Technical Manager
Based in South East London
Paying £70k - £90k or contract Day Rate
About the Company
Our client is a well-established UK contractor with a turnover exceeding £100 million, delivering a diverse portfolio of residential, high-rise, commercial, and industrial projects across London and the South East. Known for its technical expertise and high standards of delivery, the company continues to expand its footprint in the design and build sector, offering excellent opportunities for professional growth and long-term career progression.
Technical Manager
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Technical Manager to take a leading role in the delivery of technically complex RC Frame projects from planning approval through to completion. This position involves full responsibility for design management and coordination across multiple schemes, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and innovation throughout the project lifecycle.
Role Overview
Reporting to the Technical Director, the Technical Manager will oversee the design process on multiple high-value projects. You will review design compliance, buildability, and design efficiency, while driving value engineering initiatives with the commercial and operations teams. The role also includes managing external design consultants and ensuring timely delivery of all technical information.
This position covers projects from RIBA Stage 3 through to completion, encompassing residential, high-rise, commercial, and industrial developments. The role is full-time and based in Gravesend, with responsibility for managing design, compliance, and technical coordination throughout each project.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage all technical aspects of multiple design and build projects from planning approval through to completion.
* Review and manage high-risk building designs for Gateway 2 submission and approval, ensuring efficient and compliant design standards.
* Agree design deliverables and design programmes with senior management, ensuring alignment with procurement and construction schedules.
* Ensure full coordination of all design elements — including structure, façade, MEP, internal specifications, utilities, and maintenance strategies.
* Develop and manage project-specific Design Programmes integrated within the broader Master Development Programme.
* Manage and coordinate external consultants and specialist subcontractors, ensuring delivery against brief, programme, and budget.
* Oversee consultant and specialist designs, evaluating off-site production potential and alternative methods of construction.
* Lead design meetings and workshops to ensure coordinated, efficient design solutions.
* Manage the transition from planning-approved schemes to commercially viable and buildable designs.
* Develop technical specifications aligned with contractors’ proposals and employers’ requirements.
* Oversee statutory submissions and approvals, including planning conditions, building regulations, warranty providers, utilities, and party wall agreements.
* Ensure compliance with Building Safety Regulator (BSR) requirements, CDM regulations, and relevant environmental standards.
* Support project teams in buildability assessments, design risk management, and technical strategy development.
* Drive innovation, seeking new methods and materials to deliver technical and commercial value.
* Adopt a “best value” approach to maximise efficiency, reduce cost, and enhance overall project quality.
Key Requirements
* Degree or Higher Diploma in Architecture, Engineering, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 5 years’ post-qualification experience.
* Proven experience as a Technical Manager, Design Manager, or similar, ideally within a design-and-build main contractor or specialist concrete frame environment.
* Strong background in high-rise residential design and delivery, with experience in complex structural and MEP coordination.
* Comprehensive understanding of Building Regulations, CDM, and environmental compliance standards.
* Ability to manage multiple projects and demanding design programmes concurrently.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.
* Strong leadership and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive and detail-oriented approach.
* Proven experience in design optimisation, value engineering, and managing consultant performance.
* High level of technical competence, accuracy, and attention to detail