Freelance Design Manager – Education Project – North East Rate: £300 per day (Outside IR35) Contract: 12 months Location: Ashington, North of Newcastle Start: Immediate A leading UK main contractor with a strong presence in education, commercial and public-sector construction is seeking an experienced Freelance Design Manager to support a live further education redevelopment project. The organisation is known for its financial stability, collaborative culture and long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, multi-building campuses across the UK. This role offers the opportunity to join a high-profile vocational college scheme comprising three new-build blocks already well underway on site. The successful candidate will play a key role in managing consultant outputs, resolving site queries and driving design progression through the delivery phase. The Role * Freelance Design Manager providing day-to-day technical and design coordination support * Working on a multi-building college redevelopment including workshop facilities, a teaching block and a central commons hub * Managing consultants and design subcontractors, ensuring timely release of information * Leading design meetings, progressing actions and resolving live site queries * Supporting the site team with RFIs, interface issues and buildability challenges * Managing the design release schedule to maintain programme * Hybrid working available after initial settling-in period Requirements * Proven experience as a Design Manager on live construction projects * Track record within education, schools or multi-building projects is advantageous * Strong coordination skills across architectural, structural, civil and MEP disciplines * Confident in managing design subcontractors and consultant outputs * Skilled in handling site-driven design queries and technical issues * Able to manage the design programme and drive deadlines * Able to work on site in the North East, with hybrid flexibility longer-term * Available for an immediate or short-notice start Offer * £300 per day outside IR35 * 12-month contract through to project completion * Opportunity to work on a significant regional development with a respected national contractor * Hybrid working (site, office and home) once established If you are an experienced Design Manager looking for a long-term freelance opportunity in the North East, please get in touch to discuss further or submit your CV for immediate consideration