Design Manager

Borne Resourcing Limited; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading main contractor in Central London is seeking a Design Manager to oversee design coordination for complex refurbishments and heritage projects. The ideal candidate will have over 3 years of experience, strong technical skills, and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders. This full-time role offers competitive salary, annual bonus, and long-term career progression in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Long-term career progression

Qualifications

• Experience with refurbishment and heritage projects.
• Ability to resolve design queries effectively.
• Commitment to maintaining client design intent.

Responsibilities

• Manage design delivery across multiple projects.
• Coordinate with architects and subcontractors.
• Oversee design workshops and technical coordination.

Skills

3+ years' experience as a Design Manager

Strong technical understanding

Confident communicator

Ability to manage subcontractor design packages

Job description

Design Manager | Heritage & Commercial Refurbishments | Central London | Nov 2025

An opportunity for a Design Manager to join a well‑established main contractor with a long‑standing reputation for delivering complex refurbishments, heritage restorations, and high‑profile London projects.

Based full‑time in Central London, you'll take ownership of design coordination across several architecturally‑led schemes ensuring design intent, quality, and technical detail are carried through from pre‑construction to delivery.

The Role

• Manage and coordinate design delivery across multiple live refurbishment projects
• Work closely with architects, consultants, and subcontractors to resolve design queries and approvals
• Ensure buildability, quality, and client design intent are maintained throughout delivery
• Oversee design workshops, interface management, and technical coordination on complex heritage schemes
• Collaborate with pre‑construction and site teams to manage design programmes and deadlines
• Office‑based role with some site visits

What they're looking for

• 3+ years' experience as a Design Manager with a main contractor
• Background in refurbishment, heritage, or complex architecturally‑led projects
• Strong technical understanding and appreciation for quality design and detailing
• Ability to manage subcontractor design packages and approvals independently
• Confident communicator who can liaise between design consultants, clients, and delivery teams

The Company

This is a £35m turnover main contractor with over 40 years' experience delivering complex refurbishment and heritage projects for prestigious clients including the National Gallery, Royal Household, and British Museum. They're known for exceptional build quality, repeat business and a collaborative in‑house team culture that values integrity, craft, and long‑term development. It's a close‑knit environment where technical excellence and design coordination are central to project success.

Package

• Competitive salary (based on experience)
• Annual bonus and pension scheme
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + Christmas shutdown
• Office‑based in Central London with regular site visits
• Long‑term career progression in a stable and respected business

Also known as: Design Coordinator, Project Design Manager, Assistant Design Manager

Interested?
Michael Ogunyankin (phone number removed)
michael @ borneltd . com

If you're a Design Manager who enjoys working on architecturally significant refurbishments and want a stable, long‑term role with a respected London contractor, get in touch for a chat.