commercial and residential development in the North West.

Due to a new contract award, there is a brand new job opportunity for an experienced Senior Design Manger to lead the technical design delivery of a flagship, high-rise Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme. As a Higher-Risk Building (HRB) under the Building Safety Act, this project is entering a critical phase. You will take full ownership of the design management process, steering the external consultant team and supply chain through the Building Safety Regulator (BSR)

Key Responsibilities

• BSR & Gateway 2 Leadership: Lead the coordination, compilation, and submission of the Gateway 2 application to the Building Safety Regulator. Ensure all design information meets the strict statutory requirements prior to construction starting on site.
• Design Team Management: Manage and chair design team meetings with architects, structural engineers, MEP consultants, and specialist fire engineers to ensure a coordinated, clash-free RIBA Stage 4 design.
• Golden Thread & Compliance: Establish and maintain the digital "Golden Thread" of building information. Ensure robust change-control procedures are enforced so any post-Gateway 2 design changes are properly assessed and approved.
• PBSA Technical Optimisation: Drive value engineering and buildability across repetitive student cluster flats, amenity spaces, and high-rise core/facade interfaces without compromising fire safety or acoustic performance.
• Stakeholder & Client Liaison: Act as the primary technical point of contact for the client, funders, Principal Designer, and Principal Contractor, providing clear reporting on design progress, risks, and statutory sign-offs.

• Background and proven track record as a Senior Design Manager working for a principal contractor on high value complex build projects
• Proven HRB Experience: Demonstrable track record leading design management on high-rise residential, BTR, or PBSA projects (18m+ / 7+ storeys) in the UK.
• Building Safety Act Expertise: Strong working knowledge of the Building Safety Act 2022, the Dutyholder regime, and the practical realities of preparing and managing a BSR Gateway 2 submission.
• Technical & Commercial Acumen: Background in architecture, structural/civil engineering, or construction management, with a sharp eye for buildability
• Software & Information Management: Familiar with Common Data Environments (e.g., Viewpoint, Procore, Aconex) and BIM workflows (ISO 19650) to support Golden Thread compliance.
• Excellent interpersonal, planning and time management skills with the ability to engage varying stakeholders effectively

Salary & Package on offer

• Base Salary £80,000 - £90,000
• Car Allowance
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Private Healthcare
• 26 days holiday + bank holidays
• Comprehensive additional benefits & perks.
• Annual career reviews, progression plans

How to apply:

If you are ready to take the lead on a landmark PBSA scheme and have the technical rigour to navigate the Gateway 2 landscape, we want to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a brief summary of your relevant high-rise project experience to (url removed)