Design Manager

Reference: MO050226_
Posted: February 5, 2026

Experienced or aspiring Design Manager required by the Newbury based office of this busy regional main contractor to manage the design development process for several new build projects in the Berkshire/Hampshire/Oxfordshire areas.

Based in the office plus weekly visits to your respective projects on site, you will typically be involved in 1-2 schemes from the preconstruction phase onwards and throughout the construction phase on site.

Reporting to the Construction Director within the business, you will be working with the Preconstruction Manager, Contracts Managers and your project construction teams as each scheme progresses.

There is a level of agile working, typically a day a week.

• Management of the design development for your schemes;
• Appointment and ongoing management of consultant design team;
• Agreement of information required schedule;
  Ensuring key dates achieved;
• Regular liaison with client, stakeholders, architect, consultants and construction teams;
• Dealing with local authorities to achieve planning permissions;
• Review of construction design information for buildability, compliance with contractors proposals, employers requirements, budget, current building legislation, etc;
• Identifying opportunities for value engineering opportunities where appropriate;
• Proactive issue resolution;
• Overall managing the smooth and timely delivery of detailed design information for procurement and construction throughout the preconstruction and build process.

The company is a leading and well established Berkshire based regional main contractor, with experience and a proven track record in the delivery of new build and refurbishment schemes in the Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Hampshire areas.

The scope of works typically includes residential, education ,private schools and colleges, commercial offices, industrial buildings, scientific laboratories, retirement living, sports and leisure facilities, theatres, etc ranging in value from £5m to £25m.

Turnover is circa £70m for the office which is located in Newbury with easy access from the M4/A34.

Either from an Engineering/Construction delivery or Architectural background, you will possess excellent technical and commercial knowledge, a keen understanding of construction methodology, materials and systems, procurement lead in times, etc.

You will ideally have experience of delivering new build and refurbishment schemes in some of these sectors working as Design Manager with a main contractor, or as project architect working in practice.

You will have effective communication and negotiations skills, strong planning and problem-solving ability, initiative and a positive approach. In terms of character, you will be a motivated, positive and proactive individual able to work well within a team dynamic.

You will ideally have a proven track record of successful project delivery with a main contractor in a Design Coordination / Manager role or be Senior / Associate level architect in practice looking to make the move across.

High standards, attention to detail and the drive to deliver on programme, specification and budget will be very well rewarded with competitive salary, benefits, promotional and development prospects.

For more information on this contract please contact Martin Olney on or send your CV to

Candidates must be able to prove their eligibility to work in the UK