Design Manager
Location: London
Salary: Competitive + comprehensive package
The Opportunity
We are currently partnering with a well-established and highly regarded main contractor to appoint a Design Manager for their growing London team. This business has a strong pipeline of secured work across the capital, delivering a range of complex and high-quality schemes.
This role will focus on fit-out and cut & carve projects, often within constrained, live, or technically challenging environments. As such, it offers an excellent opportunity for a Design Manager who enjoys working on detailed, design-led schemes where coordination and problem-solving are critical.
Role & Responsibilities
As Design Manager, you will take ownership of the design process across one or multiple projects, ensuring that design information is coordinated, compliant, and aligned with programme and commercial objectives.
Key responsibilities will include:
Managing the design process from tender stage through to completion
Coordinating external consultants, specialist subcontractors, and internal delivery teams
Leading and chairing design team meetings and workshops
Driving the design programme to ensure timely issue of information in line with construction sequencing
Reviewing design documentation for build-ability, cost efficiency, and compliance
Identifying and mitigating design risks while maximising value engineering opportunities
Acting as the key interface between client, consultants, and site teams
Ensuring all design outputs meet statutory requirements, planning conditions, and client expectations
Supporting pre-construction activities including tender reviews and design input
Candidate Requirements
We are keen to speak with individuals who can demonstrate a strong track record within a main contracting or specialist contracting environment.
You will ideally have:
Proven experience operating as a Design Manager on fit-out and/or cut & carve projects
Experience delivering projects within London, particularly in constrained or live environments
A strong understanding of construction methodologies, sequencing, and buildability
Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and drive design coordination
Experience across both pre-construction and delivery phases
Excellent communication, organisation, and leadership skills
A relevant qualification in construction, architecture, or engineering (or similar)
Why Apply?
Work on technically challenging, design-led projects across London
Join a contractor with a strong reputation and secured pipeline of work
Opportunity to take ownership of projects and progress your career
Collaborative and supportive team environment
Competitive salary and attractive benefits package