Senior Design Manager in Cardiff, South Glamorgan

Senior Design Manager / Lead Design Manager

Cardiff Bay | Up to £85,000 + £7,000 Car Allowance + Bonus + Excellent Benefits

A flagship £1 billion development. A decade of secured work. A genuine opportunity to lead.

We are working with a leading main contractor to recruit an experienced Senior Design Manager / Lead Design Manager for one of the most exciting and ambitious construction developments in South Wales.

This is a rare opportunity to take a leading role in the delivery of a landmark £1 billion mixed-use development in Cardiff Bay, comprising multiple projects delivered over an anticipated ten-year programme.

The development incorporates a diverse range of construction disciplines, including RC and steel-framed structures, high-rise apartments, residential accommodation, commercial buildings, retail and other complex mixed-use elements.

This isn’t simply another Design Manager position. It’s an opportunity to take ownership of the design function across a substantial, technically challenging development, with the autonomy, resources and long-term security to make a genuine impact.

The Role

Reporting into the senior project leadership team, you will take responsibility for managing and coordinating the design process across multiple phases of this prestigious development.

You will lead an established design team, including a Design Technical Manager and Technical Coordinators, ensuring that design information is delivered efficiently, accurately and in line with programme requirements.

The position offers considerable autonomy, with the opportunity to shape design strategy, influence key decisions and establish effective processes across a complex, multi-phase development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the design function across multiple projects within the wider development.
• Manage, mentor and develop a team of design and technical professionals.
• Take ownership of design programmes, deliverables and technical coordination.
• Coordinate architects, structural engineers, M&E consultants and specialist subcontractors.
• Oversee the design development process from preconstruction through to completion.
• Identify and resolve complex technical and buildability challenges.
• Ensure effective integration of architectural, structural and building services designs.
• Work closely with commercial, operational and planning teams to ensure design solutions meet project objectives.
• Manage design risk, value engineering and design change control.
• Chair design coordination meetings and maintain effective communication with consultants and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, relevant legislation and project specifications.
• Drive design quality, programme certainty and continuous improvement throughout the development.

About You

We are looking for an experienced Design Manager who has progressed into a senior or lead position, or an ambitious Senior Design Manager ready to take on a more substantial leadership opportunity.

You will need:

• A strong background in design management with an established main contractor.
• Experience delivering technically complex construction projects beyond traditional low-rise housing.
• Previous involvement in commercial, mixed-use, high-rise residential, RC or steel-framed developments.
• Experience managing design teams and coordinating multiple external consultants.
• A thorough understanding of construction methodology, technical design and buildability.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The confidence to take ownership of the design process and operate with considerable autonomy.

Please note: This position specifically requires main contracting experience, including exposure to non-residential construction. Candidates whose experience is exclusively with traditional residential housebuilders or developers will not be suitable.

What’s on Offer?

Salary: Up to £85,000

Car Allowance: £7,000 per annum

Bonus: Performance-related bonus scheme

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package

Location: Cardiff Bay

Working Pattern: Flexible working arrangements

Beyond the financial package, the real attraction is the scale and longevity of the opportunity.

With an anticipated ten-year programme and a development value approaching £1 billion, this offers exceptional project continuity and the opportunity to become a key member of the leadership team responsible for delivering one of the region’s most significant construction schemes.

For an ambitious Design Manager looking to take the next step, or an established Senior Design Manager seeking a flagship project with genuine responsibility and autonomy, this is an opportunity well worth exploring.

Interested?

For a confidential discussion, contact Foresight Search on (phone number removed), or apply with your CV for further information.