Design Manager

We are working with a Tier 1 contractor based near Reading to recruit a Design Manager to join the team.

The company is a national brand with an excellent reputation in their chosen marketplace and has excellent long‑term relationships with clients, subcontractors and the wider supply chain. It has a forward‑thinking approach to staff engagement and offers opportunities to grow and develop your career.

The regional office is based near Reading but covers the M4 Corridor, Reading and Oxford. The firm targets work in the education, public sector, leisure and commercial marketplaces with negotiated and framework opportunities. Turnover for 2025 and 2026 has been secured and 2027/28 is almost there, so they are now highly selective about the types of work they pursue.

Current live projects include new build NHS and student schemes in Oxford, SEN schools, life sciences schemes, office and local authority developments ranging from £25 to £90 million on JCT and NEC forms of contract.

The Design Manager will be involved early at the tender and bid stage, working with the estimating and commercial teams to conduct a detailed forensic investigation into the scheme. You will work on key packages to identify opportunities and potential issues, carry out VEs where needed, and create detailed input for tender and bid packages.

You will manage the information flow between client, consultants, subcontractors and internal teams, taking the lead on framework schemes. You will take the scheme from tender and bid through full detailed 2nd stage works, contract award and onto the construction phase. You will manage and implement the design on site with the project manager, site delivery teams and subcontractors, handling RFIs, change processes, CDM regulations, and all activities through to handover and commissioning.

You will ideally have worked for a Tier 1 or larger regional contractor on schemes above £10 million and have experience of both D&B projects and framework negotiations. You should be able to demonstrate excellent work practices, attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to identify opportunities and potential issues.

They offer a competitive salary and package, hybrid working options, full training and bespoke development packages, and unlimited opportunities for advancement. The company regularly recognises, rewards and promotes the best internal talent.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and additional arrangements as required to support your application.