Head of Design Management

Blue Octopus; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction organization is seeking an experienced Head of Design Management in Chelmsford. In this pivotal role, you'll oversee the design management team, ensuring compliance and driving innovative practices across various projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in main contracting, particularly within key sectors such as Education and Healthcare, and will possess exceptional leadership and sustainability knowledge. This position not only offers a competitive salary but also a range of benefits aimed at promoting work-life balance within a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Pension scheme up to 6% matched

26 days holiday plus bank holidays

Private healthcare

Life assurance up to 4x salary

Mental wellbeing support

Company car or allowance

Sharesave plan

Employee discounts

Qualifications

• Significant experience in main contracting, particularly in Education, Healthcare, or Higher Education sectors, with schemes between £10-£50 million.
• Extensive project experience across RIBA stages.
• Experience with Tier one contractors.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day management of the Design Management function.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, standards, and project timelines.
• Manage and coordinate the entire design process through the RIBA stages.

Skills

Leadership

Design Management

Sustainability Knowledge

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Relevant qualifications or memberships

Job description

Full Time, Permanent

About the role:

We are looking for an experienced Head of Design Management to lead Design Management within the Essex, Morgan Sindall Construction office. Reporting to the Area Director, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Design Management function, including line management of Design Managers, resourcing and recruitment, project input during pre-construction and construction phases, design programme development and reporting, and compliance with MS processes and standards. This position is office-based with regular site visits.

Through administering Morgan Sindall's Design Management processes, you will manage and coordinate the entire design process through the RIBA stages, contributing to bid/win strategies, PCSA/Second Stage, SHEQ, operations, and commercial reviews. Knowledge of sustainability and digital capabilities is essential as these are integrated into our standard approach to design management.

You will ensure departmental procedures are followed, contribute to design strategy, and develop comprehensive scope of services for key project stages.

The successful candidate will oversee design managers, coordinating activities with the design team, supply chain, and statutory bodies (e.g., Local Authority planners & Building Control/HSE), ensuring compliance with legislation, standards, and project timelines.

What are we looking for?

You may be a Principal or Senior Design Manager with previous line management experience seeking the next step. This role involves managing a larger team and shaping design management practices within Morgan Sindall through the national Design Manager HoDM group. You should be a clear communicator, collaborative, and capable of maximizing team output.

Ideal candidates will have extensive project experience across RIBA stages, strong two-stage (PCSA) design and build procurement experience, and on-site design management. Experience with Tier one contractors, and relevant qualifications or memberships, are preferred.

Ideally, you will have:

• Significant experience in main contracting, particularly in Education, Healthcare, or Higher Education sectors, with schemes between £10-£50 million.

• Existing network of consultant contacts.

• Leadership skills for managing a professional team, with strong sustainability knowledge including BREEAM experience.

• Experience in Pre-construction (PSCA), BIM, embodied carbon calculations, and energy-in-use assessments is advantageous.

• Experience presenting to stakeholders and clients, with strong reporting skills.

We value a passionate, inclusive, and hardworking team environment, where everyone’s voice is heard and respected.

Benefits

We support work-life balance through benefits such as:

• Pension scheme up to 6% matched;

• 26 days holiday plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days after 8 years;

• Holiday plus scheme;

• Private healthcare;

• Life assurance up to 4x salary;

• Recognition for professional qualifications up to £1000;

• Mental wellbeing support;

• Company car or allowance;

• Sharesave plan, incentive scheme, employee discounts, long service awards, and enhanced family leave.

About Us

Morgan Sindall provides construction and infrastructure services nationwide, focusing on sustainable, profitable growth driven by outstanding people and strong customer relationships.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect.

Please refer to the full Job Description upon completing your application.

Everyone at Morgan Sindall Construction is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, fostering a dynamic, innovative, and rewarding environment.