Senior Design Manager
£75,000 - £95,000 PER ANNUM
Based In Ipswich, UK
The Role
An established and growing Main Contractor is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to take ownership of design management across a portfolio of construction and refurbishment projects.
You will play a pivotal role in leading the design process from pre-construction through to project completion, ensuring designs are fully coordinated, commercially viable, compliant, and buildable. Working closely with project, commercial, and site teams, you will act as the central point of control for all design-related matters.
This is a senior leadership role with real influence over project outcomes, programme certainty, and technical excellence.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the design process on projects from tender and pre-construction through delivery and handover.
* Coordinate all consultant design information to ensure buildability, compliance, and alignment with programme and cost plans.
* Manage and chair design team meetings, technical workshops, and design reviews.
* Oversee design risk management, value engineering, and technical compliance.
* Ensure design solutions meet statutory requirements, building regulations, health & safety, and quality standards.
* Act as the key interface between consultants, subcontractors, commercial teams, and site management.
* Review and manage consultant appointments, scopes, deliverables, and performance.
* Support procurement by ensuring design packages are issued on time and suitable for subcontractor tendering.
* Resolve technical queries during construction, supporting site teams with timely and practical solutions.
* Mentor and develop Design Managers and Design Coordinators within the business.
Skills & Experience Required
Essential:
* Proven experience as a Senior Design Manager / Design Manager working for a main contractor.
* Strong understanding of the construction process, sequencing, and contractor-led design management.
* Experience delivering residential, mixed-use, commercial, or refurbishment projects.
* Excellent technical knowledge across architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines.
* Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
* Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced contractor environment.
* Confident in managing design risk, value engineering, and buildability challenges.
* Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit/BIM processes, and Microsoft Office.
Desirable:
* Chartered or working towards chartership (CIOB, RIBA, ICE, or equivalent).
* Experience with façade systems, SFS, cladding, or retrofit works.
* Background in both pre-construction and live project delivery environments.
Application Process
To apply, please submit your CV outlining your relevant experience in contractor led design management.