Senior Design Manager

Salary: £130,000 + package

Working Arrangement: Hybrid

Location: London

Contract: Permanent, Full-time

The Opportunity

We’re working with a leading Tier 1 main contractor looking to appoint experienced Senior Design Managers to support a strong pipeline of major construction projects.

The business delivers a diverse range of large-scale developments, with a particular focus on commercial offices and mixed-use schemes, alongside opportunities across healthcare and other complex building projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for an established Senior Design Manager to join a major contractor with a substantial project portfolio, taking a leading role in design delivery from early tender and pre-construction stages through to completion.

We’re particularly interested in individuals with experience delivering major commercial or mixed-use developments, although candidates with a strong healthcare background will also be considered.

The Role

As Senior Design Manager, you will take responsibility for managing and coordinating the design process across major projects, working closely with clients, consultants, commercial teams and site delivery teams to ensure designs are delivered in line with programme, budget, quality and buildability requirements.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the design management process from tender and bid stages through PCSA, pre-construction and on-site delivery.
• Managing and coordinating multidisciplinary design teams, consultants and specialist subcontractors.
• Developing and monitoring design programmes, ensuring key deliverables align with project milestones.
• Working closely with commercial and construction teams to ensure designs meet client requirements and contractual obligations.
• Leading design reviews, buildability assessments and value engineering exercises to improve project outcomes.
• Identifying and managing design risks, resolving technical issues and maintaining progress against programme.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant building regulations, technical standards and health and safety requirements.
• Building strong relationships with clients, consultants and project stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

About You

We’re keen to speak with experienced Design Managers or Senior Design Managers who have worked for a Tier 1 main contractor or within a similarly complex construction environment.

Ideally, you will have:

• Proven experience managing the design delivery of major construction projects, particularly commercial offices and mixed-use developments.
• Experience working on projects valued at £50m+, ideally involving complex design and multidisciplinary coordination.
• A strong understanding of the full project lifecycle, including tendering, PCSA, pre-construction and construction delivery.
• Experience managing consultant teams and coordinating architectural, structural and MEP design packages.
• A sound understanding of buildability, value engineering, design risk and programme management.
• Knowledge of relevant construction contracts, including Design & Build, JCT and NEC.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to lead design teams and influence project outcomes.
• A relevant degree or professional qualification in architecture, engineering or a related discipline.

Experience within the healthcare sector would also be beneficial, particularly for candidates who have worked on technically challenging or highly regulated building projects.

What`s on Offer?

• £130,000 salary + package.
• Hybrid working.
• The opportunity to work on major, high-profile construction projects.
• A strong pipeline of secured and upcoming work.
• Career development within an established Tier 1 main contractor.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including employee wellbeing and professional development support.

If you`re a Senior Design Manager or an experienced Design Manager looking for your next move, we`d be keen to have a confidential conversation.