Design Manager

Madigan Gill; Sutton; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking a Temporary Design Manager to support a prison construction project in Sutton. This role involves overseeing the final stages of build close-out, coordinating design actions, and ensuring all documentation is compliant. Candidates should have previous custodial design experience and a valid DBS certification. Immediate availability is preferred, and the position involves working full-time on site.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Design Manager on major construction or custodial/security-led projects.
• Valid DBS certification is essential.
• Strong technical background across multidisciplinary design packages.

Responsibilities

• Close out all outstanding design-related actions during final construction and handover stages.
• Coordinate responses to design queries with consultants and subcontractors.
• Provide on-site technical support to resolve design clashes and issues.

Skills

Design Management

Problem Solving

Communication

Coordination

Job description

Position Overview

A Temporary Design Manager is required to provide additional on‑site support for the final stages of build close‑out and handover preparation on a prison construction project in Sutton.

The successful candidate will work from the project's site office compound (located beside the prison) and play a key role in resolving outstanding design actions, coordinating technical information, and ensuring all design documentation is fully aligned for project completion and handover.

This position is ideal for a Design Manager with previous MOJ or custodial sector experience who can make an immediate impact in a fast‑paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Close out all outstanding design‑related actions during final construction and handover stages.
• Coordinate responses to design queries (RFIs, TQs) with consultants and specialist subcontractors.
• Review, update and finalise as‑built drawings, O&M manuals, certification, and compliance documentation.
• Provide on‑site technical support to resolve design clashes and construction issues quickly.
• Ensure all design information complies with MOJ standards, custodial design requirements, and statutory regulations.
• Work closely with project management, commercial and construction teams to align design outputs with programme.
• Attend design close‑out meetings and support final inspections and approvals.
• Maintain robust documentation and ensure full readiness for project handover.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Design Manager on major construction or custodial/security‑led projects.
• MOJ, prison or secure facility design experience highly desirable.
• Valid DBS certification (essential).
• Ability to work on site full‑time from the Sutton compound.
• Strong technical background across multidisciplinary design packages.
• Excellent coordination, communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience supporting late‑stage design close‑out and project handover.
• Ability to operate independently and meet tight deadlines.

Ideal Candidate

• Immediately available or able to start at short notice.
• Within reasonable commuting distance of Sutton, Surrey (SM2).
• Highly organised, proactive and detail‑focused.
• Strong understanding of custodial design requirements and secure environment protocols.