Design Manager

ZipRecruiter; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading main contractor based in Birmingham seeks a Design Manager to join their growing team. The role involves leading the design process for high-value projects, collaborating closely with consultants and the delivery team, as well as managing design risks. This opportunity is ideal for someone ambitious who is eager to contribute to meaningful projects within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Long-term stability

Opportunities for career development

Qualifications

• Experience working on industrial, commercial, mixed-use, or education schemes.
• Ability to solve design problems early in the project.
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design process across pre-construction and live project stages.
• Collaborate with consultants and delivery teams for coordinated designs.
• Manage design risks and programme milestones.

Skills

Proven experience as a Design Manager

Background with a main contractor

Confident managing consultants

Comfortable in pre-construction and delivery phases

Job description

Overview

Job Description

The Role

Design Manager – Main Contractor, Birmingham | Competitive Salary + Package | Major Schemes

We’re working with a well-established and highly regarded main contractor looking to appoint a Design Manager to join their growing Midlands team. This is a business with a strong footprint across the UK, known for delivering a wide range of high-value new-build schemes; from industrial and logistics to commercial, education, and mixed-use developments.

As Design Manager, you’ll play a key role in leading the design process across pre-construction and live project stages. You’ll collaborate closely with consultants, the commercial and delivery teams, and key client contacts to ensure well-coordinated, buildable design solutions.

This isn’t a box-ticking technical role, it’s for someone who enjoys taking ownership, solving problems early, and helping to drive projects forward the right way.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Design Manager (or strong Design Coordinator ready to step up)
• Background with a main contractor working on schemes in:
• Industrial / logistics
• Commercial
• Mixed-use or education
• Confident managing consultants, design risks, and programme milestones
• Comfortable in both pre-construction and delivery phases

Why This Role?

• This suits someone ambitious, looking to develop their career with a well-run contractor that:
• Has a strong reputation in the market (both with clients and supply chain)
• Delivers high-quality work without ego or red tape
• Offers long-term stability and opportunity across a growing regional business
• Backs its people, promotes from within, and encourages input at all levels

Ready to find out more? Apply now or get in touch for a confidential chat about this Design Manager position