Lead Design Manager

Apple Technical Recruitment (UK) Limited; Colchester; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Health insurance

Performance bonus

Pension

Job summary

Apple Technical Recruitment (UK) Limited is assisting a prominent main contractor in Essex to recruit a Lead Design Manager. You will head a regional team of 7 across 4 projects, guiding the design process from feasibility through to on-site coordination and PCSA stage leadership.

Responsibilities include managing Design Managers, Document Controllers and Digital Construction staff, maintaining design management standards, and coordinating with client and delivery teams to safeguard budget and

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience as a Design Manager or senior design role with a Main Contractor.
• Experience leading design through PCSA stage and coordinating across multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Design Managers, Document Controllers and Digital Construction staff through all RIBA stages and reviews.
• Ensure Design Management standards and controls are followed; implement a clear strategy across opportunities and tenders.
• Coordinate design with cost teams to drive budgets and programmes for positive outcomes.
• Act as primary liaison between design teams, client and on-site delivery teams with a process-driven approach.

Skills

Team leadership

Design management

Client coordination

Budget & programme

Education

HNC or Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Architecture

Job description

Vacancy Summary

Job Title: Lead Design Manager

Job Type: Permanent

Job Ref: #1434

Location: Essex

Start Date: Sept/Oct 2026 onwards

Salary: c£100k+ (DOE) basic plus competitive package inc car allowance, health, performance bonus, pension etc.

Company & Project: A prominent main contractor specialising in the Commercial, Mixed-Use, Education and Science sectors is looking for an experienced Design professional to lead a regional team of 7 across 4 projects. This role involves managing a team of Design Managers, Document Controllers, and Digital Construction staff.

The successful candidate will oversee the design process across a range of projects, beginning at the feasibility stage and continuing through to on-site coordination. Previous experience leading the Design through PCSA stage is essential for this opportunity.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of Design Managers through all RIBA stages, bid management, PCSA/2nd Stage, and essential H&S, operational, and commercial reviews.
• Implement and ensure accountability for Design Management effectiveness and best practice across the entire discipline.
• Provide functional leadership for design management within the local area.
• Oversee and manage all Design Management standards and controls. Execute a clear Design Management strategy and approach across all project opportunities and tenders.
• Promote collaboration between design and cost teams to ensure budget and programme drive positive outcomes.
• Act as the key point of coordination between design teams, the client, and the on-site delivery team. Maintain a process-driven approach, utilising practical construction knowledge and a keen eye for detail.

Desirable Experience:

• 10 years+ experience as a Design Manager or more senior, for a Main Contractor.
• Design Coordination on projects in excess of £20m+ from early planning stages through to project completion.
• Excellent knowledge of Construction methodology, Design & Build contracts, Planning legislation and Building Safety Act.
• Previous Roles: Senior Design Manager OR Design Manager OR Senior Design Co-ordinator OR Design & Build Manager OR Lead Design Manager OR Principal Design Manager

Qualifications & Skills: HNC or Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Architecture.