Design Manager

ICDS (UK) Ltd; City of London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A construction firm in the City of London is seeking a Design Manager to lead the design process for residential and mixed-use projects. The ideal candidate has strong knowledge of UK Building Regulations and proven experience in managing consultants and subcontractor teams. This permanent role is based in Chiswick with involvement in various projects across London.

Qualifications

• Experience working as a Design Manager or Design Coordinator in construction.
• Proven ability to manage consultants and subcontractor design teams.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the full design process from tender through construction.
• Review design information for compliance with regulations.
• Identify and resolve design risks and issues.

Skills

Design process coordination

Understanding of UK Building Regulations

Reviewing drawings

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Construction software competence

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Design Manager – Chiswick (Head Office) & Enfield

A well-established Irish main contractor operating across the UK and Ireland is seeking a Design Manager to join their team. This permanent role is based in Chiswick (W4) with involvement in a live residential development in Enfield, along with future London-based schemes across residential, mixed-use, education and refurbishment projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the full design process from tender through construction.
• Review and assess design information for compliance with regulations, Employer’s Requirements, Contractors’ Proposals, NHBC / Premier Guarantee and UK standards.
• Identify and resolve design risks and issues, proposing practical alternative solutions.
• Manage the design programme and ensure timely release of information.
• Act as the main point of contact for all design-related queries.
• Chair and coordinate design meetings with consultants, subcontractors and internal teams.
• Manage RFIs, design records, and ensure accurate documentation throughout.
• Review consultant appointments, performance, capacity, and compliance alongside QS.
• Ensure design information is buildable, coordinated and suitable for safe construction.
• Support procurement schedules, subcontract design deliverables, and site teams with technical input.
• Monitor design progress against programme and support cost control and value engineering.

Requirements

• Experience working as a Design Manager or Design Coordinator within construction.
• Strong understanding of UK Building Regulations, NHBC / Premier Guarantee, and construction processes.
• Proven ability to manage consultants, subcontractor design teams and design programmes.
• Skilled in reviewing drawings, identifying risks and resolving design issues.
• Confident leading design meetings and liaising with clients and project teams.
• Strong organisational and communication skills with a focus on documentation and compliance.
• Ability to produce quick design sketches/clarifications when needed.
• Competent with construction software, document control systems and Microsoft Office.