Design Manager

RPS Newark-On-Trent, England, United Kingdom

Shape the Future of Innovative Design.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career and lead the delivery of cutting‑edge design solutions? At Tetra Tech RPS, we’re looking for a talented and driven Design Manager to join our progressive Design business based in Newark, Birmingham or London with hybrid working available.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on high‑profile projects across multiple sectors, including residential housing, logistics, retail, aviation, healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, data centres, and energy. Our Design Division is at the forefront of harmonising form and function, balancing sustainability, materiality, cost, and constructability. Digitalisation is at the core of our approach, enabling clients and stakeholders to experience designs from concept through delivery.

If you’re passionate about managing complex design processes and driving excellence, this role offers the chance to make a real impact.

As a Design Manager, you’ll play a key role in supporting the Senior Management Team in delivering architectural and engineering design services across a diverse portfolio of projects. You will oversee project delivery programmes, manage resource levels, and ensure that all design outputs meet client requirements and deadlines. Your responsibilities will include coordinating project information through structured protocols, managing deliverables in line with agreed programmes, and supporting commercial management activities such as scope variations, contractual notices, and payment applications.

You will also establish and manage sub‑consultant contracts, monitor project decision and change logs, and maintain accurate records to ensure seamless project execution. This role demands initiative, precision, and a proactive approach to problem‑solving, ensuring that every project is delivered to the highest standards.

You’ll be instrumental in ensuring projects run smoothly, deadlines are met, and client expectations are exceeded. Success in this role is measured through effective coordination, commercial awareness, and the ability to maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders. With clear pathways for growth and the chance to work on landmark projects, this is a role where your organisational skills and leadership will truly shine.

At RPS, we recruit using core capabilities – the essential skills, experience, and responsibilities required to perform the role effectively. There’s no such thing as the ‘perfect’ candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we’d love to hear from you.

You will bring a strong foundation in design management within the construction sector, backed by at least three years of relevant experience. This role demands a deep understanding of the processes and protocols that underpin successful project delivery, from pre‑appointment reviews through to execution and close‑out. Your technical capability will include proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, where advanced skills such as pivot tables and lookup formulas will enable you to manage data effectively and support commercial reporting.

Beyond software proficiency, you will demonstrate the ability to plan and monitor resources, manage structured project protocols, and oversee the distribution of deliverables in line with agreed programmes. Familiarity with contractual processes, fee claims, and change management will be essential, as you will often be required to identify opportunities for additional scope and justify associated costs and timelines. Your attention to detail and commitment to accuracy will ensure that every aspect of project delivery meets the highest standards.

As a Design Manager, you will be a central figure in coordinating efforts across multiple teams and disciplines. You’ll work closely with Project Directors, Finance and Legal teams, and client representatives, ensuring that…