Design Manager - Civils & Geo - Prisons

Laing O'Rourke; Liverpool City Region; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm seeks a Design Manager for their HMP Grendon prison project, a significant part of their Ministry of Justice portfolio. The role involves leading design coordination, ensuring compliance, and fostering innovation in a challenging environment. Ideal candidates will have a degree in relevant fields and proven experience in managing complex infrastructure projects.

Benefits

Supportive team culture

Professional development pathways

Inclusive benefits and flexible working

Opportunity to make an impact

Qualifications

• End-to-end design management experience in contractor-side or multidisciplinary setting.
• Proven track record in complex infrastructure or secure environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead coordination of design from early concept through to handover.
• Ensure compliance with technical, programme, and contractual requirements.
• Champion digital tools and sustainability within design approach.

Skills

Design Coordination

Consultant Management

Change Control

Education

Degree in Engineering, Architectural or Construction Discipline

Tools

BIM

Job description

Based from Manchester | ️ Complex Project Delivery | ️ Ministry of Justice Portfolio

Are you passionate about shaping better outcomes through design? Do you thrive in fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environments where innovation meets delivery?

At Laing O'Rourke, we're looking for an experienced Design Manager to join our technical team delivering the HMP Grendon prison project, part of our long-standing Ministry of Justice portfolio. Based from our Manchester office, you'll play a critical role in coordinating and driving design excellence across one of the UK's most complex, secure environments.

The Opportunity

As Design Manager, you'll:

Lead the coordination of design from early concept through to handover

Ensure compliance with technical, programme and contractual requirements

Champion DfMA, digital tools (like BIM), and sustainability within your design approach

Collaborate with consultants, internal teams and stakeholders to optimise value and buildability

Drive forward technical assurance while creating a culture of continuous improvement

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a nationally important project that demands creativity, precision, and leadership.

What You'll Bring

Degree-qualified in an engineering, architectural or construction discipline

End-to-end design management experience in a contractor-side or multidisciplinary setting

Strong grasp of design coordination, consultant management, and change control

Proven track record delivering complex infrastructure or secure environments (justice, defence, health, or similar sectors)

Why Laing O'Rourke?

We're a values-led business committed to shaping a better built environment. Our Engineering Enterprise model combines digital design, offsite manufacturing, and smart delivery. We offer:

A supportive and innovative team culture

Pathways for professional development and chartership

Inclusive benefits and flexible working

A role that genuinely makes an impact

Apply now to help us deliverdesign that matters – or refer a friend and help us shape the future.

At Laing O'Rourke, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We foster a culture of inclusion, respect, and opportunity. If you need any adjustments to support your application, just let us know.