Senior Design Manager/ Coordinator
Main Contractor | JCT D&B & NEC | Projects £500k–£7m
Location: PWelshpool, Powys (hybrid – office, site & remote)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience + benefits
About the Role
We are a well-established regional main contractor with a turnover of £20m, delivering diverse public and private sector projects across the Midlands. Our project portfolio spans from smaller technical schemes (circa £500k) through to larger, complex developments of up to £7m.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to take ownership of our design function across both pre-construction and live projects. This is the most senior design role within the business, carrying responsibility for setting standards, managing risk, and ensuring consistent design delivery across our varied portfolio.
This role suits a seasoned contractor-side Design Manager who can scale their approach—providing proportionate design control on smaller schemes whilst leading robust coordination on larger, more complex projects.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage the design process from pre-construction through to practical completion
Take overall responsibility for design coordination under JCT Design & Build and NEC contracts
Act as the senior point of contact for external consultants, designers and specialist subcontractors
Ensure design solutions are appropriate, compliant and commercially aligned across projects ranging from £500k to £7m
Chair and lead design team and technical coordination meetings
Review, interrogate and challenge design information to ensure:
Buildability and constructability
Programme certainty
Cost and risk control
Manage design risk, design change processes and information release schedules
Work closely with Commercial and Construction teams to ensure design intent is delivered on site
Support procurement of design-led and specialist packages
Oversee handover information, as-built records and O&M documentation
Develop and maintain proportionate design management procedures suitable for projects of all scales
About You
Essential:
Significant experience as a Senior Design Manager or Design Manager within a main contractor environment
Strong working knowledge of JCT Design & Build and NEC forms of contract
Proven ability to manage and coordinate design on projects of varying scale and complexity
Practical, delivery-focused mindset with strong construction knowledge
Commercially aware and confident in managing design risk and change
Able to operate as the senior design authority, providing clear direction to consultants and project teams
Comfortable working autonomously and engaging directly with senior management
Desirable:
Degree or equivalent in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering or related discipline
Chartered status or working towards chartership (CIOB, RIBA, ICE or similar)
What We Offer
A senior, trusted role with genuine influence over design delivery
Varied workload across multiple sectors and project sizes
Direct access to Directors and decision-makers
Flexible hybrid working arrangements
Competitive salary and benefits package
Long-term career stability within a growing regional contractor
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We value diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
No Agencies
We are managing this recruitment process directly and are not working with recruitment agencies for this position. Agency submissions will not be considered.