Job Title: Pre-Construction Framework Design Manager
(Architectural Technologist Background Considered)
Location: Derby (Flexible / Hybrid Working)
Salary: Up to £70,000 + Full Package
Sector: Education, Residential, Justice (MoJ)
Employer: Leading UK Main Contractor
Framework Value: £1.2bn+
The Opportunity
We’re recruiting on behalf of a leading UK main contractor for a Pre-Construction Framework Design Manager to join their central frameworks team in Derby.
This role is ideally suited to an Architectural Technologist (or Senior Technologist / Architectural Designer) who is looking to transition into a main contractor design management role, gaining exposure to large-scale frameworks and complex, multi-sector projects.
You’ll sit at the heart of pre-construction, helping shape design strategy across £1.2bn of secured and upcoming work, while playing a key role in innovation, R&D, and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
The Role
As Pre-Construction Framework Design Manager, you will:
* Lead and coordinate design activity during bid and pre-construction stages
* Translate architectural and technical design into buildable, cost-effective solutions
* Manage and challenge external architectural and engineering consultants
* Drive standardisation and repeatable design solutions across multiple frameworks
* Support the development of MMC, off-site, and platform-based designs
* Review drawings, specifications, and technical information for compliance and buildability
* Work closely with pre-construction, estimating, commercial, and delivery teams
* Contribute to design strategy, innovation initiatives, and continuous improvement
About You
This role would suit someone with:
* A background as an Architectural Technologist / Senior Architectural Technologist or currently working with a main contractor in a design role
* Strong technical design knowledge and understanding of construction detailing
* Experience working through RIBA Stages 2–4 (and ideally into delivery stages)
* An interest in moving into a main contractor / Design Manager role
* Awareness or hands-on experience of MMC, DfMA, or standardised design (desirable, not essential)
* Confidence coordinating multiple stakeholders and design disciplines
* A practical, problem-solving mindset focused on buildability
What’s on Offer
* Up to £70,000 salary + full benefits package
* Flexible / hybrid working, office base in Derby
* Clear pathway from technical design into senior design management
* Opportunity to influence design across a £1.2bn framework portfolio
* Exposure to innovation, R&D, and modern construction methodologies
* Long-term career progression within a leading, stable contractor