Design Manager in Leeds

Energy Jobline ZR; Leeds; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive day rate

Job summary

RG Setsquare is assisting a leading Main Contractor in Leeds to recruit an experienced Freelance Design Manager. The role spans education, leisure and heritage sectors, managing the design process from early development to project delivery.

You will coordinate with architects, consultants, and client stakeholders to ensure designs are compliant, deliverable and within budget. A strong background with main contractors and proven communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Design Manager in the construction industry.
• Experience working for a Main Contractor or large regional contractor.
• Strong understanding of design management processes and coordination.

Responsibilities

• Manage the design process through pre-construction and delivery phases.
• Coordinate architects, consultants, and client stakeholders.
• Review design programmes and ensure milestones are met.
• Liaise with local authorities and statutory bodies.
• Identify and resolve design issues, risks, and coordination challenges.
• Drive value engineering and design optimisation.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and build-ability objectives.
• Support bids and pre-construction activities.

Skills

Design management

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Main contractor experience

Education

HNC/HND/Degree

Job description

Job Description

Freelance Design Manager Location: Leeds The Opportunity RG Set Square are working with a leading Main Contractor seeking an experienced Freelance Design Manager to support a growing portfolio of construction projects across the education, leisure, and heritage sectors. This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly regarded pre-construction and delivery team, playing a key role in managing and coordinating the design process from early-stage development through to project delivery. Projects will include: Leisure Centres Schools and Academies Colleges and Universities Listed and Heritage Buildings Public Sector Construction Projects You will work closely with internal pre-construction teams, clients, architects, consultants, local authorities, and key stakeholders to ensure designs are coordinated, compliant, and deliverable.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the design process throughout pre-construction and project delivery phases.
• Coordinate architects, consultants, specialist subcontractors, and client stakeholders.
• Review and manage design programmes to ensure key milestones are achieved.
• Liaise with local authorities, planning departments, and statutory bodies.
• Identify and resolve design issues, risks, and coordination challenges.
• Ensure designs meet client requirements, budget constraints, and build-ability objectives.
• Support bids, tenders, and pre-construction activities.
• Review technical submissions, design information, and construction documentation.
• Drive value engineering and design optimisation opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, planning conditions, and industry standards.

About You

Were keen to speak with candidates who have:

• Essential Previous experience as a Design Manager within the construction industry.
• Experience working for a Main Contractor, Tier 1 Contractor, or large regional contractor.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies and design management processes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple design disciplines simultaneously.
• Experience working closely with architects, consultants, clients, and local authorities.

Desirable

• Experience delivering educational, leisure, public sector, or heritage projects.
• Knowledge of planning applications and statutory approvals.
• Construction-related qualification (HNC, HND, Degree, or equivalent).

Alternative Backgrounds Considered

Our client is also open to considering ambitious Site Engineers who have recently moved into Design Management roles and are looking to further develop their career within construction design management. This could be an ideal opportunity for someone with a strong site delivery background who understands build-ability and wants to progress within the design management function.

Whats on Offer

• Long-term freelance opportunity with a major Tier 1 contractor.
• Diverse and interesting project portfolio.
• Opportunity to work on high-profile education, leisure, and heritage schemes.
• Collaborative and professional working environment.
• Competitive day rate.

RG Setsquare is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy