Senior Design Manager

Our client is an award-winning national main contractor with operations across the UK, delivering high-quality projects across the commercial, residential, industrial and mixed-use sectors.

Due to continued growth and a strategic expansion into the Department for Education (DfE) sector, they have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Design Manager to join their Midlands division. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in establishing and growing the business's presence within the education sector, leading the design management of high-profile DfE projects from pre-construction through to successful delivery.

Working alongside the Pre-Construction, Technical and Divisional Directors, the Senior Design Manager will be instrumental in developing winning design solutions, driving innovation and ensuring projects are delivered in line with client requirements, programme and budget. This role offers genuine long-term career progression within a business that is investing heavily in its education portfolio and future growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design management process from tender stage through to project completion.
• Develop and implement project-specific Design Management Plans in line with company procedures.
• Manage the appointment, coordination and performance of consultants and external design teams.
• Ensure design proposals meet client expectations, statutory requirements, programme objectives and commercial targets.
• Review design information to ensure buildability, compliance and value engineering opportunities are maximised.
• Chair and lead design team meetings while maintaining strong communication between all project stakeholders.
• Manage design risk through regular reviews, workshops and project risk registers.
• Oversee the Request for Information (RFI) process and technical document control procedures.
• Develop and maintain detailed design programmes, ensuring key milestones are achieved.
• Work collaboratively with commercial and construction teams to manage design changes and project risks.
• Maintain alignment with project cost plans throughout the design development process.
• Manage design verification and technical approval processes.
• Lead and mentor Design Managers, Design Coordinators and Document Controllers.
• Coordinate the production of Health & Safety Files, Operation & Maintenance Manuals and project handover documentation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and the wider project team.

Education, Skills Experience:

• Degree qualified in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Professional membership such as MCIOB, RIBA, CIBSE or IET (desirable).
• Valid CSCS Card.
• A minimum of 10 years' experience in Design Management within a Tier 1 or leading Tier 2 Main Contractor.
• Experience leading projects with construction values from £5m - £50m
• Strong understanding of current procurement routes and construction methodologies.
• Excellent knowledge of BIM and digital construction processes.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance quality, programme and cost.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and leadership skills.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary design teams across the full project lifecycle.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Car allowance or company vehicle.
• Pension scheme.
• Private healthcare.
• Hybrid and flexible working opportunities.
• Ongoing professional development and leadership training.
• Clear career progression within a nationally recognised contractor.