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