Design Manager

Kenna Recruitment Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

A leading Tier 1 main contractor in the UK is seeking an experienced Design Manager for a hybrid role in North London or Northern Home Counties. The successful candidate will manage design processes from pre-construction to completion, ensuring all designs meet client expectations. Applicants should have experience in commercial, education, or healthcare projects and possess strong communication and technical skills. This role offers a competitive salary and opportunities for career progression.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Design Manager with a Tier 1 UK main contractor.
• Background in managing projects across commercial, education, or healthcare sectors.
• Excellent understanding of design management processes and construction methodology.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate design development through all project stages.
• Manage design consultants, ensuring information is delivered on time and to the required quality.
• Work closely with project and commercial teams to resolve design issues efficiently.

Skills

Design management experience

Project management in commercial sectors

Strong technical skills

Organisational skills

Effective communication

Job description

Base Pay Range

Direct message the job poster from Kenna Recruitment Ltd

Design Manager – Tier 1 Main Contractor (North London / Northern Home Counties)

Location: North London or Northern Home Counties - Hybrid

Projects: Commercial, Education, and Healthcare Schemes

Employment Type: Permanent

Job Function: Design

About the Company

Our client is a leading Tier 1 main contractor with a proven track record of delivering complex and high‑profile projects across the UK. Known for quality, innovation, and long‑term partnerships, they deliver schemes across the commercial, education, and healthcare sectors with values typically ranging from £20m–£100m+.

The Role

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Design Manager to join their regional team based in North London or the Northern Home Counties. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the design process from pre‑construction through to completion, ensuring all designs meet client expectations, technical standards, and budget constraints.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate design development through all project stages.
• Manage design consultants, ensuring information is delivered on time and to the required quality.
• Work closely with project and commercial teams to resolve design issues efficiently.
• Oversee design risk management and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
• Foster strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and the wider project team.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Design Manager with a Tier 1 UK main contractor.
• Background in managing projects across commercial, education, or healthcare sectors.
• Excellent understanding of design management processes and construction methodology.
• Strong technical, organisational, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead and influence design teams and stakeholders effectively.

What’s on Offer

• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• The opportunity to join a highly respected main contractor with a strong pipeline of upcoming work.
• Career progression and professional development opportunities within a forward‑thinking business.

How to Apply

If you’re an experienced Design Manager looking for your next move with a Tier 1 main contractor, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now or contact Chris at Kenna Recruitment for a confidential discussion.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Design

Industries

Construction