Design Manager – Tier 1 Main Contractor
Bristol
£70,(Apply online only) – £85,(Apply online only) + Car/Allowance + Benefits
A leading Tier 1 main contractor is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join its South West team, based in Bristol. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in delivering major projects across the education, defence, and healthcare sectors, with individual project values reaching up to £100m.
The Role
As Design Manager, you will take ownership of the design process across multiple high-value projects, ensuring that design solutions are coordinated, compliant, and deliverable. You will be involved from early-stage pre-construction through to project completion, driving collaboration between all stakeholders.
You will act as the central point of contact for all design-related matters, ensuring that design information is issued on time, aligned with programme requirements, and supports efficient construction delivery. This role requires close coordination with clients, consultants, and internal teams to achieve high standards of quality, cost control, and programme certainty .
Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage the design process from tender through to construction and handover
Coordinate architects, engineers, and specialist consultants to ensure fully integrated design solutions
Review design information for buildability, compliance, and value engineering opportunities
Manage design programmes, information flow, and key deliverables in line with project timelines
Chair design meetings and workshops, resolving technical issues and driving progress
Identify and mitigate design risks and ensure adherence to statutory and regulatory requirements
Work closely with commercial and delivery teams to ensure alignment between design intent and construction execution
Support bid submissions and contribute to technical aspects of tendering
About You
Proven experience as a Design Manager within a main contracting environment (ideally Tier 1)
Strong track record delivering complex projects in sectors such as education, healthcare, defence, or similar
Excellent understanding of construction processes, design coordination, and technical detailing
Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and drive collaboration across multidisciplinary teams
Commercial awareness and ability to balance quality, cost, and programme considerations
Relevant qualification in construction, architecture, or engineering
What’s on Offer
Competitive salary of £70,(Apply online only) – £85,(Apply online only)
Car allowance or company vehicle
Comprehensive benefits package
Opportunity to work on high-profile, large-scale projects up to £100m
Long-term career progression within a well-established Tier 1 contractor
Supportive and collaborative working environment
O’Neill and Brennan values diversity and promotes equality, All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation