Senior Design Manager - Architectural & Facades - Science & Research

Laing O'Rourke group; Oxford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An international engineering firm based in Oxford is seeking a Senior Design Manager for a flagship life sciences project. This role involves leading design from RIBA Stage 3, conducting technical audits, and collaborating with stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in large-scale projects, particularly within laboratory settings. Join a high-profile team dedicated to innovation and excellence in the construction sector.

Benefits

Inclusive workplace

Collaboration with industry leaders

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• Proven track record on large-scale, complex projects.
• Strong background in main contractor environments.
• Familiarity with major civils and multi-disciplinary coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead and review design material from RIBA Stage 3 onwards.
• Conduct technical audits of contractor designs focusing on buildability.
• Support design development through pre-construction and delivery phases.

Skills

Large-scale project management

Laboratory experience

Stakeholder collaboration

Job description

Location: Oxford
Project Value: £300M–£500M
Sector: Life Sciences | Major Civils | Laboratories

We are seeking Senior Design Managers to join a flagship life sciences project with significant civil engineering and complex building elements, including laboratories, an energy centre, and a basement car park.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and review design material from RIBA Stage 3 onwards.
• Conduct technical audits of contractor designs with a strong focus on buildability.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to optimise design solutions and mitigate risk.
• Support design development through pre-construction and delivery phases.

Ideal Experience:

• Proven track record on large-scale, complex projects.
• Laboratory experience preferred; healthcare sector experience transferable.
• Strong background in main contractor environments.
• Familiarity with major civils and multi-disciplinary coordination.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a high-profile, confidential project shaping the future of life sciences.
• Work with industry-leading teams in a collaborative, innovative environment.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Level 3 Employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and employment.

About Us Laing O'Rourke are an international engineering and construction company delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure and buildings projects for clients in the UK, Middle East and Australia.

Certainty, reliability, quality – this is what our clients want. And at Laing O'Rourke, we have more than 150 years of experience delivering it. Laing O'Rourke's story is one of energy, passion, ambition, people and teamwork. We harness the power of our experience, stretching back over a century and a half to deliver certainty for our clients.

As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long term conditions and disabilities through the ‘Offer an interview scheme'. This supports applicants that meet the essential criteria by offering an interview for the advertised position. Please let us know if you would like to opt in to this scheme and let us know if you require any adjustments for the interview process.

We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you need the application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please email [e-mail]