Design Project Manager

ZipRecruiter; Euston; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A construction firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a Project Leader to lead the pre-construction phase of projects. This role involves managing design, overseeing budgets, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Civil Engineering and demonstrate strong leadership and problem-solving skills. The company offers benefits such as a pension, private medical insurance, and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Company pension & life assurance

Private medical insurance

25 days annual leave

Company car/car allowance

Qualifications

• Previous experience in design/commercial leadership or project team management.
• Strong knowledge of contract conditions and risk management.
• Ability to challenge designs and deliver projects with minimal guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the pre-construction phase of projects.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary consultants and manage design packages.
• Identify and manage risks, opportunities, and change control processes.

Skills

Design/commercial leadership

Communication

Leadership

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Education

Degree/HNC in Civil Engineering

Tools

Primavera P6

Job description

Overview

Lead and manage the pre-construction phase of schemes, creating construction-ready plans that deliver robust technical solutions, enhanced margins, and reduced project risk. Work across multi-disciplinary teams to shape projects, manage design, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with client, statutory, and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the pre-construction phase, securing sustainable design/build contracts
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary consultants and manage design packages
• Chair and record weekly progress meetings, track programmes and budgets
• Identify and manage risks, opportunities, and change control processes
• Ensure compliance with assurance, governance, quality, and HSE standards
• Oversee site investigations, surveys, and early construction planning activities
• Lead internal/external design reviews, ensuring buildability, safety, and efficiency
• Respond to TQs, manage temporary/permanent works interfaces
• Support bids and tenders, advising on risks, assumptions, and delivery strategy
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across design and construction techniques
• Monitor costs, forecasts, and financial reporting in pre-construction phase
• Manage suppliers, subcontractors, procurement of plant and materials
• Ensure HSE compliance under CDM 2015 and deliver high-quality outputs

Requirements

• Previous experience in design/commercial leadership or project team management
• Degree/HNC in Civil Engineering (or equivalent)
• Strong knowledge of contract conditions, CDM regs, design management, programme & risk management, cost control, and forecasting
• Primavera P6 (or equivalent) experience
• Excellent communication, leadership, and team management skills
• Ability to challenge designs, resolve problems, and deliver projects with minimal guidance
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking

Desirable

• Professional qualification/membership with an industry body
• Experience on Affinity Water or similar frameworks

Benefits

• Company pension & life assurance
• Private medical insurance
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + loyalty days
• Additional volunteering leave
• Company car/car allowance
• Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice