Senior Design Manager – Major Projects | South Wales
Salary: Highly competitive + comprehensive package (DOE)
Location: Cardiff (regional major projects across South Wales)
️ Sector: Construction | Major Projects | Tier 1 Contractor | Design & Build
️ ♂️ For my client – a leading Tier 1 main contractor delivering some of the most complex and high-profile construction projects across the UK
Are you a Senior Design Manager with experience delivering large-scale, complex construction projects? Do you want to play a key role on major schemes with a Tier 1 contractor that is deeply invested in the South Wales market?
I’m working with a heavy-hitting Tier 1 contractor to recruit a Senior Design Manager to support the delivery of major projects across South Wales, with Cardiff as the preferred base location.
This is a senior, influential role within the business, offering exposure to complex, multi-million-pound schemes and the opportunity to work alongside experienced project and commercial leaders in a highly professional, structured environment.
️ The Role
As Senior Design Manager, you will take overall responsibility for managing and coordinating the design process on major projects from pre-construction through to completion.
You will lead design teams, manage consultant and supply chain interfaces, and ensure design solutions are fully coordinated, compliant, and aligned with programme, cost, and quality requirements.
Key responsibilities include:
* Leading and managing the design process on major construction projects
* Coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants
* Managing design risk, change control, and technical queries
* Ensuring design compliance with contractual, statutory, and client requirements
* Working closely with project, commercial, and construction teams
* Supporting pre-construction, tender, and bid activities as required
* Acting as a senior technical point of contact for clients and stakeholders
✅ Ideal Candidate Profile
* Proven experience as a Senior Design Manager or Design Manager on major projects
* Background working for a Tier 1 or large Tier 2 main contractor
* Strong experience delivering large-scale design & build projects
* Excellent technical understanding across multiple disciplines
* Confident managing consultants, supply chain, and internal teams
* Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
* Ability to operate in a structured, high-governance environment
What’s on Offer
* Highly competitive salary and benefits package
* Cardiff-based role with long-term major projects in South Wales
* Opportunity to work on landmark, high-value schemes
* Clear career progression within a Tier 1 contractor environment
* Stability, scale, and strong regional commitment
Interested?
If you’re a Senior Design Manager looking to take on major projects with a Tier 1 contractor and be part of a long-term South Wales strategy, get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Shortlisting is underway - early interest is encouraged