Senior Design Manager
London & South (Hybrid)
£70,000 – £90,000 + Package
About Our Client
A fast-growing, family-run main contractor who have scaled to £100m turnover in just 9 years, with clear plans to reach £250m over the next 5 years. Founded by two brothers, they’ve built a strong reputation across the Industrial & Logistics and Commercial sector, delivering projects typically ranging from £5m–£50m.
With a new Midlands office and expansion into new sectors, the business is entering an exciting phase of growth, offering genuine opportunity to be part of that journey.
They operate in a highly buoyant market, driven by the continued rise of e-commerce and demand for logistics infrastructure, working with major, well-established clients.
What really sets them apart is their culture:
* 50% of directors are women, with strong diversity across senior leadership
* Company-wide bonuses (from cleaners through to directors)
* 4.5-day working week promoting work-life balance, which will transition to a 4 day week by the end of this year
* Exceptional staff retention and a clear focus on internal progression
* Opportunity to take ownership and be the “face” of projects, regardless of level
The Role
As a Senior Design Manager, you’ll take ownership of design management across multiple projects within the London & South region, ensuring consistency, quality, and delivery in line with company standards.
This is a hybrid role, combining office, site, and stakeholder interaction, giving you real exposure across the full project lifecycle.
Key responsibilities include:
* Leading design development and coordination from tender handover through to completion
* Ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory, and client requirements
* Managing design risks and driving value engineering opportunities
* Coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants
* Overseeing design programmes, key milestones, and critical package releases
* Leading design change control and understanding commercial/programme impacts
* Collaborating closely with construction, commercial, and procurement teams
* Mentoring and supporting Design Managers within the team
What They’re Looking For
* Proven experience in a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager role within a main contracting environment
* Strong understanding of design development across RIBA Stages 3–6
* Ability to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
* Relevant construction qualification (or equivalent experience)
* CSCS Card & full UK driving licence
Why This Role?
This is a standout opportunity to join a cash-rich, growing contractor where you won’t just be another number. You’ll play a key role in shaping projects, influencing design strategy, and contributing to a business with ambitious growth plans and a genuinely people-first culture.