Are you an experienced Design Manager looking for your next challenge with a Tier 1 contractor? Willmott Dixon is seeking a motivated and technically strong Design Manager to join our Interiors - Fit‑Out Division, Leading the design process on a major public sector refurbishment project.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role on a technically complex live project, working within an experienced interior refurbishment team delivering critical works for a public sector client.
The role will require a visible presence on site, typically up to three days per week, balanced with home working and attendance at Willmott Dixon's Old Bailey office in Central London as required… Candidates will ideally be based within Cambridgeshire or Bedfordshire, within reasonable commuting distance of both upcoming projects and London office locations.
NB: This role is offered as a 12‑month fixed term contract, aligned with the project design and early delivery period, with the potential for extension subject to programme progress.
Key Responsibilities / Deliverables:
Lead the design process on a major fit‑out project, ensuring compliance with Willmott Dixon design management procedures and statutory requirements.
Manage and coordinate the design programme, maintaining control of information flow, approvals and key deliverables.
Lead and chair design team meetings, working collaboratively with consultants, specialist subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
Review, challenge and coordinate multi‑disciplinary designs (including MEP and structural interfaces) to ensure buildability, compliance and quality.
Lead Willmott Dixon's design governance processes, including technical audits, risk registers and consultant appointments.
Work closely with the Project Manager, Commercial Team and a dedicated Technical Services Manager (TSM) to ensure designs align with programme, cost and operational constraints.Essential Criteria
Proven experience as a Design Manager within a Tier 1 or Tier 2 main contractor environment, or from a design consultancy with strong contractor‑side project exposure.
Experience working on public sector, government property or secure‑environment projects.
Strong track record of leading and coordinating multi‑disciplinary design teams on complex refurbishment or fit‑out projects.
Technical confidence in reviewing MEP‑led and fire‑safety‑ designs, drawings and specifications.
Experience working in live or restricted operational environments, demonstrating flexibility and problem‑solving capability.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Proficiency with MS Office Suite and design review / drawing mark‑up tools.Desirable Criteria
Experience of projects where surveys and design development are undertaken in a phased or restricted‑access environment.
Relevant professional qualifications (e.g. CIOB, RIBA) or evidence of continued professional development.About Us
With over 170 years of rich history, Willmott Dixon's purpose is beyond profit; delivering brilliant buildings, transforming lives, strengthening communities and enhancing the environment so our world is fit for future generations. Ensuring that we add lasting value to the neighbourhoods we work in; our values, people, innovation, partnerships and focus on sustainability has allowed us to build a successful and solid privately owned business where our people can thrive.
Willmott Dixon was recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the Top 10 "Big" Companies to Work For in 2025, named among the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality in 2024, and ranked in the Top Five of Europe's 1,000 best workplaces by the Financial Times in 2025.
Willmott Dixon is also the first major contractor and developer to win a King's Award for Enterprise in the category of sustainable development