Design Manager (with BSR experience)
Location: Based in Portsmouth (with occasional travel to sites across the South Coast)
Salary: £70,000 – £80,000 (or £350 – £400/day for contract)
Contract Type: Permanent or Freelance
Overview:
KDD is looking for an experienced and proactive Design Manager to support the successful delivery of key projects, primarily based in Portsmouth, with occasional visits required to additional sites along the South Coast, as far as Poole. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of Building Safety Regulator (BSR) requirements and a proven track record of managing the design process on complex construction projects. This is a key role ensuring compliance, coordination, and quality from pre-construction through to delivery.
Responsibilities:
* Lead and coordinate design activity across multiple projects
* Ensure compliance with BSR guidelines and all relevant building safety legislation
* Manage the production, review, and approval of technical design information
* Liaise with clients, consultants, and subcontractors to resolve design queries
* Support programme delivery through proactive issue management and coordination
* Chair design meetings and ensure alignment across all project stakeholders
* Ensure accurate and timely delivery of all design documentation
Requirements:
* Minimum 5 years' experience in a Design Manager role within the construction industry
* Minimum 3 years' experience with Façade/ external envelope works
* Proven experience working under BSR guidance on higher-risk/residential buildings
* Strong knowledge of UK building regulations and safety compliance frameworks
* Qualification in architecture, engineering, or a construction-related discipline
* Strong organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills
* Ability to manage and coordinate multiple design packages and stakeholders
Why Join Us:
At KDD, we’re proud to be a flexible, people-first employer with an exceptionally high staff retention rate, reflecting our commitment to looking after our team. We offer a supportive, collaborative working environment and genuine opportunities for career progression, ongoing work, and involvement in meaningful, safety-critical projects as part of a growing company in a dynamic industry.
Pay & Benefits:
We offer a competitive salary of £70,000 to £80,000 for PAYE employees, or a day rate of £350 to £400 for experienced freelance professionals. While the role is primarily based in Portsmouth, occasional travel to other regional projects (up to Poole) may be required.
Apply Now:
* If you're looking for your next challenge with a forward-thinking, supportive employer, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV or get in touch for a confidential conversation.