Design Manager

Select Appointments; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading family-run construction business in Ipswich is seeking a Design Manager to oversee complex design processes across diverse projects. The ideal candidate will have a background in architecture, engineering, or project management, thrive in a collaborative environment, and possess excellent organizational and communication skills. This role offers a competitive salary of £60,000-£65,000 along with 25 days of holiday and a contributory pension scheme.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Contributory pension scheme

Free parking at the Ipswich office

Qualifications

• Ability to coordinate complex design processes.
• Clean driving license required.
• Experience in construction environments considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design process from tender to construction completion.
• Chair design development meetings.
• Coordinate external consultants and estimators.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Diplomacy

Problem-solving

Flexibility

Education

Background in architecture, engineering or construction project management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Document management systems

Job description

Overview

My client is expanding their pre‑construction team, offering the chance to join one of the largest family‑run construction businesses in the region. This Design Manager role involves a diverse portfolio of challenging projects across multiple sectors.

Key Features

You’ll be supported by an in‑house design consultancy team covering architectural, structural and civil disciplines—a resource that sets this opportunity apart from typical Design Manager roles.

Responsibilities

As a Design Manager, you will oversee the design process from tender stage through to construction completion. You will chair design development meetings, coordinate external consultants and work closely with estimating and commercial teams on value engineering initiatives. You will manage design teams across Suffolk and Essex from the Ipswich office, ensuring information is delivered on time while reviewing proposals, maintaining registers, and supporting construction teams as projects progress.

Qualifications

We’re looking for someone with an architectural, engineering or construction project management background who thrives on coordinating complex design processes. You should be highly organised, possess strong communication and diplomacy skills, and be proficient in Microsoft Office and document management systems. Independent work ability and a collaborative mindset are essential. A clean driving licence and the ability to meet deadlines in fast‑paced environments, along with problem‑solving skills and flexibility to adapt as projects evolve, are required.

Benefits

• A competitive salary of £60,000‑£65,000 (dependent on experience)
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Contributory pension scheme
• Free parking at the Ipswich office

My client has built a reputation on delivering quality construction projects while maintaining the values and culture of a family‑run business. You will join a strong, dedicated pre‑construction team that is passionate about what they do, supported by experienced leadership and a collaborative environment where your expertise will be valued.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career as a Design Manager, Select Recruitment would love to hear from you.