Design Manager
Job Description
Guildmore is seeking a proactive and experienced Design Manager to join our Construction Unit and oversee the design process across multiple projects.\nThis hybrid role involves working between our head office and active project sites, ensuring seamless design coordination and delivery from pre-construction through to project completion.\nKey Responsibilities\nLeadership\nManage the Assistant Design Co-ordinator in line with internal processes and KPIs.\nStrategic\nDevelop strategic awareness of contractual matters and ensure alignment of project outcomes with wider company objectives.\nRisk\nCreate and manage the project technical risk register.\nFlag compliance risks and report on mitigating measures.\nProcess\nEnsure duties comply with internal processes, trackers, reports, and checklists.\nContribute to continuous review and improvement of procedures.\nPre-Construction\nLead preparation of project specifications and Contractor’s Proposals at project outset.\nProgramme\nEstablish and manage the design programme and information release schedule, ensuring alignment with the master construction programme.\nConsultants\nDefine scope and obtain proposals from multi-disciplinary consultants.\nVerify completeness of service delivery on incoming invoices.\nClient\nPrepare and present monthly client reports at client meetings.\nManage the process for client sign-off of design, specifications, and samples.\nValue\nProvide cost-conscious direction to consultant teams.\nReview design to reduce waste and achieve economic, compliant solutions.\nWork closely with the Commercial team to address emerging cost issues.\nBuildability\nEnsure designs are optimised for construction practicality, minimising complex details.\nWork closely with Operations to resolve buildability issues.\nCo-ordination\nReview consultant and contractor design outputs, resolving clashes and inconsistencies.\nManage the design approvals process and respond to RFIs/TQs.\nCompliance\nReview planning, BCO, NHBC conditions, and other approvals.\nTrack critical timeframes and manage the discharge process.\nHandover\nIdentify client handover requirements and assemble all necessary documentation and statutory approvals.\nCDM\nLiaise with the Principal Designer during the design process and assist in preparing the Safety File.\nRequired Experience\n * \n Minimum 7 years PQE, including at least 3 years with a residential contractor.\n * \n Full project lifecycle experience on at least 3 residential apartment schemes (4–10 storeys, 20–100 units).\n * \n Strong knowledge of technical detailing and compliance requirements, including Building Regulations and NHBC.\n * \n Demonstrable experience in façade systems, high-rise buildings (over 18m), specialist subcontractor design packages, or projects of high technical complexity.\nPersonal Qualities\n * \n Excellent communication skills with a professional and personable approach.\n * \n Comfortable liaising with clients and statutory authorities.\n * \n Strong analytical ability, with proven decision-making skills in complex situations.\n * \n A collaborative team player, willing to support colleagues across projects and departments.\n * \n Proactive, accountable, and committed to a company culture that values ‘lessons learned’ over blame.\nWhat We Offer\n * \n Competitive salary and benefits package.\n * \n Supportive, family-owned company culture.\n * \n Opportunities for growth and professional development.\nFounded in 1988, Guildmore is a family-owned business dedicated to fostering a supportive workplace where growth and well-being take centre stage. With four specialised units—Construction, Facades & Cladding, Planned Works, and Land Development—we deliver bespoke solutions for clients and communities.\nAs an Equal Opportunities Employer, we are committed to inclusivity and ensuring that everyone can thrive.\nJoin our team and be part of something exceptional at Guildmore