Head of Design Management

Blue Octopus Recruitment Limited; Horsham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A national construction company in Horsham is seeking a Head of Design Management to lead the design function. This role involves overseeing the design process, ensuring compliance, and managing teams for projects. Ideal candidates will have a BA/BSc and substantial experience in main contracting, particularly in Education and Healthcare sectors. The position offers a competitive benefits package, including private healthcare and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Pension Scheme matched up to 6%

26 days holiday plus bank holidays

Private Healthcare Cover

Life Assurance up to 4 times salary

Company car/car allowance

Incentive Scheme

Qualifications

• Substantial project experience across RIBA plan of work stages.
• Strong design management experience with main contractors.
• Experience in Education, Healthcare, and Higher Education sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Design Management function and manage design teams.
• Coordinate design processes across various stages in line with standards.
• Ensure compliance and address issues related to legislation and codes of practice.

Skills

Leadership

Design management

Sustainability knowledge

Communication

Education

BA/BSc degree

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 within pre-construction and construction phases, design programme development and reporting, compliance with MS processes and standards. This position is office based with the requirement for regular site visits.

Through the administering of the Morgan Sindall Design Management processes, you will be managing and coordinating safely the overall design process through the RIBA design stages, inputting to bid/work winning, PCSA/Second Stage, SHEQ, operations and commercial reviews. Sustainability and Digital knowledge/capabilities are essential for how we work as this is built into our business-as-usual approach to design management.

You will ensure completion and compliance of design management departmental procedures, be involved with design strategy and approach, and ensure adherence to the design brief / scope of service. You will develop a comprehensive scope of service for the key stages of the project.

The successful candidate will oversee design managers and their management/co-ordination of activities for the design team, supply chain, and statutory bodies (e.g., Local Authority planners & Building Control/HSE) in line with programme critical dates, ensuring that the design process recognises compliance issues, current legislation, standards, and codes of practice.

What are we looking for?

You may be an existing Principal Design Manager or Senior Design Manager with previous line management experience, seeking the next step in your career. This role involves managing a larger team and contributing to the evolution of design management within Morgan Sindall through the national Design Manager HoDM working group. A clear communicator, who works collaboratively and promotes teamwork to maximize output.

You will have substantial project experience across the RIBA plan of work stages, strong two-stage (PCSA) design and build procurement experience, and on-site design management. Previous Tier one main contractor construction knowledge with qualifications to a BA / BSc level and/or membership of relevant professional institutes is preferred.

Ideally, you will have:

• Significant experience in the main contracting market, especially in Education, Healthcare, and/or Higher Education sectors on schemes between £10 and £50 million.
• Existing network of consultant contacts and relationships.
• Ability to lead a team of consultants, with strong sustainability knowledge, including BREEAM project experience across Bid/Delivery stages.
• Extensive experience in Pre-construction (PSCA), BIM, embodied carbon calculation, Energy-in-use, etc., is advantageous.
• Experience presenting to stakeholders and clients in both work-winning and reporting contexts.

To succeed, you should share our passion for the project and enjoy working in an inclusive, hardworking team environment. We value diversity, respect, and a community where voices are heard.

Benefits

• Pension Scheme matched up to 6%
• 26 days holiday plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days after 8 years’ service
• Holiday plus scheme
• Private Healthcare Cover
• Life Assurance up to 4 times your basic salary
• Recognition for professional qualifications/memberships up to £1000
• Mental Wellbeing and Employee Support programs
• Company car/car allowance
• Sharesave Plan
• Incentive Scheme
• High street discounts via People Portal
• Long Service Wards
• Enhanced Family leave

About Us

Morgan Sindall provides national construction and infrastructure services to private and public sector clients across various markets. Our focus is on building a sustainable, profitable business based on relationships, outstanding people, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. We value diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and heard.