Design Manager

Skilled Careers

Job Title: Design Manager

Location: Milton Keynes (with occasional site visits)

Salary: Negotiable (DOE) + Car Allowance/Company Car + Bonus Scheme + Private Medical Care + Pension

Role Overview

I am looking to speak with Design Managers to join a well established technical team. Based at the Milton Keynes office, you will report to the Technical Director and work across multiple commercial and industrial contracts ranging from £1m – £20m in value.

Projects typically include industrial units with steel frame structures, metal cladding, Category A fit-out, and associated external works including civils and drainage.

Key Responsibilities

Review drawings to identify clashes, errors, and omissions, issuing comments and ensuring they are fully integrated into the design.

Ensure all trade and specialist information is fully coordinated.

Review design information to ensure compliance with contract specifications, drawings, and relevant standards.

Provide design support to project management teams throughout project delivery.

Identify and implement value engineering opportunities.

Attend design team meetings and coordinate input from architects, engineers, and subcontractors.

Support the Contracts Manager in producing and coordinating meeting minutes.

Coordinate information to ensure compliance with BREEAM and Part L (SBEM) requirements.

Oversee submissions to Building Control and track comments to closure.

Distribute drawings to relevant design team members and subcontractors.

Track design progress against programme deadlines to ensure timely delivery.

Background & Experience

Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a Design Coordinator (preferably with a Design & Build main contractor) or at least 2 years as a Design Manager in a similar environment.

Experience in the industrial/commercial sector essential, with projects valued between £1m – £20m.

Alternatively, experience as an architect reviewing drawings with an interest in moving to a main contractor will be considered.

Strong understanding of the design and construction process, with experience reviewing civils, levels, drainage, concrete, S278, S106, S50, steel frames, cladding, internals, and M&E.

Proficient IT skills with familiarity in Microsoft Office Suite (CAD/Bluebeam beneficial but not essential).

Package & Benefits

Competitive salary (negotiable depending on experience)

Permanent role

25 days holiday (5 to be taken at Christmas) + Bank Holidays

Car allowance or company car

Private medical care available

Pension contribution

Company bonus scheme

Annual Christmas party

Regular social and team-building events