Design Manager

Job Specification – Design Manager

Location : London & surrounding area (some travel required)

Salary : £60,000 – £75,000 + package

Employer : Leading £1bn-turnover Main Contractor

Sector : Data Centres & Mission-Critical Industrial Builds

A top-tier £1bn-turnover main contractor specialising in data centres and mission‑critical industrial build projects is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join its high‑performing technical team. This role is critical to the successful delivery of complex, high‑value, M&E‑intensive projects and requires a professional comfortable working in fast‑paced, highly technical environments with significant travel requirements.

• Lead and manage the design process from tender through construction and handover on large‑scale data centre and mission‑critical industrial projects.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams including architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and specialist vendors.
• Review, challenge, and approve design information, ensuring accuracy, buildability, and compliance with client specifications and industry standards.
• Manage design programmes, ensuring all deliverables are issued on time to support procurement and construction.
• Work closely with internal delivery teams, supply chain partners, and client stakeholders to resolve technical issues.
• Oversee design risk management, value engineering, and change control.
• Lead design workshops, technical reviews, and interface coordination meetings.
• Support tender submissions, design strategy, and bid presentations.
• Regularly travel to project sites, design offices, and client locations across the UK and Europe.

• Proven Design Manager or Senior Design Coordinator with experience in mission‑critical or highly serviced environments (data centres, pharma, labs, hospitals, major M&E projects).
• Strong understanding of both architectural and MEP design principles.
• Experience coordinating large‑scale, complex £50m+ projects.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and BIM models.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of buildability and project sequencing.
• HNC / HND or Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or related discipline.
• Willingness to travel extensively as project demands require.

• Competitive salary £60–75k depending on experience.
• Travel allowance and full expenses package.
• Opportunity to work with one of the UK’s leading data centre and mission‑critical contractors.
• Clear progression pathways to Senior Design Manager or Technical Lead.
• Exposure to high‑value, technically complex projects across the UK and Europe.