Senior Design Manager

S W G Co; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional main contractor in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Design Manager to oversee design functions across various projects. The role involves leading design from pre-construction to practical completion, ensuring compliance and buildability while managing external consultants. Successful candidates should have significant experience in design management and knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts. This position offers a competitive salary and a flexible hybrid working environment, along with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working arrangements

Competitive salary and benefits package

Long-term career stability

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Senior Design Manager or Design Manager.
• Strong working knowledge of JCT Design & Build and NEC forms of contract.
• Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process from pre-construction to completion.
• Act as senior point of contact for external consultants.
• Review design information for buildability and cost control.

Skills

Design management

JCT Design & Build knowledge

NEC contract experience

Risk management

Strong construction knowledge

Education

Degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering or related discipline

Job description

Location: PWelshpool, Powys (hybrid – office, site & remote)

Contract: Permanent

Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience + benefits

About the Role

We are a well-established regional main contractor with a turnover of £20m, delivering diverse public and private sector projects across the Midlands. Our project portfolio spans from smaller technical schemes (circa £500k) through to larger, complex developments of up to £7m.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to take ownership of our design function across both pre‑construction and live projects. This is the most senior design role within the business, carrying responsibility for setting standards, managing risk, and ensuring consistent design delivery across our varied portfolio.

This role suits a seasoned contractor‑side Design Manager who can scale their approach—providing proportionate design control on smaller schemes whilst leading robust coordination on larger, more complex projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process from pre‑construction through to practical completion
• Take overall responsibility for design coordination under JCT Design & Build and NEC contracts
• Act as the senior point of contact for external consultants, designers and specialist subcontractors
• Ensure design solutions are appropriate, compliant and commercially aligned across projects ranging from £500k to £7m
• Chair and lead design team and technical coordination meetings
• Review, interrogate and challenge design information to ensure:
• Buildability and constructability
• Cost and risk control
• Manage design risk, design change processes and information release schedules
• Work closely with Commercial and Construction teams to ensure design intent is delivered on site
• Support procurement of design‑led and specialist packages
• Oversee handover information, as‑built records and O&M documentation
• Develop and maintain proportionate design management procedures suitable for projects of all scales

About You

• Significant experience as a Senior Design Manager or Design Manager within a main contractor environment
• Strong working knowledge of JCT Design & Build and NEC forms of contract
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate design on projects of varying scale and complexity
• Practical, delivery‑focused mindset with strong construction knowledge
• Commercially aware and confident in managing design risk and change
• Able to operate as the senior design authority, providing clear direction to consultants and project teams
• Comfortable working autonomously and engaging directly with senior management
• Degree or equivalent in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering or related discipline
• Chartered status or working towards chartership (CIOB, RIBA, ICE or similar)

What We Offer

• A senior, trusted role with genuine influence over design delivery
• Varied workload across multiple sectors and project sizes
• Direct access to Directors and decision‑makers
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Long‑term career stability within a growing regional contractor

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We value diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We are managing this recruitment process directly and are not working with recruitment agencies for this position. Agency submissions will not be considered.