Design Manager

Cavendish Professionals; West End; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Cavendish Recruitment Professionals Ltd is seeking an experienced Design Manager for a London-based main contractor delivering high-profile projects across commercial, residential, and mixed-use sectors.

You will lead design teams, manage consultants and subcontractors, ensure design information aligns with programme, budget, and quality targets, and promote sustainability across schemes.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Design Manager within the UK construction industry.
• Strong understanding of design management, construction methodologies and project delivery.
• Experience working for UK based main contractors.
• Experience managing design teams on commercial, residential or mixed-use developments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process from pre-construction through to project completion.
• Coordinate architects, consultants and specialist subcontractors.
• Develop and maintain design programmes, design responsibility matrices and information release schedules.
• Chair design meetings and drive the resolution of technical and coordination issues.
• Review design information to ensure buildability, compliance, quality and cost efficiency.
• Manage design changes and ensure all documentation is controlled and issued correctly.
• Coordinate statutory approvals, planning submissions and Building Control requirements.
• Support procurement by defining design deliverables and reviewing subcontractor proposals.
• Oversee the production of O&M manuals, Health & Safety Files and project handover documentation.
• Promote sustainability initiatives, including BREEAM and other environmental requirements.
• Mentor and support site teams on design management best practice.

Skills

Design management

Stakeholder management

Coordination

Project delivery

Education

Degree in Construction/Engineering/Design Management

Professional membership (CIOB/RICS/CIBSE)

SMSTS and CSCS cards

Job description

Our client is a specialist London based Main Contractor who focus on new builds and refurbishments across the commercial, residential, hotel and leisure sectors.

The Role

They are seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead and coordinate the design process across major construction projects.You will manage design consultants, subcontractors and project stakeholders, ensuring design information is delivered on programme, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process from pre-construction through to project completion.
• Coordinate architects, consultants and specialist subcontractors.
• Develop and maintain design programmes, design responsibility matrices and information release schedules.
• Chair design meetings and drive the resolution of technical and coordination issues.
• Review design information to ensure buildability, compliance, quality and cost efficiency.
• Manage design changes and ensure all documentation is controlled and issued correctly.
• Coordinate statutory approvals, planning submissions and Building Control requirements.
• Support procurement by defining design deliverables and reviewing subcontractor proposals.
• Oversee the production of O&M manuals, Health & Safety Files and project handover documentation.
• Promote sustainability initiatives, including BREEAM and other environmental requirements.
• Mentor and support site teams on design management best practice.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Design Manager within the UK construction industry.
• Strong understanding of design management, construction methodologies and project delivery.
• Experience working for UK based main contractors
• Experience managing design teams on commercial, residential or mixed-use developments.
• Excellent coordination, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and design documentation.
• Degree qualified in Construction, Engineering, Design Management or a related discipline.
• Professional membership (CIOB, RICS, CIBSE or equivalent) desirable.
• SMSTS and CSCS card preferred.

What We're Looking For

• Proactive and organised approach to managing multiple design workstreams.
• Strong commercial awareness with a focus on delivering practical, buildable solutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively while driving projects forward and meeting key milestones.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

This role is ideal for an experienced Design Manager looking to join a leading main contractor delivering high-profile construction projects across London and the South East.

Cavendish Recruitment Professionals Ltd is an equal opportunity employer.We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or belief.