Senior Design Manager

Senior Design Manager

Salary: £80,000 – £90,000 per annum

Location:

Bristol
Sector Focus:
Defence

Role Overview

We are looking for a Senior Design Manager to lead design delivery on high profile projects in defence or nuclear (or in sectors with similar regulatory and technical demands). You will be responsible for overseeing the design process end to end, ensuring alignment with client requirements, security standards, and sustainability goals, working closely with multidisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead and manage the full design lifecycle from concept through handover, particularly on projects in defence or nuclear, or similarly regulated sectors.

* Oversee internal and external design teams, consultants, and contractors, ensuring high standards of design, timeliness, and compliance.

* Ensure designs meet regulatory requirements, including security, safety, sustainability, and client‐specific standards.

* Collaborate with project delivery, construction and management teams to ensure design integration and constructability.

* Manage risk, design reviews, change control, and approvals process.

* Be a key stakeholder in bid and tender processes, providing robust design input.

What We’re Looking For

* Proven experience in defence or nuclear industry design management, or related sectors with similar complexity and regulation.

* Strong track record managing large, technically demanding design projects.

* Deep understanding of design standards, regulatory & security standards, safety, sustainable design, and the full construction lifecycle.

* Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

* Degree in relevant discipline (Engineering, Architecture, Building Services, etc.). Chartered status (or working towards) is a plus.

Why apply?

* Work with one of the UK’s leading contractors in data, defence & energy.

* Be part of projects that are mission‑critical and high visibility.

* A culture focused on sustainability, innovation, precision, and doing things right. Sweet Projects

* Collaborative, people‑focused environment.

* Competitive salary and benefits