Senior Design Manager
Construction | Tier 1 Contractor
Excellent Salary and Benefits
Covering Contracts in South Wales and Bristol
The Opportunity
Our client is a leading Tier 1 Contractor delivering complex, high-value construction projects across the UK. Due to continued growth, they are seeking 2 x Senior Design Managers to join their team and play a key role in the successful delivery of major projects within either the Education or Data Centre sectors.
This is a senior leadership role suited to a design professional who thrives in a fast-paced, technically demanding environment and enjoys working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the design process from pre-construction through to project completion
* Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, consultants, and specialist subcontractors
* Ensure design solutions meet client requirements, statutory approvals, technical standards, and programme constraints
* Manage design risk, value engineering, and buildability reviews
* Drive design workshops and interface management across stakeholders
* Oversee design deliverables, information flow, and compliance with BIM and digital standards
* Support tender and pre-construction activities where required
* Mentor and support Design Managers and junior team members
About You
You will be an experienced Design Manager with a strong background working for a Tier 1 or large main contractor and demonstrable experience delivering either:
* Educational projects (schools, colleges, universities, research or campus developments), or
* Data Centre projects (mission-critical environments, high-tech or complex MEP-led schemes)
Key Requirements
* Proven experience in a Senior Design Manager or Design Manager role within the construction industry
* Strong technical understanding of building design, procurement routes, and construction methodology
* Experience managing complex design packages and projects
* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
* Ability to lead teams and influence outcomes at senior level
* Relevant construction, engineering, or architectural qualification (degree or equivalent)