Main Contractor Design Manager

We are seeking an experienced Main Contractor Design Manager to join a full-time, permanent role, predominantly office-based and will involve leading and coordinating the design process across projects from pre-construction through to completion, ensuring alignment with programme, budget, and technical requirements.

Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire

Salary: £55,000 to £70,000 per annum, depending on experience

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week (typically 08:30 to 17:30 with a 1-hour lunch break, flexibility available)

Start Date: ASAP

Working Arrangement: Office-based, with potential work-from-home options following successful integration

• Lead the development and management of the design process from pre-construction through to project completion
• Ensure the project design aligns with the agreed brief, budget, and programme
• Appoint and manage external consultants, ensuring design information is produced to a high standard
• Collaborate closely with the Senior or Lead Design Manager and wider project team to deliver design milestones efficiently
• Coordinate and oversee multi-disciplinary consultant teams, including architects, structural engineers, fire engineers, façade consultants, M&E consultants, and relevant subcontractor design packages
• Manage and monitor design review processes, ensuring compliance with Building Regulations, planning requirements, and warranty conditions
• Oversee the discharge of third-party approvals, including planning conditions and building control requirements
• Manage design information and workflows using common data environments such as Aconex, Procore, or Asite
• Identify and manage design-related risks, proposing practical solutions as issues arise
• Maintain strong working relationships with clients, consultants, and key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle
• Support construction teams by ensuring timely issue of accurate and buildable design information
• Attend design meetings and undertake occasional site visits where required

• Proven experience working as a Design Manager within a main contractor environment
• Strong understanding of the construction design process from pre-construction to delivery
• Experience managing and coordinating external consultant teams
• Familiarity with digital document management systems
• Confident communicator with strong organisational and coordination skills
• Ability to manage multiple work streams and priorities simultaneously

• Competitive salary depending on experience
• Up to 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to up to 35 days with length of service
• Competitive pension scheme via salary sacrifice
• Private health insurance
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Permanent, full-time position with long-term progression potential

Interested applicants are invited to apply by sending their most up-to-date CV.