Design Manager

Ivy Resource Group; Swindon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days + BHs annual leave

Car leasing via salary sacrifice

Death in Service (4x)

Cycle to Work

Cash Plan

Pension 3% Ee / 5% Er

Job summary

Ivy Resource Group are recruiting an experienced Design Manager for a permanent role based in Swindon. You will oversee the design process from pre-construction through to completion and lead multidisciplinary teams to meet program and budget targets.

The ideal candidate will have UK regulatory knowledge, strong BIM skills, and a collaborative approach to deliver high-quality, sustainable design across sectors.

Qualifications

• Proven Design Manager experience within construction, preferably with a main contractor.
• Strong knowledge of UK Building Regulations and CDM Regulations.
• Experience coordinating architects, engineers, MEP consultants and subcontractors.
• Ability to manage design documentation and programmes to meet deadlines.
• Commitment to sustainable design and value engineering without compromising quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the design process from pre-construction to project completion.
• Chairs design team meetings and manages design programmes.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and external consultants.
• Identify design risks and develop practical solutions to protect schedule and cost.
• Ensure compliance with Building Regulations and project standards.
• Collaborate with project managers, commercial and site teams.

Skills

Proven Design Manager experience

RIBA stages knowledge

Multidisciplinary team leadership

Communication & stakeholder management

BIM / digital design platforms

Commercial awareness

Problem-solving & decision-making

Education

Relevant construction qualification in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related discipline

Tools

BIM software

Job description

Ivy Resource Group are working with a well-established contractor to recruit an experienced Design Manager for a permanent role based in Swindon, overseeing the design process on a range of projects.

The Company

Our client is an award-winning, family-owned construction and property services company established in 1892. Headquartered in Swindon, England, the company operates across central southern England, delivering design and build, new-build, restoration, refurbishment, and maintenance projects across sectors including education, healthcare, commercial, residential, arts and culture, and sports and leisure.

The Role

• Managed and coordinated the design process from pre-construction through to project completion, ensuring compliance with client requirements, programme, and budget.
• Led multidisciplinary design teams, including architects, structural engineers, MEP consultants, and specialist subcontractors.
• Reviewed design information for quality, buildability, compliance, and coordination prior to construction.
• Identified and mitigated design risks, resolving technical issues to minimise programme delays and cost impacts.
• Collaborated closely with project managers, commercial teams, and site teams to ensure seamless delivery of projects.
• Chaired design team meetings and maintained design programmes to achieve key project milestones.
• Ensured compliance with Building Regulations, planning conditions, and relevant industry standards.
• Managed the production, review, and approval of design documentation using BIM and digital collaboration platforms.
• Coordinated value engineering initiatives to improve buildability, sustainability, and cost efficiency without compromising quality.
• Liaised with clients and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, providing technical advice and design updates.
• Supported pre-construction activities, including tender reviews, design development, and contractor proposals.
• Promoted sustainable design solutions and best practice in line with Beard Construction's commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.
• Monitored consultant performance and managed design deliverables to meet contractual obligations.
• Ensured effective communication between all project stakeholders, fostering collaborative working relationships.
• Contributed to successful project delivery across sectors including education, healthcare, commercial, residential, heritage, and public sector developments.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience as a Design Manager within the construction industry, preferably with a main contractor.
• Strong understanding of the design process across all RIBA stages, from pre-construction to project completion.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams, consultants, and specialist subcontractors.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK Building Regulations, planning requirements, CDM Regulations, and construction standards.
• Excellent technical understanding of construction methods, materials, and building systems.
• Ability to identify design risks and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Strong organisational and programme management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, building positive relationships with clients, consultants, and project teams.
• Experience using BIM processes and common digital design management platforms.
• Commercial awareness with an understanding of buildability, value engineering, and project budgets.
• A collaborative and proactive approach, with the ability to lead and influence multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills under changing project demands.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable construction solutions.
• Relevant construction qualification in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related discipline.

Salary & Package

• Up to £60,000 - £90,000 per annum
• Competitive benefits package
• Opportunity to work on high-profile, high-value projects
• 27 days (+BHs) annual leave, Car Leasing scheme via salary sacrifice, Death in Service (4x), Cycle to Work, Cash Plan (claim back), Pension 3% Ee / 5% Er

Ivy Resource Group are committed to promoting equal opportunities to people regardless of age, gender, religion, belief, race, sexuality or disability. We operate as an employment agency and employment business.