Senior Design Manager

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I am partnering exclusively with a Tier-1 / Leading Main Contractor to identify an exceptional Senior Design Manager for their flagship major projects division in London.

This client is a household name in the UK construction industry, universally respected for delivering iconic, award-winning schemes. They dominate the market in major commercial developments, complex structural refurbishments (cut-and-carve), and high-end mixed-use urban renewals.

They combine the massive financial strength and pipeline security of an industry leader with a progressive, people-first culture that actively encourages innovation and sustainable building practices.

What's In It For You?

• Flagship Schemes: Take the design helm on prestigious, high-profile London developments, typically valued anywhere from £50m to £100m+.
• Strategic Influence: Champion the design strategy from early-stage two-stage tenders through to final handover, working closely with the region's executive board.
• Leadership Autonomy: Empowered to build, mentor, and lead your own internal project design teams and shape regional supply chain selection.
• Premium Reward: Enjoy a top-tier executive remuneration package, tailored flexible/hybrid working, and an industry-leading bonus scheme.

Your Role

As Senior Design Manager, you will hold ultimate accountability for the design function on major, complex schemes. You will lead the design process strategically, managing risk, driving digital construction (BIM/digital twins), and ensuring seamless integration between world-class architectural concepts and flawless site execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Build, mentor, and manage a team of Design Managers and Coordinators across your designated major project or framework.
• Pre-Construction Excellence: Lead the design input during complex two-stage tenders, driving value engineering, buildability reviews, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Consultant Management: Appoint, manage, and hold accountable world-renowned architectural practices, structural engineers, and tier-1 specialist subcontractors.
• Commercial & Risk Governance: Oversee the Design Responsibility Matrix, manage scope interfaces, and strictly control design-related commercial variations.
• Innovation & Sustainability: Champion cutting-edge MMC (Modern Methods of Construction), smart building technology, and Net Zero carbon compliance across the project life cycle.

What You Need to Succeed

• Tier-1 Main Contractor Track Record: Proven experience operating as a Senior Design Manager (or a Lead DM ready to step up) for a major UK contractor.
• Major Projects Portfolio: A demonstrable history of successfully delivering complex, high-value London schemes (commercial, high-rise, or major cut-and-carve) valued at £40m+.
• Technical Expertise: Degree-educated in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management, with deep mastery of BIM protocols, building regulations, and gateway approvals.
• Executive Presence: Exceptional leadership and negotiation skills, with the gravitas to manage elite client bodies, local authorities, and tier-1 design consultants.