Design Manager in SL1

Job Description

Design Manager – MOD / Defence Projects\n\nSecurity Clearance Required\n\nDeliver with structure. Coordinate with precision. Grow into leadership.\n\nWe are looking for a Design Manager to support the delivery of design across MOD / defence sector projects, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and coordinated solutions from inception through to completion.\n\nThis role sits at the heart of project delivery — working across teams, managing consultants, and ensuring design aligns with programme, cost, and operational requirements.\n\nThe Role\n\n * Manage the design process across live MOD / defence projects\n\n * Coordinate internal teams and external consultants\n\n * Ensure design outputs meet client requirements, programme, and compliance standards\n\n * Support the delivery of design from concept through to construction\n\n * Monitor design progress and ensure key milestones are achieved\n\n * Maintain control of design information and documentation\n\n * Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, standards, and MOD requirements\n\n * Identify and support the management of design risks\n\n * Work closely with commercial and operational teams to ensure alignment\n\n * Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders\n\nWhat We’re Looking For\n\n * Experience as a Design Manager or Assistant Design Manager within a main contractor environment\n\n * Exposure to MOD / defence projects ()\n\n * Security clearance (SC level) or ability to obtain clearance is required\n\n * Understanding of the design process and project lifecycle\n\n * Knowledge of the RIBA Plan of Work\n\n * Good technical awareness across construction disciplines\n\n * Strong organisational and communication skills\n\n * Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and priorities\n\nWhy This Role\n\nThis is an opportunity to step into a role where you are central to delivery —\nnot just supporting design, but owning parts of it.\n\nYou’ll be working in a structured, high-trust environment where:\n\n * Detail matters\n\n * Process matters\n\n * And your ability to coordinate and deliver will define success\n\nAnd here’s the real distinction — feel this:\n\nA Senior Design Manager sets the direction.\nA Design Manager makes it happen.\n\nThis role is for someone right on that edge…\nready to step up, take more ownership, and grow into leadership