Design Manager

Construction; Leeds; On-site; GBP 83,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long-term freelance opportunity

Diverse project portfolio

Collaborative working environment

Job summary

RG Set Square. are recruiting a Freelance Design Manager to support a growing portfolio in Leeds across education, leisure and heritage sectors.

You will manage and coordinate the design process from early development through to project delivery, liaising with clients, architects, consultants and authorities to ensure designs are coordinated, compliant and deliverable. This long-term freelance opportunity offers a diverse project range and a collaborative team environment, with influence on

Qualifications

• Previous Design Manager experience in the construction industry.
• Experience working for a Main/Tier 1 contractor or large regional contractor.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies and design management processes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple design disciplines simultaneously.
• Experience collaborating with architects, consultants, clients and local authorities.
• Desirable: educational, leisure, public sector or heritage project experience.
• Alternative backgrounds considered: Site Engineers moving into Design Management.

Responsibilities

• Manage the design process throughout pre-construction and project delivery phases.
• Coordinate architects, consultants, specialist subcontractors, and client stakeholders.
• Review and manage design programmes to ensure key milestones are achieved.
• Liaise with local authorities, planning departments, and statutory bodies.
• Identify and resolve design issues, risks, and coordination challenges.
• Ensure designs meet client requirements, budget constraints, and build-ability objectives.
• Support bids, tenders and pre-construction activities.
• Review technical submissions, design information, and construction documentation.
• Drive value engineering and design optimisation opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, planning conditions, and industry standards.

Skills

Design management

Main contractor experience

Stakeholder management

Multi-disciplinary coordination

Communication excellence

Architect/consultant liaison

Education

Construction qualification (HNC/HND/Degree)

Job description

Freelance Design Manager

Location: Leeds

The Opportunity

RG Set Square are working with a leading Main Contractor seeking an experienced Freelance Design Manager to support a growing portfolio of construction projects across the education, leisure, and heritage sectors.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly regarded pre-construction and delivery team, playing a key role in managing and coordinating the design process from early-stage development through to project delivery.

Projects will include:

• Leisure Centres
• Schools and Academies
• Colleges and Universities
• Listed and Heritage Buildings
• Public Sector Construction Projects

You will work closely with internal pre-construction teams, clients, architects, consultants, local authorities, and key stakeholders to ensure designs are coordinated, compliant, and deliverable.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the design process throughout pre-construction and project delivery phases.
• Coordinate architects, consultants, specialist subcontractors, and client stakeholders.
• Review and manage design programmes to ensure key milestones are achieved.
• Liaise with local authorities, planning departments, and statutory bodies.
• Identify and resolve design issues, risks, and coordination challenges.
• Ensure designs meet client requirements, budget constraints, and build-ability objectives.
• Support bids, tenders, and pre-construction activities.
• Review technical submissions, design information, and construction documentation.
• Drive value engineering and design optimisation opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, planning conditions, and industry standards.

About You

Were keen to speak with candidates who have:

Essential

• Previous experience as a Design Manager within the construction industry.
• Experience working for a Main Contractor, Tier 1 Contractor, or large regional contractor.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies and design management processes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple design disciplines simultaneously.
• Experience working closely with architects, consultants, clients, and local authorities.

Desirable

• Experience delivering educational, leisure, public sector, or heritage projects.
• Knowledge of planning applications and statutory approvals.
• Construction-related qualification (HNC, HND, Degree, or equivalent).

Alternative Backgrounds Considered

Our client is also open to considering ambitious Site Engineers who have recently moved into Design Management roles and are looking to further develop their career within construction design management.

This could be an ideal opportunity for someone with a strong site delivery background who understands build-ability and wants to progress within the design management function.

Whats on Offer

• Long-term freelance opportunity with a major Tier 1 contractor.
• Diverse and interesting project portfolio.
• Opportunity to work on high-profile education, leisure, and heritage schemes.
• Collaborative and professional working environment.
• Competitive day rate.

RG Setsquare is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.