Design Manager

Randstad Construction and Property; South Oxfordshire; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working options

Training and development

Job summary

Randstad CPE is recruiting a Design Manager near Reading to support a Tier 1 contractor on education, public sector and commercial schemes. You will lead tender inputs, coordinate with estimating, clients and subcontractors, and drive the design through to construction.

You should bring experience on £10m+ schemes, with D&B and framework negotiations, strong governance and organisational skills. The role offers hybrid working and clear career development.

Qualifications

• Tier 1 contractor experience preferred on high value schemes.
• Experience with D&B projects and framework negotiations.
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead tender and bid work with estimators and commercial teams to identify opportunities and issues.
• Manage information flow between client, consultants, subcontractors and internal teams on framework schemes.
• Take schemes from tender through construction, overseeing on-site design with project manager and site teams, handling RFIs, changes and CDM.
• Support handover and commissioning activities.

Job description

We are working with a Tier 1 contractor based near Reading to recruit a Design Manager to join the team.

The company is a national brand with an excellent reputation in their chosen marketplace and has excellent long‑term relationships with clients, subcontractors and the wider supply chain. It has a forward‑thinking approach to staff engagement and offers opportunities to grow and develop your career.

The regional office is based near Reading but covers the M4 Corridor, Reading and Oxford. The firm targets work in the education, public sector, leisure and commercial marketplaces with negotiated and framework opportunities. Turnover for 2025 and 2026 has been secured and 2027/28 is almost there, so they are now highly selective about the types of work they pursue.

Current live projects include new build NHS and student schemes in Oxford, SEN schools, life sciences schemes, office and local authority developments ranging from £25 to £90 million on JCT and NEC forms of contract.

Responsibilities

The Design Manager will be involved early at the tender and bid stage, working with the estimating and commercial teams to conduct a detailed forensic investigation into the scheme. You will work on key packages to identify opportunities and potential issues, carry out VEs where needed, and create detailed input for tender and bid packages.

You will manage the information flow between client, consultants, subcontractors and internal teams, taking the lead on framework schemes. You will take the scheme from tender and bid through full detailed 2nd stage works, contract award and onto the construction phase. You will manage and implement the design on site with the project manager, site delivery teams and subcontractors, handling RFIs, change processes, CDM regulations, and all activities through to handover and commissioning.

Qualifications

You will ideally have worked for a Tier 1 or larger regional contractor on schemes above £10 million and have experience of both D&B projects and framework negotiations. You should be able to demonstrate excellent work practices, attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to identify opportunities and potential issues.

Benefits

They offer a competitive salary and package, hybrid working options, full training and bespoke development packages, and unlimited opportunities for advancement. The company regularly recognises, rewards and promotes the best internal talent.

Eligibility

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

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and additional arrangements as required to support your application.