Design Manager

Design Manager – Senior

Cardiff Office (with regional project travel)

Permanent, full time

40 per week (Monday–Friday)

engstaff-in are representing a client who they work closely with, a well-established construction organisation delivering high quality projects across the region. The business has experienced significant growth in recent years and continues to invest heavily in its people, systems, and infrastructure to support long term expansion. They are now seeking an experienced Design Manager to strengthen their technical capability across both tender and live project stages.

You will lead and coordinate the design process from pre‑construction through to on‑site delivery. During tender stages, you will provide robust Design Management support, overseeing all design related activities and ensuring strategies are aligned with programme and client requirements.

In live project environments, you will support the implementation of the construction phase design management strategy, ensuring compliance, quality, and seamless communication across design, project, and client teams. Your role will ensure all design outputs remain safe, buildable, cost effective, and fully compliant.

• HNC / Degree (or equivalent) in a construction‑related discipline
• Strong pre and post contract Design Management experience, ideally with senior operational exposure
• Public sector project experience, ideally within education
• Proven track record in Risk Management and Value Engineering
• Full understanding of current construction legislation, regulations, and codes of practice
• Working knowledge of sustainable design methods (BREEAM, Code for Sustainable Homes, etc.)
• Excellent grasp of modern design and construction techniques and available products
• Innovative thinker with strong problem solving skills
• Strong influencing and communication abilities
• Ability to interpret and deliver responses to design‑related PQQ and tender documentation

• Coordinate the full design process from bid stage through to project delivery
• Produce Design Management Plans / Design Control Files and ensure compliance with tender and construction programmes
• Support the development and monitoring of drawing schedules and Information Required Schedules
• Assist project teams with sustainability frameworks such as BREEAM, C4SH, and Eco Homes
• Interrogate design information to ensure safety, compliance, build ability, and value engineering opportunities
• Represent the client in design meetings and chair sessions where required
• Act as the key interface between client, design teams, and design related subcontractors
• Manage design change control and communicate implications with commercial teams and clients
• Track and support the discharge of planning conditions and building control approvals
• Advise on consultant and design subcontractor suitability
• Prepare design appointment documentation in collaboration with operational and commercial teams

A competitive salary, strong career development opportunities, and the chance to support a client experiencing sustained growth and investing in long term professional development.