Design Manager

DESIGN MANAGER (MAIN CONTRACTS) £60,000 £75,000 + Car Allowance Full Time | Office /Site Based | 37.5 hours per week within a 7.30am 5.30pm working window (Teams typically work 8.30am 5.00pm, with site operatives starting and finishing earlier) Benefits Car allowance On-site parking All PPE provided 33 days holiday including bank holidays Contributory pension Non-contributory life cover Continued professional development through structured learning programmes About the Client Our client is a long-established, family-owned construction business with over 150 years of history, delivering high-quality projects across commercial, education, industrial, heritage, blue light and leisure sectors. They operate across the Home Counties, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire and North London, delivering projects through two divisions: Small Works & Frameworks (up to £1m) and Main Contracts (up to £15m). They are now seeking a Design Manager to join their Main Contracts division, delivering projects up to £15m across their operating region. Reporting to the Main Contracts Director, the role leads and manages the design process from pre-construction through to completion, coordinating consultant design teams and ensuring designs are technically compliant, buildable and aligned with programme, budget and client requirements. Key Responsibilities Manage the design process from tender/pre-construction through to completion and handover Coordinate external design consultants (architects, structural/M&E engineers and specialists) and internal project teams Review and manage technical submittals, RFIs, drawing registers and design information release schedules Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, warranty provider requirements, CDM 2015 and the Building Safety Act (including Gateway processes and golden thread requirements for higher-risk buildings) Identify and resolve design risks, buildability issues and value engineering opportunities with project and commercial teams Develop and manage the design programme, ensuring alignment with the construction programme Chair and attend design team meetings, producing minutes and tracking actions Support bid/estimating teams during tender stage, including review of Employers Requirements and development of Contractors Proposals Manage change control of design information throughout the project Liaise closely with clients, architects, engineers and subcontractors to ensure design intent is understood and delivered on site Skills & Experience Strong technical knowledge across a range of construction methods and building types Working knowledge of NEC3/4 and JCT forms of contract Experience managing design on main contracts projects up to £15m Knowledge of CDM 2015 and the Building Safety Act Confident managing multiple consultants and stakeholders Familiarity with BIM/Revit-based coordination (desirable) Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills Qualifications & Requirements In-date CSCS card supported by a recognised qualification (NVQ, HNC/HND, degree or equivalent) HNC/HND or degree in Architecture, Building Surveying, Construction Management or related discipline (or equivalent experience) SMSTS (desirable) Minimum 5 years design management experience with a main contractor Security, Vetting & Right to Work Must have full right to work in the UK Must have been continuously resident in the UK for the past 5 years to meet client vetting requirements Must be willing to undertake DBS, BPSS or client-led security checks where required Must be willing to discuss any matters relevant to vetting as part of the process Must be able to maintain the vetting standards required for regulated sites Salary & Package £60,000 £75,000 depending on experience Car allowance TPBN1_UKTJ