Design Manager

Bell Building Projects Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous pension

Income protection

Death in service

Annual salary reviews

Discretionary performance-based bonus

32 days holiday with flexible bank hol

Support professional development

Job summary

Bell Building Projects Ltd is seeking a Design Manager in Manchester to lead design sections, set targets, and prepare documentation for cladding remediation and industrial projects. The role is full-time and primarily office-based with on-site requirements across various sites.

You will coordinate with colleagues, clients, and subcontractors, manage RFIs and consents, and mentor design staff while ensuring regulatory compliance and project efficiency.

Qualifications

• Degree in a construction-related field, with strong problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills.
• Excellent technical knowledge, skilled in AutoCAD and MS Office, with document management and site inspection experience.
• Knowledgeable in Scottish & English building regulations, with a UK driving license and access to a business-insured vehicle preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and organise design sections of progress and technical meetings with colleagues, clients, and subcontractors.
• Set design release targets, manage progress, and prepare design documentation (drawings, specifications, schedules).
• Prepare preliminary designs for client discussions and costing, review designs for compliance and efficiency, and ensure coordination with trades.
• Support the Project Management team, identify design opportunities and risks, and maintain accurate project records.
• Manage the RFI process, secure building and planning consents, and address design risks.
• Update the Design Management Plan, engage with Procore, and supervise and mentor design subordinates.

Skills

Design coordination

Client discussions

Costing

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in construction-related field

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Office

Job description

Bell Building Projects (BBP) is a growing construction company delivering refurbishment, facade replacement, fire remediation and new-build projects across the UK.

We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built, but even more proud of the people behind it. Our continued growth has created a strong pipeline of work, giving our teams long-term job security, opportunities to develop their careers and the chance to work on a wide variety of projects.

We believe in investing in our people, recognising good performance and creating an environment where everyone is trusted, supported and encouraged to progress. Whether you’re joining us on site or in one of our offices, you’ll be part of a team that values quality, collaboration and doing things the right way.

The Role

We are seeking a Design Manager to join our Design team in Manchester. The position will be a full-time, permanent contract and based primarily within one of our offices, and across various sites as required, providing design support to project teams principally on cladding remediation and industrial new-build and refurbishment projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and organise design sections of progress and technical meetings with colleagues, clients, and subcontractors.
• Set design release targets, manage progress, and prepare design documentation (drawings, specifications, schedules).
• Prepare preliminary designs for client discussions and costing, review designs for compliance and efficiency, and ensure coordination with trades.
• Support the Project Management team, identify design opportunities and risks, and maintain accurate project records.
• Manage the RFI process, secure building and planning consents, and address design risks.
• Update the Design Management Plan, engage with Procore, and supervise and mentor design subordinates.

Who We’re Looking For

• Construction industry experience, ideally in architecture with a focus on structures and cladding.
• Excellent technical knowledge, skilled in AutoCAD and MS Office, with document management and site inspection experience.
• Degree in a construction-related field, with strong problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills.
• Flexible, adaptable, and capable of multitasking, with attention to detail and a collaborative, professional approach.
• Knowledgeable in Scottish & English building regulations, with a UK driving license and access to a business-insured vehicle preferred.

Why Join BBP?

Join a company with 40 years of industry excellence and a strong future pipeline. We offer a competitive salary, a generous pension scheme, income protection, and death in service benefits. Enjoy annual salary reviews, discretionary performance-based bonuses, and 32 days of holiday with a flexible bank holiday scheme. We actively support professional development and training, and business mileage is reimbursed. Our offices are fully accessible, ensuring an inclusive workplace for all.

Diversity & Inclusion

Bell Building Projects is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe in providing equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are dedicated to ensuring that our recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion practices are free from bias, offering fair access to all qualified candidates. Selection decisions are made based on skills, qualifications, and experience, and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Bell Building Projects values diversity and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.