Design Manager – Leading Main Contractor (Kent)
Job level: Intermediate
Location: Central Kent
Permanent | £60,000 - £70,000 + package
Posted: 24th October 2025
Contact: Mark Dixon – Skilled Careers, Maidstone Branch
About the Company
Join one of Kent’s leading main contractors, renowned for delivering high-quality new build and refurbishment projects across the region.
With project values typically ranging from £2.5m to £16m, the company has an exceptional reputation for technical excellence, collaboration, and continued growth.
The Opportunity
Due to a strong pipeline of secured work, we’re seeking a intermediate level Design Manager to join an established and growing design team.
You’ll play a key role in supporting both tendering and delivery across a mix of Design & Build and Traditional contracts, many with significant contractor’s design portions.
This is a fantastic opportunity to make an impact in a business that truly values innovation, teamwork, and professional development.
Your Role
Analyse enquiry and tender documents to support bid preparation.
Lead and coordinate the design process during pre-construction and throughout project delivery.
Produce and manage design programmes, scopes, responsibility matrices, and schedules.
Coordinate and manage external design consultants.
Drive innovation and value engineering to optimise project performance and client satisfaction.
Monitor design progress to ensure timely information delivery.
Attend tender reviews, pre-start meetings, and ongoing project performance reviews.
About You
Proven track record delivering new build and refurbishment schemes for a main or principal contractor.
Strong ability to plan, organise, and manage workloads effectively.
Solid understanding of site procedures, Building Regulations, and planning processes.
Commercially aware with excellent communication and coordination skills.
Experience of client procurement routes.
Background in site operations prior to design management would be advantageous but not essential.
What’s in It for You
Competitive salary (commensurate with experience).
Car allowance, private healthcare, and company pension.
A supportive, collaborative working environment within a forward-thinking, agile contractor.
Genuine opportunities for career progression as part of a growing regional team.
Interested
If you’re looking to take the next step in your career as a Design Manager, and want to work with a respected contractor delivering exciting Kent-based projects — we’d love to hear from you.
Click “Apply Now” or contact Mark Dixon at Skilled Careers (Maidstone branch) for a confidential discussion