Design Manager - Step-Up Opportunity

Velocity Recruitment; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work - 1 day WFH

Job summary

Velocity Recruitment partners with a leading Tier 1 contractor to recruit a Design Manager in Exeter. This step-up opportunity is ideal for an Assistant Design Manager ready to take ownership and lead the design process on major building projects.

You will coordinate external consultants, manage design programmes, ensure compliance with regulations, and drive value engineering. The role offers hybrid working (1 day WFH) with mentoring from senior leaders in a supportive regional team.

Qualifications

• Experience leading design management on construction projects.
• Strong understanding of design programmes and building regulations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead design processes from pre-construction to handover.
• Coordinate external consultants and manage design programmes.
• Drive value engineering and ensure client requirements are met.

Skills

Design management

Stakeholder management

Client liaison

Team coordination

Job description

Job Title: Design Manager (Step-Up Opportunity for Assistant Design Managers)

Location: Exeter, Devon / South West England (Hybrid - 1 Day WFH)

Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 per annum + Package

Contract Type: Permanent

Ready to take the step up to Design Manager?

We are currently working with a leading Tier 1 main contractor who is looking for an ambitious Design Manager to join their South West regional team, based out of their Exeter office.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced Assistant Design Manager who feels ready to take ownership of their own projects, lead the design process, and progress their career with a business that genuinely invests in its people.

Why join this contractor?

• A Launchpad for Your Career: Our client has a fantastic reputation for developing talent from within. You will be joining a supportive, collaborative environment where experienced senior leaders actively mentor and guide developing staff, giving you the backing you need to succeed in your first Design Manager role.
• Future-Proof Pipeline: Secured on a wide range of major public and private sector frameworks, this contractor boasts a busy, long-term order book across the South West. You will enjoy genuine job security and protection against market volatility.
• Clear Progression: With structured development plans and a strong regional presence, there is plenty of scope to advance your career further once established.
• Work-Life Balance: The role offers flexible working arrangements, including 1 day per week working from home alongside time in the Exeter office and on regional sites.

The Role:

As Design Manager, you will be responsible for managing the design process from pre-construction through to handover across a variety of exciting building projects in the South West. You will coordinate external consultants, manage design programmes, ensure compliance with building regulations and client requirements, and drive value engineering solutions.

What we are looking for:

• Experience working in a Design Management capacity (such as an Assistant Design Manager or Design Coordinator) for a main contractor, specialist sub-contractor, or consultancy.
• A strong understanding of the construction process, design programmes, and technical coordination.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to manage stakeholders, chair design team meetings, and build strong relationships with clients and consultants.
• A proactive attitude and a desire to step up, take responsibility, and grow within a Tier 1 environment.

Start Date:

Our client is ideally looking for someone to start as soon as possible, though they are very happy to wait for the right person up to a 3-month notice period.