Design Manager

Skilled Careers; Dartford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading main contractor in Kent is seeking a Design Manager to oversee a £14m Design & Build project, requiring experience in refurbishment and strong leadership skills. This role offers a competitive salary of £65,000 - £70,000 plus benefits such as a car allowance and private healthcare. Join a collaborative team focused on professional growth and innovation in the construction sector.

Benefits

Car allowance

Private healthcare

Company pension

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven track record delivering refurbishment schemes for a main contractor.
• Understanding of MEP packages and site procedures.
• Effective workload management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the design process through RIBA stages 2-7.
• Manage design programmes and schedules.
• Drive innovation and value engineering.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Organisation

Commercial awareness

Job description

Design Manager - Leading Main Contractor (Kent)

Location: Dartford, Kent

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: £65,000 - £70,000 + package (car allowance, healthcare, pension, fuel card)

Project experience required: Cut & carve refurbishment and new build

Posted: 21st November 2025

Contact: Mark Dixon - Skilled Careers, Maidstone Branch

About the Company

Join one of Kent's leading main contractors, renowned for delivering high-quality new build and refurbishment projects across the region.

With project values typically ranging from £2.5m to £16m, the company has an exceptional reputation for technical excellence, collaboration, and continued growth.

The Opportunity

Due to a strong pipeline of secured work, we're seeking aDesign Manager to join an established and growing design team to start their tenure on £14m Design & Build education project which features cut & carve refurbishment, new build and fit out.

You'll also be key in supporting tendering for new contracts across the South East region are a mix of Design & Build and Traditional contracts, many with significant contractor's design portions.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make an impact in a business that truly values innovation, teamwork, and professional development.

Your Role

• Analyse enquiry and tender documents to support bid preparation.
• Lead and coordinate the design process throughout RIBA stages 2-7.
• Produce and manage design programmes, scopes, responsibility matrices, and schedules.
• Procure, coordinate and manage external design consultants.
• Drive innovation and value engineering to optimise project performance and client satisfaction.
• Monitor design progress to ensure timely information delivery.
• Attend tender reviews, pre-start meetings, and ongoing project performance reviews.

About You

• Proven track record delivering cut & carve refurbishment schemes for a main or principal contractor with a sound understanding of MEP packages.
• Strong ability to plan, organise, and manage workloads effectively.
• Solid understanding of site procedures, Building Regulations, and planning processes.
• Commercially aware with excellent communication and coordination skills.
• Experience of client procurement routes.
• Background in site operations prior to design management would be advantageous but not essential.

What's in It for You

• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience).
• Car allowance, private healthcare, and company pension.
• A supportive, collaborative working environment within a forward-thinking, agile contractor.
• Genuine opportunities for career progression as part of a growing regional team.

Interested

If you're looking to take the next step in your career as a Design Manager, and want to work with a respected contractor delivering exciting Kent-based projects — we'd love to hear from you.

Click “Apply Now” or contact Mark Dixon at Skilled Careers (Maidstone branch) for a confidential discussion.