Design Manager – Essex
We’re working with a highly respected main contractor that has built an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality construction projects across London and the South East. Their diverse portfolio spans residential, commercial, education, heritage, healthcare, and public sector works, with values typically ranging from £5m to £30m+.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking business that genuinely invests in its people and prides itself on strong client relationships, repeat business, and collaborative working.
The Role
* You’ll take the lead on managing design consultants and subcontractors to ensure that all designs and specifications:
* Meet contract and statutory requirements
* Are cost-effective and buildable
* Align with procurement and construction programmes
* You'll work closely with internal teams, clients, stakeholders, and approval bodies to drive project success from tender through to completion.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee design delivery and ensure compliance with building regs and warranties
* Lead planning condition discharge and approval processes (Building Control, SBD, warranty providers)
* Drive value engineering opportunities and support commercial alignment
* Chair design meetings and influence programme progression
* Provide technical input across tender, construction, and completion stages
What We’re Looking For
* Proven experience as a Design Manager in the main contracting environment
* Strong technical understanding of construction detailing, regulations, and buildability
* Comfortable leading meetings, managing consultants, and resolving complex design issues
* Ideally degree-qualified with CIOB/RIBA or similar membership
* Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills
* This role would suit someone well-organised, commercially aware, and passionate about delivering high-quality projects with a focus on safety, sustainability, and client satisfaction.
* You’ll be joining a contractor known for delivering award-winning projects, holding ISO certifications across quality, environmental, and health & safety standards, and maintaining a strong culture of collaboration, innovation, and social value.
If you’re interested, please send your CV to donna@tribuildsolutions.com