Design Manager

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Our client is on the lookout for a Design Manager to join their team.

They specialize in complex, high-value projects including luxury residential, commercial cut-and-carve, complex structural extensions, and heritage restorations.

They have the financial backing of a massive corporation but maintain a flat, agile structure. You will get the prestige of working on landmark projects without the corporate red tape.

What's In It For You?

• High-Profile Portfolio: Lead technically challenging schemes across Central London, from deep basement excavations to high-end commercial fit-outs.
• Autonomy & Impact: You will be the sole design authority on your projects, heavily influencing pre-construction strategies and value engineering.
• Career Trajectory: The company is growing rapidly, offering a clear, fast-tracked pathway into a Senior Design Manager role.
• Excellent Culture: They boast an incredibly high staff retention rate due to their collaborative, supportive, and social working environment.

Your Role

As Design Manager, you will take full ownership of the design process from pre-construction tender stages through to final on-site delivery. You will act as the pivotal link between client stakeholders, external architectural consultants, and internal site operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Design Teams: Manage and coordinate external multidisciplinary consultants, architects, and specialist subcontractors.
• Pre-Construction Strategy: Support the bidding team by reviewing tender documents, establishing Design Management Plans, and identifying cost-saving alternatives.
• Risk & Compliance: Ensure all architectural and structural drawings strictly comply with current UK building regulations and planning conditions.
• Interface Management: Chair weekly technical workshops and manage the Design Responsibility Matrix to eliminate scope gaps on-site.
• Commercial Support: Work hand-in-hand with Commercial and Project Managers to track financial variations and manage the design change-control process.

What You Need to Succeed

• Main Contractor Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of experience working as a Design Manager specifically for a UK Main Contractor.
• Project Track Record: Proven experience delivering complex structural refurbishments, high-end residential, or commercial fit-out projects.
• Technical Qualifications: Degree or HND/HNC in Architecture, Construction Management, or Architectural Technology.
• Soft Skills: A highly proactive communicator who can confidently challenge external consultants and manage client expectations.