Design Manager

Rise Technical Recruitment Limited; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading refurbishment contractor in Milton Keynes seeks a Design Manager to oversee the design process for student accommodation projects. The ideal candidate has an architectural background and experience with refurbishment projects. You will manage designs from concept to completion, liaising with various stakeholders throughout. Join a dynamic team and progress your career within a thriving environment.

Benefits

Progression opportunities

Benefits package

Qualifications

• Background in architecture, design, or technical drawing.
• Strong knowledge of high-risk building regulations.
• Excellent communication skills and experience liaising with consultants.

Responsibilities

• Manage the design process for student accommodation projects.
• Attend pre-start meetings and appoint external consultants.
• Chair design team meetings and coordinate consultant information.

Skills

Architectural background

Strong knowledge of high-risk building regulations

Excellent communication skills

Experience in refurbishment projects

Proactive and organised

Tools

Procore

Job description

Design Manager £50,000 - £60,000 + progression + benefits package Milton Keynes

A rare and exciting opportunity for an Architect or Architectural Technician to step into a Design Manager role within a thriving refurbishment contractor, taking on a varied position in a fast-paced environment with full autonomy to lead projects from concept to completion.

Are you an Architect or Architectural Technician with experience on high-rise residential projects? Do you want to work on exciting change‑of‑use projects, where you will develop into a broad‑ranging Design Manager role?

This reputable Design & Build refurbishment contractor specialises in the refurbishment of student accommodation across the UK, working on bespoke joinery packages and technical refurbishments such as office‑to‑student accommodation conversions and new build works. Due to an influx of projects, they are strengthening their design function by introducing this new Design Manager position.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious and proactive individual to take the next step in their career, in a role where you will manage the whole design process, demonstrate design expertise, and play a pivotal role in growing the design team.

In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing the seamless delivery of projects from RIBA Stage 2 to 5, coordinating with external stakeholders including Architects, Structural Engineers, and MEP Consultants, and ensuring all drawings and designs meet the required technical standards and regulations. You will chair design meetings, liaise closely with site teams, manage document control systems such as Procore, and provide design and technical support throughout the construction process.

The ideal candidate will have an architectural background, ideally with experience in practice or with a contractor. You will have experience in refurbishment or change‑of‑use projects and a strong knowledge of high‑risk building regulations. This role suits someone who is personable, organised, proactive, and eager to progress within a growing business.

The Role

• Manage the design process for student accommodation projects
• Attend pre‑start meetings and appoint external consultants
• Chair design team meetings and coordinate consultant information
• Review drawings and provide design guidance to site teams
• Offer general design and technical advice, producing regular progress reports

The Person

• Background in architecture, design, or technical drawing
• Strong knowledge of high‑risk building regulations (particularly for high‑rise projects)
• Excellent communication skills and experience liaising with external consultants
• Experience in refurbishment or change‑of‑use projects
• Proactive and organised, with the ambition to take ownership of projects

Reference Number: BBBH264339

To apply for this role or to be considered for further roles, please click "Apply Now" or contact Zoe Cann at Rise Technical Recruitment. Rise Technical Recruitment Ltd acts an employment agency for permanent roles and an employment business for temporary roles. The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.