Design Manager

Fawkes and Reece; Croydon; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Fawkes & Reece are partnering with a leading Tier 1 contractor in Croydon to appoint a Design Manager who will drive the design process across refurbishment, Cat A/B and cut & carve projects in London. You will own the design from pre-construction to completion, coordinating consultants and subcontractors to ensure robust, buildable designs that align with programmes and budgets.

The role focuses on commercial developments, overseeing multiple live projects with ties to project delivery teams

Qualifications

• Degree in Structural Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience as Structural Engineer in a consultancy or contractor.
• Experience on commercial refurbishment or cut & carve projects.
• Existing Design Management experience is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the design process across multiple refurbishment and Cat A/B projects.
• Lead external design consultants, with particular focus on structural engineering packages.
• Review structural designs, drawings and calculations to ensure compliance, buildability and commercial viability.
• Work closely with Project Managers, site teams and commercial teams to resolve technical challenges throughout the construction process.
• Chair and attend design team meetings with clients, consultants and subcontractors.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design information to ensure timely delivery in line with project programmes.
• Identify and manage design risks while driving value engineering opportunities.
• Ensure designs comply with Building Regulations, British Standards and project specifications.
• Support the pre-construction team with technical input during tenders and bid submissions.
• Monitor consultant performance, design deliverables and key project milestones.

Skills

Design coordination

Stakeholder management

Communication

Organisation

Education

Structural Engineering degree

Job description

Reference: DesignMNGCOLL_1787660452
Posted: August 25, 2026

Fawkes & Reece are delighted to be partnering with a leading Tier 1 contractor in the search for a Design Manager to join their growing team based in Croydon.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Design Manager with a strong structural engineering background. You'll join a business renowned for delivering complex refurbishment, Cat A & Cat B fit-out, and cut & carve projects across London.

Working within the Design team, you'll take ownership of the design process from pre-construction through to project completion, coordinating consultants and subcontractors to ensure designs are technically robust, buildable and delivered in line with programme requirements.

Projects are predominantly commercial developments, with individual project values typically around £60 million. You'll oversee multiple live projects simultaneously, working closely with project delivery teams, clients and external consultants.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the design process across multiple refurbishment, Cat A/B and cut & carve projects.


• Lead and manage external design consultants, with particular focus on structural engineering packages.


• Review structural designs, drawings and calculations to ensure compliance, buildability and commercial viability.


• Work closely with Project Managers, site teams and commercial teams to resolve technical challenges throughout the construction process.


• Chair and attend design team meetings with clients, consultants and subcontractors.


• Coordinate multidisciplinary design information to ensure timely delivery in line with project programmes.


• Identify and manage design risks while driving value engineering opportunities.


• Ensure designs comply with Building Regulations, British Standards and project specifications.


• Support the pre-construction team with technical input during tenders and bid submissions.


• Monitor consultant performance, design deliverables and key project milestones.

Requirements

• Degree qualified in Structural Engineering or a related discipline.


• Previous experience as a Structural Engineer within a consultancy or contractor environment.


• Experience working on commercial refurbishment, structural alterations or cut & carve projects.


• Existing Design Management experience is desirable but not essential for candidates looking to make the transition.


• Strong understanding of the design coordination process and multidisciplinary project delivery.


• Excellent communication, organisation and stakeholder management skills.


• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.