Design Manager

Job Title: Design Manager

Location: St Neots, Cambs

Salary: £60,000 – £75,000 + Benefits (DOE)

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

The Company

Our client is a growing and award-winning Main Contractor with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality projects across the East of England and London. Specialising in Education, Leisure, Commercial, and Residential sectors, they are known for their commitment to sustainable building methods and modern construction techniques.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a stable business with a strong pipeline of work and a collaborative, professional culture.

The Role

We are seeking an organised and proactive Design Manager to oversee and coordinate the design process from pre-construction through to practical completion.

You will act as the key link between the client, external design consultants, sub-contractors, and the internal project delivery team to ensure designs are buildable, cost-effective, compliant, and delivered on schedule.

Key Responsibilities

Design Coordination: Manage external architectural and engineering design teams, ensuring all design packages are produced to program and budget.

Pre-Construction Support: Assist the estimating and bid teams during tender stages by reviewing employer requirements and identifying design risks/opportunities.

Value Engineering: Interrogate design proposals to identify cost-effective alternatives and sustainable building solutions without compromising quality.

Compliance & Approvals: Ensure all designs comply with Building Regulations, Planning Conditions, and client specifications.

RFI & Submittals Management: Manage Technical Queries (TQs) and Requests for Information (RFIs), maintaining a clear design release program for site delivery teams.

Buildability Reviews: Conduct thorough buildability and technical reviews ahead of construction to minimize design variations on site.

The Ideal Candidate

Experience: Experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Coordinator within a Main Contractor or Architectural consultancy in the UK Construction sector.

Qualifications: HNC/HND or Degree in Architecture, Design Management, Civil Engineering, or Construction Management.

Technical Skills: Strong understanding of current UK Building Regulations, Planning processes, and modern methods of construction (MMC).

Organisation & Communication: Proven ability to manage multiple project designs simultaneously, host design team meetings, and interface effectively with subcontractors and clients.

Software: Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit/BIM viewers, MS Office, and document management systems (e.g., Viewpoint, Procore, or Aconex).

What’s on Offer?

Competitive salary of £60k - £75k (depending on experience).

Support for professional development and career progression.

A friendly and supportive working environment.

Hybrid working options

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