Design Manager

Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading main contractor is looking for a Design Manager to oversee design delivery on high-value infrastructure projects ranging from £20m-£150m. This pivotal role requires strong leadership in design coordination, particularly within the Midlands region. The ideal candidate will possess experience within a main contractor and demonstrate strong communication and risk management skills. The position offers a competitive salary, hybrid working, and clear progression pathways within a dynamic design leadership team.

Benefits

Competitive salary and car allowance

Hybrid working and flexible arrangements

Private healthcare

Pension and enhanced benefits

Clear progression pathways

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Design Manager or Design Coordinator within a main contractor.
• Strong understanding of design processes and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence in stakeholder interactions.

Responsibilities

• Lead design coordination across multiple disciplines during preconstruction and delivery.
• Drive buildability, risk reduction, and value engineering from early stages.
• Manage design programmes, information flow, and key design deliverables.

Skills

Design coordination

Communication skills

Construction methodology

Risk management

Job description

Design Manager

A fantastic opportunity has opened for a Design Manager to join a leading main contractor delivering major infrastructure projects across the Midlands.

This role stands out because it places the Design Manager at the centre of early-stage decision‑making, buildability strategy, and multidisciplinary coordination on high‑value schemes.

About the role

As a Design Manager, you'll take ownership of design delivery across complex civils and infrastructure projects ranging from £20m-£150m in value.

You'll work closely with preconstruction, engineering, and delivery teams to ensure designs are buildable, compliant, and aligned with programme and commercial targets.

You'll be part of an established design function with strong technical support and a collaborative team structure.

You must be based in the Midlands and have proven experience working for a main contractor.

Responsibilities

• Lead design coordination across multiple disciplines during preconstruction and delivery
• Drive buildability, risk reduction, and value engineering from early stages
• Manage design programmes, information flow, and key design deliverables
• Facilitate communication between designers, clients, subcontractors, and delivery teams

Requirements

• Experience working as a Design Manager or Design Coordinator within a main contractor
• Based in the Midlands , with good knowledge of regional project delivery
• Strong understanding of design processes, construction methodology, and multidisciplinary coordination
• Ability to challenge design, manage risk, and influence early‑stage decisions
• Excellent communication skills and confidence working with internal and external stakeholders
• This contractor is known for delivering flagship infrastructure schemes across the UK, with a reputation for innovation, collaboration, and long‑term career development.

What's on offer

• Competitive salary and car/car allowance
• Hybrid working and flexible arrangements
• Private healthcare, pension, and enhanced benefits package
• Clear progression pathways within a growing design leadership team

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