Design Manager

Think Recruitment; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading regional contractor in the West Midlands seeks a Design Manager to oversee design functions on various projects. The role involves coordinating with teams and ensuring designs meet commercial expectations. Ideal candidates will have experience in design management and a strong technical background. This position offers a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and clear career development pathways.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Car allowance

Career development pathways

Flexible hybrid working

Qualifications

• Proven experience in design management, preferably in relevant sectors.
• Strong technical knowledge and attention to detail.
• Ability to lead design meetings and manage consultant teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage the design function across multiple live projects.
• Coordinate with external consultants and review technical information.
• Ensure designs meet programme, cost, and quality targets.
• Engage with clients, project teams, and local authorities throughout the design process.

Skills

Design management

Communication

Technical knowledge

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Job description

Our client is a West Midlands based regional main contractor with a fantastic reputation across the industry. With a proven track record in a range of projects including education, healthcare, and multi-room developments, they are recognized as a standout company to work for.

The Role

This is a Design Manager position covering early stages through to project completion. You will work closely with project teams, clients, and consultants to ensure designs meet both commercial and technical expectations, while driving efficiency and maintaining buildability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage the design function across multiple live projects
2. Coordinate with external consultants and review technical information
3. Ensure designs meet programme, cost, and quality targets
4. Engage with clients, project teams, and local authorities throughout the design process
5. Resolve design, compliance, or technical issues proactively and efficiently
6. Lead design workshops and consultant meetings as required

About You

You will be an experienced Design Manager with a solid technical background and a thorough understanding of construction delivery. You will have main contractor experience, possibly from an engineering or architectural background. You need to be an excellent communicator with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders and drive projects forward.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in design management, preferably in relevant sectors
• Strong technical knowledge and attention to detail
• Ability to lead design meetings and manage consultant teams
• Organised, solution-focused, and proactive in resolving challenges
• Confident communicator who can work collaboratively across all project stages

Why Apply?

• Join a leading contractor with a strong presence in the Midlands
• Work on varied and interesting projects with a forward-thinking team
• Clear career development pathways, including future leadership roles
• Hybrid working model offering flexibility around site, office, and home
• Competitive salary, car allowance, and long-term career prospects

Next Steps

To find out more, click apply to send your CV or get in touch for a confidential conversation.