Design Manager

Tradeline Recruitment; Oxford; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradeline Recruitment is seeking an experienced Design Manager or Design Coordinator for a site-based role in Oxfordshire. You will coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams, lead design development from pre-construction through detailed design and construction, and work closely with site teams, consultants, subcontractors and clients to deliver buildable, commercially effective design solutions.

The role requires strong knowledge of the RIBA Plan of Work (Stages 4 and 5) and a proven track

Qualifications

• Experience as a Design Manager/Coordinator within a contractor or architectural practice.
• Strong knowledge of the RIBA Plan of Work, especially Stages 4 and 5.
• Proven ability coordinating multi-disciplinary design teams.
• Solid understanding of construction methodology and site delivery requirements.

Responsibilities

• Get involved at pre-construction stage, providing design input and supporting value engineering.
• Lead and manage design teams through RIBA Stages 4 and 5 from outline to construction.
• Coordinate design meetings with site teams, consultants and subcontractors.
• Drive development of cost-effective, practical, buildable design solutions meeting programmes.
• Apply commercial awareness to design decisions to support margins.
• Develop and manage design programmes, controls and deliverables.
• Identify and resolve design risks and coordination issues before construction.

Job description

Design Manager / Design Coordinator - Oxford - Up to £70K plus package

We're looking for an experienced Design Manager or Design Coordinator, to join our clients Main Contracting team in Oxfordshire, working on a diverse portfolio of complex and technically demanding projects.

This is a site-based role, so we're looking for someone who understands the realities of construction and is confident working closely with site teams, consultants, subcontractors and clients to deliver coordinated, buildable and commercially effective design solutions.

We're open to candidates from either an architectural or main contractor background, provided you have strong experience working within a construction environment and coordinating multi-disciplinary design teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Get involved at pre-construction stage, providing design input, identifying value engineering opportunities and supporting the Pre-Construction Lead.
• Lead and manage design teams through RIBA Stages 4 and 5, taking projects from outline and developed design through to detailed design and construction.
• Coordinate design meetings with site teams, consultants, subcontractors and other project stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and a smooth flow of information.
• Drive the development of cost-effective, practical and buildable design solutions that meet project programmes and construction deadlines.
• Apply strong commercial awareness to design decisions, delivering value for clients while supporting project profitability and strengthening margins.
• Develop and manage design programmes, controls and deliverables, ensuring they align with procurement and construction requirements.
• Identify and resolve design risks, coordination issues and technical challenges before they impact construction.
• Ensure design information is sufficiently coordinated, compliant and available to support procurement and site delivery.
• Work collaboratively with project and commercial teams to ensure design decisions support the overall project strategy.

About You

You'll be an experienced Design Manager or Design Coordinator, who is comfortable operating in a fast-paced, site-based construction environment. You'll have a strong understanding of the design process and the ability to bring together multiple disciplines to deliver successful projects.

We're particularly interested in candidates with:

• Experience as a Design Manager, Design Coordinator or similar within a contractor or architectural practice.
• Strong knowledge of the RIBA Plan of Work, particularly Stages 4 and 5.
• Proven experience coordinating multi-disciplinary design teams.
• A strong understanding of construction methodology and the practical requirements of site delivery.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage design programmes, information and competing priorities.
• A commercially minded approach, with an understanding of value engineering, cost control and project margins.
• The confidence to challenge designs where necessary and find practical, cost-effective solutions.

This is an opportunity to take a key role in delivering complex, high-value projects across Oxfordshire, working alongside experienced construction and design professionals.

You'll have genuine influence over design development and delivery, from early pre-construction through to completion, with the opportunity to make a tangible impact on project performance, client value and commercial outcomes.

If you're an experienced Design Manager / Design Coordinator who enjoys being close to the action on site and delivering challenging projects from design through to construction, we'd like to hear from you