Design Manager

Elvet Recruitment are recruiting a Design Manager for a respected main contractor in the North East.

In this role you will lead and coordinate the design process from pre‑construction through delivery, ensuring buildable, compliant and cost‑effective solutions across a diverse portfolio of projects, using strong architectural and technical expertise to drive quality, programme certainty and risk reduction.

Duties/Responsibilities:

* Manage the full design process from tender stage through construction, ensuring information is delivered in line with programme, budget and client requirements.

* Review architectural, structural and MEP designs for buildability, compliance, coordination and value engineering opportunities.

* Develop and maintain design responsibility matrices, design programmes and information release schedules.

* Ensure all design information complies with Building Regulations, planning conditions, fire strategy, sustainability requirements and sector‑specific standards.

* Coordinate consultant and subcontractor design packages, ensuring timely delivery and integration into the main design.

* Manage design risk registers, identifying issues early and driving resolution before they impact site operations.

* Support bid and pre‑construction teams with technical input, design solutions, planning submissions and tender documentation.

* Work closely with project managers, site teams and commercial teams to ensure design aligns with procurement, sequencing and construction methodology.

* Review and approve subcontractor drawings, specifications and technical submissions.

* Ensure all design information aligns with BIM protocols, digital coordination processes and information management requirements.

* Maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and statutory bodies, providing clear communication and technical leadership throughout the project lifecycle.

Experience required:

Must have:

* Architectural background (Part II/III, ARB, or strong technical design experience within an architectural practice or contractor).

* Proven experience delivering design coordination on contractor‑side projects.

* Experience across multiple sectors such as industrial, residential, hotels, extra care, retail or student accommodation.

* Ability to interrogate drawings, specifications and technical details across all disciplines.

* Proficiency in reviewing BIM models, digital coordination tools and common data environments.

Nice to have:

* Experience working for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 main contractor.

* Understanding of fire compliance, acoustic performance, sustainability standards and Part L/Part B requirements.

* BIM awareness or training (ISO 19650, Revit/ Navisworks familiarity).

* Chartership (MCIOB, RIBA, CIAT) or working towards it.

Remuneration:

The client are looking to pay between £60,000 and £70,000 DOE + package.

This is a permanent position and Elvet Recruitment Limited will be acting as an employment agency for permanent recruitment on behalf of our client.

For more information please contact George French at Elvet Recruitment