Design Manager

Navartis Ltd; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Navartis Ltd. partners with a national contractor to appoint an experienced Design Manager to lead the design function across Yorkshire construction projects. You will coordinate consultants, manage BIM/CDE processes and ensure design delivery aligns with programme, budget and regulatory standards.

You will work with commercial and operational teams to drive value engineering, champion sustainable design, and guide external partners and internal teams to maintain quality and momentum of delivery.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as Design Manager for a main contractor.
• Experience delivering design across complex building projects.
• Strong understanding of construction design processes and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design process from pre-construction to handover, ensuring on-time, on-budget designs.
• Coordinate consultants and internal teams to keep design programmes on track.
• Lead design meetings and address technical issues or delays early.
• Oversee BIM processes and ISO 19650 compliance, including CDE management.
• Ensure designs meet building regulations, CDM obligations and are commercially viable.
• Collaborate with commercial and operations to review requirements and value engineer.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Commercial awareness

Tools

BIM coordination

CDE management

Job description

Design Manager

Location: Yorkshire
Sector: Main Contracting / Construction

The Opportunity..

An established national contractor is looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager to join its regional team, taking responsibility for managing and coordinating the design function across a range of construction projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially aware Design Manager with a main contractor background to take ownership of the design process, working alongside external consultants, clients, subcontractors and operational teams to ensure projects are developed and delivered effectively.

Key Responsibilities..

• Take the lead on managing the design process from pre-construction through to project completion, ensuring designs are delivered on time, within budget and to the required standards.

• Develop and manage design programmes, coordinating consultants, specialist subcontractors and internal project teams to keep everything on track.

• Lead design meetings, monitor progress and deal with any technical issues or delays before they impact the wider project.

• Oversee design information and BIM processes, including CDE management, ISO 19650 compliance and coordination of design models.

• Manage statutory approvals and ensure designs meet relevant building regulations, CDM requirements and Building Safety Act obligations.

• Work closely with commercial and operational teams to review design requirements, manage changes and identify opportunities for value engineering.

• Manage relationships with external consultants and design partners, including appointments, scopes of work and performance.

• Review designs to ensure they are practical, buildable, compliant and commercially viable.

• Identify opportunities to improve project efficiency, reduce costs and incorporate more sustainable design solutions.

• Provide support and guidance to the wider project team, helping drive design quality and maintain strong delivery standards.

About You..

To be considered for this opportunity, you should ideally have:

• Previous experience working as a Design Manager for a main contractor.

• Experience managing design across complex building projects involving multiple disciplines.

• A good understanding of construction design processes, technical coordination and statutory compliance.

• Experience developing and managing design programmes.

• Good commercial awareness and an understanding of construction contracts.

• Strong communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.

What's on Offer?

• The opportunity to join an established contractor with a strong regional presence.

• Involvement in a varied portfolio of construction projects.

• The chance to take ownership of the design function and influence project delivery.

• A supportive and collaborative working environment.

• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working where project requirements allow.