Job Description
Senior Design Manager
Location: Cardiff
Salary: £85,000–£90,000 + Package
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Senior Design Manager to join a well-established Tier 1 main contractor delivering major projects across South Wales and the South West.
This role will see you take full ownership of the design process, leading multidisciplinary teams to ensure design solutions are fully compliant, coordinated and delivered in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. You will act as the central point of contact between clients, consultants and internal delivery teams from preconstruction through to completion.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the design process across all project stages
* Ensure design compliance, buildability, coordination and value optimisation
* Manage design consultants, including appointment, performance and payments
* Oversee design progress, information flow and document control
* Prepare and manage Design Management Plans (DMPs)
* Support procurement, commercial and bid teams
* Coordinate technical input across internal departments
* Manage environmental certification processes (e.g. BREEAM)
* Represent the business at client, stakeholder and local authority meetings
* Lead design handover from preconstruction to construction
Key Requirements
* Architectural or design-related qualification
* Strong experience in design management within a main contractor environment
* Excellent understanding of the RIBA Plan of Work
* Broad technical knowledge, including Building Regulations, M&E, fire and acoustics
* Solid grasp of building and consultant contracts
* Proven ability to manage meetings, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams
* Strong communication and presentation skills
What’s on Offer
* £85,000–£90,000 salary plus an attractive package
* Opportunity to work on high-profile, technically complex projects
* Long-term career progression within a stable and growing business
* Collaborative, professional working environment