Design Manager - Leading Main Contractor (Kent)
Location: Dartford, Kent
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: £65,000 - £70,000 + package (car allowance, healthcare, pension, fuel card)
Project experience required: Cut & carve refurbishment and new build
Posted: 21st November 2025
Contact: Mark Dixon - Skilled Careers, Maidstone Branch
About the Company
Join one of Kent's leading main contractors, renowned for delivering high-quality new build and refurbishment projects across the region.
With project values typically ranging from £2.5m to £16m, the company has an exceptional reputation for technical excellence, collaboration, and continued growth.
The Opportunity
Due to a strong pipeline of secured work, we're seeking aDesign Manager to join an established and growing design team to start their tenure on £14m Design & Build education project which features cut & carve refurbishment, new build and fit out.
You'll also be key in supporting tendering for new contracts across the South East region are a mix of Design & Build and Traditional contracts, many with significant contractor's design portions.
This is a fantastic opportunity to make an impact in a business that truly values innovation, teamwork, and professional development.
Your Role
* Analyse enquiry and tender documents to support bid preparation.
* Lead and coordinate the design process throughout RIBA stages 2-7.
* Produce and manage design programmes, scopes, responsibility matrices, and schedules.
* Procure, coordinate and manage external design consultants.
* Drive innovation and value engineering to optimise project performance and client satisfaction.
* Monitor design progress to ensure timely information delivery.
* Attend tender reviews, pre-start meetings, and ongoing project performance reviews.
About You
* Proven track record delivering cut & carve refurbishment schemes for a main or principal contractor with a sound understanding of MEP packages.
* Strong ability to plan, organise, and manage workloads effectively.
* Solid understanding of site procedures, Building Regulations, and planning processes.
* Commercially aware with excellent communication and coordination skills.
* Experience of client procurement routes.
* Background in site operations prior to design management would be advantageous but not essential.
What's in It for You
* Competitive salary (commensurate with experience).
* Car allowance, private healthcare, and company pension.
* A supportive, collaborative working environment within a forward-thinking, agile contractor.
* Genuine opportunities for career progression as part of a growing regional team.
Interested
If you're looking to take the next step in your career as a Design Manager, and want to work with a respected contractor delivering exciting Kent-based projects — we'd love to hear from you.
Click “Apply Now” or contact Mark Dixon at Skilled Careers (Maidstone branch) for a confidential discussion.
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