Design Manager

Freelance Design Manager – Education Project – North East
Rate: £300 per day (Outside IR35)
Contract: 12 months
Location: Ashington, North of Newcastle
Start: Immediate

A leading UK main contractor with a strong presence in education, commercial and public-sector construction is seeking an experienced Freelance Design Manager to support a live further education redevelopment project. The organisation is known for its financial stability, collaborative culture and long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, multi-building campuses across the UK.

This role offers the opportunity to join a high-profile vocational college scheme comprising three new-build blocks already well underway on site. The successful candidate will play a key role in managing consultant outputs, resolving site queries and driving design progression through the delivery phase.

The Role

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Freelance Design Manager providing day-to-day technical and design coordination support

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Working on a multi-building college redevelopment including workshop facilities, a teaching block and a central commons hub

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Managing consultants and design subcontractors, ensuring timely release of information

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Leading design meetings, progressing actions and resolving live site queries

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Supporting the site team with RFIs, interface issues and buildability challenges

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Managing the design release schedule to maintain programme

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Hybrid working available after initial settling-in period

Requirements

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Proven experience as a Design Manager on live construction projects

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Track record within education, schools or multi-building projects is advantageous

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Strong coordination skills across architectural, structural, civil and MEP disciplines

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Confident in managing design subcontractors and consultant outputs

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Skilled in handling site-driven design queries and technical issues

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Able to manage the design programme and drive deadlines

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Able to work on site in the North East, with hybrid flexibility longer-term

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Available for an immediate or short-notice start

Offer

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£300 per day outside IR35

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12-month contract through to project completion

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Opportunity to work on a significant regional development with a respected national contractor

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Hybrid working (site, office and home) once established

If you are an experienced Design Manager looking for a long-term freelance opportunity in the North East, please get in touch to discuss further or submit your CV for immediate consideration