Design Manager

Michael Taylor Search & Selection; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction contractor in the UK is seeking an experienced Design Manager to oversee complex refurbishment projects. You will manage the design process, ensuring compliance with regulations and effective coordination between teams. The ideal candidate has experience in challenging environments, strong problem-solving skills, and a degree in a relevant field. This is an exceptional opportunity to advance your career in a reputable company, focusing on high-quality delivery and innovation.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus

Travel Allowance

Pension

Healthcare

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Design Manager on complex refurbishment projects.
• Strong technical understanding of integrating building systems within existing structures.
• Knowledge of UK Building Regulations, fire strategy, and compliance procedures.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end design process on complex refurbishment projects.
• Lead design coordination across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ensure design documentation aligns with project specifications and regulations.

Skills

Design coordination

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Degree in architecture, engineering, or related discipline

Job description

Design Manager – Complex Refurbishment Projects

Location

North Kent

Salary

Competitive + Package (Bonus, Travel Allowance, Pension, Healthcare)

The Company

Our client is a well‑established main contractor with a reputation for delivering technically challenging refurbishment and fit‑out projects across the UK. With a diverse portfolio spanning commercial offices, education, healthcare, heritage, and public sector buildings, they specialise in projects where attention to detail, live environment coordination, and legacy structure integration are key to successful delivery.

Due to a strong pipeline of secured work, they are looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager with a proven track record in complex refurbishment to join their growing team.

The Role

As Design Manager, you will be responsible for leading the design process on complex refurbishment schemes from pre‑construction through to handover. You will play a pivotal role in coordinating design development across architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines, ensuring all design outputs are compliant, buildable, and aligned with programme and client expectations.

Your focus will be on overcoming challenges related to existing structures, phasing, site constraints, and integration of modern systems within old buildings.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end‑to‑end design process on complex refurbishment projects, from feasibility to completion.
• Lead design coordination across multidisciplinary teams, including architects, structural engineers, MEP consultants, and specialist subcontractors.
• Work closely with project and site teams to ensure that design information supports procurement, construction, and programme milestones.
• Chair and coordinate design workshops, technical reviews, and stakeholder meetings.
• Ensure design documentation is developed in line with project specifications, statutory requirements, and Building Regulations.
• Identify design risks and legacy structural issues early, working with the wider team to develop robust solutions.
• Manage the production of design trackers, drawing registers, and submittals.
• Review Employer’s Requirements and contribute to Contractor’s Proposals during tender stage.
• Coordinate temporary works and enabling packages where required.
• Liaise with planning officers, Building Control, heritage consultants, and fire engineers to ensure all necessary approvals are obtained.
• Control design changes through a robust change management process, ensuring design integrity and project intent are preserved.

Example Projects

• £6m Refurbishment of a Grade II‑Listed Office Building: Including façade retention, structural strengthening, and full internal strip‑out and rebuild.
• £8m Live Campus Upgrade for a University Client: Multi‑phase refurbishment of teaching spaces and labs while maintaining building occupation.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience as a Design Manager on complex refurbishment projects, ideally within live or constrained environments.
• Strong technical understanding of how to integrate new building systems within existing or legacy structures.
• Experience managing design coordination across architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines.
• Familiarity with heritage constraints, temporary works, phasing, and working in occupied buildings.
• Knowledge of UK Building Regulations, planning permissions, fire strategy, and compliance procedures.
• Excellent problem‑solving, coordination, and communication skills.
• Degree‑qualified in architecture, engineering, or a construction‑related discipline is desirable.
• Ability to lead design across multiple schemes or phases concurrently.
• Proactive, detail‑focused, and able to work independently or as part of a collaborative team.

If you’re an experienced Design Manager who thrives on solving complex technical challenges and delivering high‑quality refurbishment schemes, this is an excellent opportunity to progress your career with a leading contractor.