Design Manager

Randstad Construction and Property; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking an experienced Design Manager to oversee high-quality designs for educational projects in Kent. The successful candidate will lead design processes from inception to completion, ensuring compliance with standards and efficient stakeholder management. Ideal applicants will have significant experience with the RIBA Plan of Work and a technical background in architecture or related disciplines.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Design Manager or similar role, working for a Main Contractor.
• In-depth knowledge managing projects through the entire RIBA Plan of Work (0-7).
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process and design team throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee design activities across all RIBA stages (0-7).
• Drive design solutions that are technically compliant and buildable.

Skills

Design Management

Stakeholder Management

Risk Management

Compliance

Communication

Leadership

Job description

Job Opportunity: Design Manager - Education & Construction

Location: Kent, UK

Salary: Competitive, Dependent on Experience

Sector: Main Contracting / Construction

The Role: Design Manager

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Design Manager to join our successful team in Kent. The ideal candidate will have a strong background working for a main contractor, managing the design process from initial concept through to project completion. This role is critical to the delivery of our challenging and rewarding projects, with a particular focus on the Education sector (schools, academies, and higher education facilities). The main responsibilities include ensuring design quality, compliance, and buildability across all stages of a project.

Key Responsibilities

• Design Management – Lead, manage, and coordinate the design process and design team (internal and external consultants) throughout the project lifecycle.
• RIBA Stages – Oversee design activities across all RIBA stages (0‑7), ensuring smooth transitions between concept, detailed design, procurement, construction, and handover.
• Buildability & Value Engineering – Drive design solutions that are technically compliant, buildable, cost‑effective, and meet the client's brief.
• Compliance – Ensure all designs comply with relevant legislation, technical standards, planning conditions, and client requirements, particularly relating to Department for Education (DfE) standards and briefs.
• Stakeholder Management – Act as the primary technical point of contact for the client, design team, subcontractors, and site team.
• Risk Management – Identify and mitigate design‑related risks and technical queries (TQs) throughout the pre‑construction and construction phases.

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience as a Design Manager or similar role, working for a Main Contractor or Developer.
• In‑depth knowledge and practical experience managing projects through the entire RIBA Plan of Work (0‑7).
• Excellent understanding of construction methodology, procurement routes, and contractual obligations.
• Strong technical background (Architectural, Structural, or Building Services discipline).
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and leadership skills.

How to Apply

If you are a talented Design Manager with a passion for the Education sector, please submit your CV and a covering letter.

About the Employer

Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes 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 sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.