Senior Design Manager

4 Front; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design and build contractor is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to lead high-value projects in the defence and nuclear sectors across Wiltshire and Bristol. The ideal candidate will manage the complete design lifecycle, ensuring compliance with regulations and delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions. A competitive salary of £80,000–£90,000 is offered along with career development and job security within a supportive culture.

Benefits

Company car or car allowance

Career development with training

Long-term project stability

Professional development support

Qualifications

• 10+ years in design management within construction.
• Proven experience in defence, MOD, nuclear, or highly regulated sectors.
• Commercial awareness with ability to balance quality, cost, and programme.

Responsibilities

• Lead design delivery on £10m+ projects in defence, MOD, and nuclear environments.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams and consultant relationships.
• Drive value engineering for innovative, cost-effective solutions.

Skills

Design management experience

Stakeholder management

Technical knowledge in construction

Excellent communication skills

Education

Professional qualification: RIBA, ICE, CIOB or equivalent

CSCS Black Card (Design Manager minimum)

SMSTS certification

Tools

BIM Level 2

Digital design platforms

Job description

Senior Design Manager | Defence & Nuclear | £80k-£90k

Location: Wiltshire/Bristol (Site-based)

Salary: £80,000 – £90,000

Sector: High-Tech Design & Build | Defence, MOD & Nuclear

Job Type: Permanent, Full-time

Shape the Future of Mission-Critical Infrastructure

Join a market-leading design and build contractor delivering some of the UK's most important projects in defence, MOD, and nuclear sectors. We're seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to lead complex, high-value projects across Wiltshire and Bristol.

If you thrive on technical challenges, want to work on projects that genuinely matter, and are ready to take your career to the next level, this is your opportunity.

Our client is a leading design and build contractor specialising in high-tech, mission-critical projects across defence, nuclear, data, and energy sectors. With a reputation for technical excellence and innovation, they deliver complex projects that require the highest standards of quality, compliance, and safety.

They're committed to investing in their people, offering genuine career progression, and creating an inclusive workplace where talent thrives.

What You'll Be Doing

As Senior Design Manager, you'll own the entire design lifecycle—from bid stage through to handover—on cutting-edge, high-tech construction projects.

Your day-to-day will include:

• Leading design delivery on £10m+ projects in defence, MOD, and nuclear environments
• Coordinating multidisciplinary design teams, consultants, and specialist subcontractors
• Ensuring full compliance with stringent regulatory, safety, and technical standards
• Driving value engineering to deliver innovative, cost-effective, and buildable solutions
• Managing design programmes to meet critical project milestones
• Building strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and supply chain partners
• Reviewing and approving technical submissions, drawings, and specifications
• Identifying and mitigating design risks before they impact delivery

What We Need From You

Essential:

• 10+ years in design management within construction
• Proven experience in defence, MOD, nuclear, or highly regulated sectors
• Strong technical knowledge of design coordination and buildability
• Professional qualification: RIBA, ICE, CIOB or equivalent
• CSCS Black Card (Design Manager minimum)
• SMSTS certification
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Commercial awareness with ability to balance quality, cost, and programme

Desirable:

• Experience with BIM Level 2 and digital design platforms
• Background in data centres, secure facilities, or advanced manufacturing
• Security clearance or eligibility for SC clearance
• Knowledge of CDM regulations and principal designer responsibilities

What's In It For You?

• Competitive salary of £80,000–£90,000 (based on experience)
• Company car or car allowance
• Career development – Clear progression pathways and leadership training
• Challenging projects – Work on the UK's most critical infrastructure
• Industry leader – Join a company with an outstanding reputation and project pipeline
• Supportive culture – Collaborative environment that values your expertise
• Job security – Long‑term projects with a stable, growing contractor
• Professional development – Support for charterships and continued learning

Ready to Apply?

If you're an experienced Senior Design Manager ready to lead high‑profile projects in defence and nuclear sectors, we want to hear from you.

Alternatively, click"Apply Now" and we'll be in touch within 24 hours to discuss this opportunity.