Design Manager

Job Description

Job Title: Design Manager

Location: Cardiff

Company: Award-Winning Main Building Contractor

Salary: Market-Leading + Excellent Career Prospects

About the Company
Our client is a highly respected, award-winning main building contractor with a strong presence across the UK. Specializing in high-profile commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects, they have built a reputation for delivering exceptional quality and innovation. Due to continued growth and an impressive project pipeline, they are seeking an experienced Design Manager to join their team in Cardiff.

The Role
As a Design Manager, you will play a crucial role in the successful delivery of complex construction projects, ensuring designs meet client expectations, technical requirements, and budget constraints. You will work closely with internal teams, external consultants, and subcontractors to drive design excellence from pre-construction through to project completion.

Key Responsibilities

1. Design Coordination: Manage the design process from concept through to completion, ensuring compliance with project specifications, regulations, and client requirements.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with clients, architects, consultants, and internal teams to develop innovative and cost-effective design solutions.
3. Technical Leadership: Provide expert guidance on design matters, ensuring buildability, quality, and efficiency.
4. Risk Management: Identify and mitigate design-related risks, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and industry standards.
5. Programme & Budget Management: Monitor design progress against project schedules and budgets, taking proactive measures to maintain timelines and cost efficiency.
6. Value Engineering: Propose alternative design solutions that enhance project value while maintaining quality and functionality.
7. Team Leadership: Mentor and support junior design staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Key Requirements

1. Proven experience as a Design Manager with a main contractor on major construction projects.
2. Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and building regulations.
3. Expertise in AutoCAD, Revit, BIM, and other relevant design software.
4. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
5. Ability to lead and influence multidisciplinary teams.
6. A degree or equivalent qualification in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management.
7. Chartered status (RIBA, CIOB, or similar) is desirable but not essential.

What’s on Offer?
Market-leading salary and comprehensive benefits package. Exciting career progression opportunities within a prestigious, award-winning contractor. The chance to work on high-profile, landmark projects. A supportive and dynamic team environment that values innovation and collaboration.

How to Apply
If you are an experienced Design Manager looking to advance your career with a leading main contractor, we would love to hear from you. Apply today by submitting your CV and we will of course be in touch.