Senior Design Manager – Tier 1 Main Contractor
Buckinghamshire | Industrial Projects | Great Progression
An outstanding opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Design Manager to join a leading Tier 1 main contractor delivering a portfolio of Industrial projects across Buckinghamshire and the South-west.
With a strong pipeline of complex hospital schemes, this role offers the chance to play a key leadership position across multiple projects, contributing to the successful delivery of technically challenging and high-profile developments.
The Role
As Senior Design Manager, you will take ownership of the design management function across several schemes, ensuring design excellence from pre-construction through to project completion.
This is a dynamic, multi-site role requiring travel between projects, working closely with internal teams, consultants, and stakeholders to drive coordination, quality, and programme certainty.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the design process from pre-construction through delivery
* Coordinate and oversee consultant and subcontractor design outputs
* Ensure design compliance with statutory, regulatory, and employer’s requirements
* Carry out design assurance, technical reviews, and buildability assessments
* Identify and manage design risks, driving value engineering opportunities
* Lead design change control, assessing programme and cost implications
* Maintain accurate records of design submissions, approvals, and revisions
* Collaborate closely with construction, commercial, and procurement teams
* Provide leadership, mentoring, and guidance to Design Managers within the team
Skills & Experience
* Proven track record in a Senior Design Manager or Design Manager role on major projects
* Experience working for a Tier 1 or large main contractor
* Strong understanding of RIBA Stages 3–6
* Background in delivering complex, site-based projects
* Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex design interfaces
* Excellent communication, coordination, and leadership skills
* Relevant professional qualification (desirable but not essential)
Why Apply?
* Long-term pipeline offering stability and career progression
* Key leadership role within a highly respected Tier 1 contractor
Apply
If you are seeking a senior design leadership position within a forward-thinking Tier 1 contractor, we would be keen to hear from you. Please submit your CV or contact Francesca Cainelli on 0207 288 0166 for a confidential discussion.