Design Manager - Care Home Construction

Henley Chase; Corby; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care facility project management firm is seeking an experienced Design Manager based in Corby. The role involves leading design coordination and management across multiple care facility projects, ensuring compliance and buildability. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in construction management, preferably within healthcare or care homes, and excellent communication skills. You will manage the design process from concept through delivery, with a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunity to work on high-quality care and residential projects

Hybrid working pattern with flexibility

Supportive environment for progression and professional development

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Coordinator within construction, ideally in care homes, healthcare, or residential sectors.
• Strong understanding of building design, M&E coordination, and construction sequencing.
• Proficient in reviewing and interpreting architectural, structural, and MEP drawings.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the design process from concept to completion.
• Lead design meetings with architects, consultants, and subcontractors.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements.

Skills

Design Management

Communication Skills

Technical Knowledge

Leadership Skills

Education

Degree or HNC/HND in Construction Management, Architecture, or a related discipline

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead the design coordination and management process across multiple care facility projects. Based from our Corby office, the role will involve regular travel to sites in the South of England to ensure design compliance, buildability, and coordination between design and construction teams.

The ideal candidate will have strong technical knowledge, excellent communication skills, and proven experience managing the design process from pre-construction through delivery within the healthcare or care home sector.

Key Responsibilities

Office-Based (Corby)

• Manage and coordinate the design process from concept to completion, ensuring design intent aligns with client requirements, budgets, and programme.
• Lead design meetings with architects, consultants, and subcontractors.
• Review drawings and technical submissions for compliance, accuracy, and buildability.
• Work closely with estimators and planners during tender and pre-construction phases to assess design risks and opportunities.
• Ensure all design documentation meets regulatory and contractual requirements, including Building Regulations and CQC (Care Quality Commission) standards.
• Oversee the timely release of design information to support procurement and construction.
• Liaise with clients and stakeholders to manage design approvals and change control processes.
• Support value engineering and innovation to achieve cost and efficiency targets without compromising quality or functionality.

Site-Based (South England - primarily Surrey, Woking, M25 area)

• Attend site coordination and progress meetings to resolve design and technical issues in real time.
• Provide design clarification and ensure construction is in line with approved drawings and specifications.
• Coordinate between site teams, subcontractors, and design consultants to ensure smooth information flow.
• Identify and mitigate design-related risks during construction.
• Conduct on-site inspections to verify compliance with design intent and quality standards.
• Support commissioning and handover documentation, ensuring as-built drawings and O&M manuals are complete and accurate.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Design Manager (or Senior Design Coordinator) within construction, ideally in care homes, healthcare, or residential sectors.
• Strong understanding of building design, M&E coordination, and construction sequencing.
• Proficient in reviewing and interpreting architectural, structural, and MEP drawings.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Degree or HNC/HND in Construction Management, Architecture, or a related discipline.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly to sites across the South.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on high-quality care and residential projects across the South.
• Hybrid working pattern with flexibility between office and site.
• Supportive environment with scope for progression and professional development