Senior Design Manager

Walker & Sloan are working with an outstanding, highly respected construction contractor to recruit an experienced Senior Design Manager to join their expanding technical team.

Our client has established an exceptional reputation for delivering high-quality, technically complex construction projects, combining innovative design solutions with outstanding operational delivery.

With an impressive pipeline of secured work and ambitious plans for continued growth, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced design professional to take a leading role within a forward-thinking construction business.

This appointment offers genuine responsibility, technical influence and the opportunity to help shape design management standards across multiple projects.

As Senior Design Manager, you'll take a leading role in managing and coordinating the design process across major construction projects, from pre-construction and tender stage through to delivery and completion.

Working closely with operational teams, consultants, architects, specialist subcontractors and clients, you'll ensure design information is fully coordinated, technically compliant and delivered in accordance with agreed programmes.

You'll lead multidisciplinary design teams, chair technical workshops, oversee design deliverables and provide strategic guidance on buildability, risk management and value engineering.

A key part of the role will involve supporting the wider technical function, mentoring junior Design Managers and ensuring consistent standards of design management across multiple projects.

You'll also work closely with commercial and procurement teams to identify opportunities for innovation, improved efficiency and commercially effective design solutions.

This is a senior appointment offering genuine autonomy and the opportunity to influence projects from their earliest stages through to successful handover.

You'll be an established Senior Design Manager or experienced Design Manager with a proven track record working for a recognised main contractor.

You'll have a strong understanding of the construction design process, excellent technical knowledge and the confidence to lead multidisciplinary consultant and subcontractor design teams.

Ideally, you'll bring:

• A minimum of 5 years' experience in Design Management
• Experience managing design across multiple construction projects
• Strong knowledge of Building Regulations, planning requirements and technical compliance
• Experience coordinating design programmes, information release schedules and design responsibility matrices
• An understanding of BREEAM, sustainability and Net Zero Carbon requirements
• Excellent leadership skills and the ability to mentor junior team members
• Strong commercial awareness, problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to project delivery

A degree or equivalent qualification in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline would be advantageous, although extensive relevant experience will also be considered.

Most importantly, you'll be a confident communicator, an effective leader and someone who enjoys taking ownership of technically challenging projects.

• Performance-related bonus
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Opportunity to lead design management across major construction projects
• Genuine influence over technical strategy and project delivery
• Leadership and mentoring responsibilities
• Excellent long-term career progression within an established and growing contractor