Design Manager

JR United Kingdom; Birkenhead; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable main contractor in Liverpool seeks an experienced Design Manager to oversee design activities from pre-construction to handover. The ideal candidate will manage multiple projects, liaising with stakeholders and ensuring compliance with regulations. Strong experience in various sectors and familiarity with design collaboration platforms is essential. The role offers a supportive environment with flexible working arrangements and career progression opportunities.

Benefits

Collaborative team environment

High-profile projects

Career progression opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Company car/car allowance

Health cover

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Coordinator.
• Solid understanding of D&B contracts and CDM regulations.
• Experience in healthcare, education, residential, or heritage refurbishment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate design activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage design information across multiple live projects.
• Liaise with clients and internal teams to resolve design issues.

Skills

Design management

Stakeholder management

Building regulations knowledge

Design collaboration platforms

Education

Degree/HNC in Construction Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering

Tools

Viewpoint

BIM 360

Aconex

Job description

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Our client, are a reputable and well-established main contractor based in Liverpool, delivering high-quality construction projects across the residential, healthcare, education, and heritage sectors. Their projects range from complex refurbishments to large-scale new builds, often delivered under D&B contracts. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced and proactive Design Manager to join the delivery team.

Role Overview

As a Design Manager, you will oversee and coordinate all design activities throughout the project lifecycle — from pre-construction through to handover. You’ll work closely with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and our in-house project teams to ensure that design outputs align with programme, cost, compliance, and buildability requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate design information across multiple live projects
• Liaise with clients, consultants, and internal teams to resolve design issues
• Ensure design deliverables meet contract requirements, statutory regulations, and programme deadlines
• Lead design meetings and workshops with consultants and supply chain partners
• Review technical drawings, specifications, and submittals for compliance and buildability
• Work closely with estimating and commercial teams during pre-construction
• Identify design risks and propose mitigation strategies

Required Experience & Skills

• Previous experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Coordinator with a main contractor
• Solid understanding of D&B contracts, CDM regulations, and RIBA Plan of Work
• Experience managing design in one or more of the following sectors: healthcare (HTMs), education (DfE frameworks), residential, and heritage refurbishment
• Strong technical knowledge, including familiarity with current building regulations and compliance standards
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Proficient in document control systems and design collaboration platforms (e.g., Viewpoint, BIM 360, Aconex)

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree/HNC in Construction Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering or related discipline
• Working knowledge of BIM Level 2 processes (desirable)

On Offer

• A collaborative and supportive team environment
• High-profile and diverse projects across the North West
• Ongoing training and career progression opportunities
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements
• Company car/car allowance + pension + health cov