Design Manager

Job Description

We are seeking a talented Design Manager to oversee the design process on a £45 million Student Accommodation project. The successful candidate will play a key role in coordinating design information, driving innovation, and ensuring the project is delivered to the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the full design process from pre-construction through to delivery.
• Work closely with project teams, consultants, subcontractors, and clients to ensure design information is accurate, coordinated, and delivered to programme.
• Ensure all designs are fully compliant with statutory regulations, contractual obligations, and company standards.
• Proactively resolve design issues, providing practical and innovative solutions.
• Lead design meetings, producing clear records and actions.
• Monitor and manage design risks, ensuring they are identified and mitigated.
• Collaborate with commercial, procurement, and site teams to ensure designs are practical, cost-effective, and buildable.
• Support the bid/tender process, reviewing drawings and specifications to identify risks and opportunities.
• Promote and implement design best practice, sustainability, and innovation across the project.

Essential Criteria

• Degree or HND in a construction-related discipline such as Architecture, Construction Management, Project Management, Design Management, or Architectural Technology.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in the construction industry with demonstrable design management experience.
• Strong understanding of all construction disciplines including quantity surveying and procurement.
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple aspects of the project simultaneously, working flexibly and effectively under pressure.
• Commercially aware with the ability to assess and resolve design and technical challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong presentation ability.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety regulations and other relevant compliance matters.
• IT literate with strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and design-related software.