Design Manager

Contract Scotland; Livingston; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Contract Scotland in Livingston is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead design coordination on live and tender projects across the UK and Ireland, with travel as required. You will own the design management function, ensuring buildable, coordinated outputs aligned with programme and delivery objectives, and you'll work with internal teams, external designers and clients.

The role requires a solid background in construction or civil engineering, proficiency with Microsoft Office and

Qualifications

• Multidisciplinary design coordination within construction or civil engineering is required.
• Experience managing design interfaces and resolving technical challenges.
• Site-based background with understanding of construction methodologies and sequencing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design coordination from initial concept through to construction.
• Lead design activities across live and tender-stage projects.
• Develop and maintain detailed design schedules with consultants and designers.
• Ensure outputs are buildable, aligned with scope, programme and buildability.

Skills

Design coordination

Interface management

Construction methods knowledge

Site-based experience

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Design Manager

Location: Livingston (with travel as required)

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

A leading construction and civil engineering organisation is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join its team, supporting projects across the UK and Ireland from its central Scotland office.

This is a key role responsible for coordinating design activities across multiple disciplines, ensuring designs are practical, efficient, and delivered in line with programme and project requirements.

The Role

You will take ownership of the design management function across a range of live and tender-stage projects. Working closely with internal teams, external designers, and clients, you will ensure that design outputs are well-coordinated, buildable, and aligned with overall delivery objectives.

Key Duties

• Oversee both permanent and temporary works design processes
• Lead the coordination of design activities from initial concept through to construction
• Develop and maintain detailed design schedules in collaboration with consultants and designers
• Ensure design outputs align with project scope, programme, and buildability requirements
• Integrate design timelines into the overall project programme in conjunction with planning teams
• Facilitate and chair design coordination meetings, tracking progress and resolving issues
• Monitor design development and adjust programmes where required to reflect changes
• Ensure all design activities comply with internal procedures and industry standards
• Act as a key point of contact between project teams, clients, designers, and supply chain partners
• Provide technical guidance to support both live projects and tender submissions
• Review evolving designs and manage technical queries through to resolution
• Contribute to construction methodology development and programme integration
• Support procurement by providing accurate and timely design information
• Manage the distribution of design information and communicate any impacts on delivery
• Assist in the preparation of project handover documentation
• Promote continuous improvement and identify opportunities for innovation

About You

• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary design coordination within construction or civil engineering
• Proven experience managing design interfaces and resolving technical challenges
• Background in site-based roles, with a solid appreciation of construction methodologies and sequencing
• Comfortable working with a range of digital tools, including Microsoft Office and other project-related systems

Qualifications

• Degree, HND, HNC or equivalent in Construction, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline

Desirable Experience

• Familiarity with NEC forms of contract
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. ICE) or working towards chartership

Legal Information:

• We act as an employment agency for permanent work and as an employment business for temporary work.
• For roles in the UK, applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
• We value diversity and promote equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all areas of society and can discuss any reasonable adjustments to support your application