Design Manager

Design Manager - Structural Steel

Location: Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 DOE
Job Type: Permanent | Full-Time

Good design looks good on paper.

Great design works when the steel reaches site.

This is an opportunity to join a structural steel business where you'll take a lead role in ensuring projects move from concept through to construction with designs that are practical, safe, buildable and commercially viable.

As Design Manager, you'll lead the design function across structural steel projects, working closely with clients, project managers, subcontractors and site teams.

You'll combine technical expertise with leadership, ensuring the design team delivers high-quality work while resolving issues before they become problems on site.

The Role

You'll take responsibility for managing the design process from initial concept through to construction.

You'll oversee drawings, specifications and calculations, coordinate with subcontractors and attend site to ensure designs are being implemented correctly.

You'll also manage and mentor the design team, monitor project progress and provide technical guidance to both internal and external stakeholders.

This is a hands‑on role.

You'll be involved in the detail, but you'll also have the opportunity to influence how the wider design function operates and develops.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading the design of structural steel projects from concept through to construction
• Managing and coordinating the design team to ensure projects are delivered accurately and on time
• Reviewing and approving drawings, specifications and structural calculations
• Ensuring designs comply with project requirements and relevant industry standards
• Attending regular site visits to coordinate with subcontractors
• Verifying design implementation and identifying practical issues on site
• Liaising with clients, subcontractors and project managers
• Providing technical guidance and resolving design queries
• Coordinating design information across project stakeholders
• Maintaining accurate design records and documentation
• Monitoring project progress and reporting to senior management
• Mentoring and developing members of the design team
• Identifying opportunities to improve design processes and project delivery

What You'll Bring

• Proven experience as a Design Manager, Senior Structural Engineer or similar within structural steel
• Strong understanding of structural steel design principles
• Good knowledge of steel fabrication and construction techniques
• Experience coordinating with subcontractors and site teams
• Comfortable attending site visits and resolving practical design issues
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Strong understanding of technical drawings, specifications and calculations
• Experience with AutoCAD, Tekla, Revit or similar design software
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• A proactive, organised and solutions-focused approach

Why This Role?

This isn't a role where you'll spend your time simply reviewing drawings from behind a desk.

You'll be involved throughout the project lifecycle, from design development through to construction, with regular exposure to site teams, subcontractors and clients.

You'll have the opportunity to lead a design function, influence project outcomes and work on exciting structural steel projects where your technical decisions have a direct impact on how the finished structure is delivered.

You'll also have the support of an experienced team and the opportunity to develop your career within a growing business.

What's on Offer?

• £50,000 - £60,000 salary DOE
• Permanent position
• Opportunity to lead structural steel design projects
• Hands‑on site exposure
• Regular interaction with subcontractors and project teams
• Supportive working environment
• Career development opportunities

If you're an experienced Design Manager or Senior Structural Engineer looking for a role where you can combine technical expertise, leadership and real project involvement, this could be the next move for you.

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