Design Manager
HigDMS_1767633047 Posted: 05/01/2026
Job Title: Design Manager (Assistant-Principal)
Location: Loughton, Essex
Industry: Building and Construction
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: £45,000 - £85,000 (dependent on experience)
Our client is a well-established, main contractor specialising in high-rise residential and complex mixed-use developments. With a strong and growing pipeline of work, they are seeking experienced Design Managers to join their team.
This is a key role within the business, offering the opportunity to influence design strategy from early pre-tender stage through construction and final handover.
The Role
As Design Manager, you will take responsibility for managing and coordinating the design process across the full project lifecycle, ensuring design solutions are compliant, buildable, and aligned with programme and commercial objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership & Coordination
1. Lead and manage the design process from pre-tender through to post Practical Completion.
2. Act as the central point of contact for all design-related matters across the project lifecycle.
3. Coordinate architects, engineers, façade designers, MEP consultants, and specialist subcontractors.
Technical, Commercial & Programme Control
4. Manage the production, review, and timely issue of design information in line with construction programmes.
5. Identify and mitigate design risks, clashes, and compliance issues early.
6. Champion value engineering and buildability within high-rise and mixed-use developments.
7. Maintain and update design responsibility matrices, trackers, and consultant deliverables schedules.
8. Ensure all designs meet technical, regulatory, and contractual requirements, including Building Regulations and fire safety standards.
Stakeholder Management & Collaboration
9. Liaise closely with clients, planning authorities, consultants, subcontractors, and internal delivery teams.
10. Support coordination between design and construction teams to ensure seamless delivery.
11. Contribute to lessons learned, technical reviews, and post-completion documentation.
About You
12. Proven experience as a Design Manager within a main contractor environment, ideally delivering high-rise residential or mixed-use schemes.
13. Strong understanding of the full project lifecycle, from tender stage through to post-PC and handover.
14. Technically confident with strong coordination and problem-solving skills.
15. Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
16. Experience gained within high-rise developments, complex façades, or mixed-use schemes is highly desirable.
What's on Offer
17. Competitive salary and benefits package.
18. Exposure to landmark residential and mixed-use developments.
19. Opportunity to play a key role in shaping project delivery and design quality.
20. Supportive, collaborative, and professional working environment.