Design Manager
Location: Essex
Company: Tier 1 Main Contractor (c. £1bn turnover)
Sector: Data Centres & Mission Critical / Industrial & Logistics
Package: £65,000
Overview
A leading Tier 1 main contractor with a turnover exceeding £1bn is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join their team on a flagship state‑of‑the‑art steel‑frame logistics centre based in Essex. The business is renowned for delivering high‑specification data centres, mission‑critical industrial schemes, and complex technical projects across the UK and Europe.
This role will play a key part in managing the design process from pre‑construction through delivery, ensuring technical excellence, compliance, and coordination across all disciplines.
Key Responsibilities
Design Management
Lead and manage the full design process from tender stage through construction and handover.
Coordinate with architects, structural engineers, M&E designers, specialist subcontractors, and internal teams.
Review design deliverables to ensure technical accuracy, buildability, and compliance with project requirements.
Manage the design programme, ensuring timely release of information (RFI responses, design approvals, drawing packages).
Technical & Quality Assurance
Ensure all designs comply with building regulations, industry standards, fire and safety protocols, and relevant client specifications.
Identify technical risks early and work with stakeholders to resolve issues proactively.
Lead value‑engineering workshops to drive efficiency while maintaining quality.
Communication & Coordination
Act as the key interface between the client, consultant teams, and internal project delivery teams.
Facilitate design meetings, workshops, and technical reviews.
Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors to ensure smooth flow of information.
Documentation & Reporting
Maintain accurate design records, trackers, and approvals.
Prepare reports on design progress, design risks, and change control for senior management.
Support commercial teams with technical input for procurement packages and change orders.
Experience & Requirements
Essential
Proven Design Manager experience within a Tier 1 or major main contractor environment.
Experience on industrial, logistics, data centre, or mission‑critical projects.
Strong understanding of steel‑frame construction methodologies.
Experience managing complex M&E‑heavy schemes.
Ability to lead multidisciplinary design teams on fast‑paced projects.
Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder‑management skills.
Desirable
Degree‑qualified in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management.
Experience with BIM / digital coordination tools (e.g., Revit, Navisworks).
Experience delivering large‑scale schemes in excess of £50m+.
Package
* Salary: £65,000
* £75,000
* Car Allowance
* Annual Bonus Scheme
* Full Tier 1 Contractor Benefits Package
* Travel expenses and professional development support
Why Join?
Opportunity to work on a cutting‑edge logistics scheme for a leading contractor.
Join a high‑performing team within a stable, well‑funded business delivering major mission‑critical projects.
Long‑term career progression across data centres, industrial, and technical sectors.
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