Senior Design Manager

Walker & Sloan; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contractor in the UK is seeking a Senior Design Manager to oversee the design lifecycle for projects in the defence sector. The role involves managing design teams and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Ideal candidates will have a proven background in design management within complex and regulated environments. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Collaborative work environment

Focus on sustainability and innovation

Qualifications

• Proven experience in defence or nuclear industry design management.
• Strong track record managing large, technically demanding design projects.
• Deep understanding of design and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full design lifecycle from concept through handover.
• Oversee internal and external design teams and ensure design compliance.
• Collaborate with project teams for design integration.

Skills

Design management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Sustainable design

Education

Degree in Engineering/Architecture/Building Services

Job description

Overview

Senior Design Manager
Salary: £80,000 - £90,000 per annum
Location: Bristol
Sector Focus: Defence

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full design lifecycle from concept through handover, particularly on projects in defence or nuclear, or similarly regulated sectors.
• Oversee internal and external design teams, consultants, and contractors, ensuring high standards of design, timeliness, and compliance.
• Ensure designs meet regulatory requirements, including security, safety, sustainability, and client‑specific standards.
• Collaborate with project delivery, construction and management teams to ensure design integration and constructability.
• Manage risk, design reviews, change control, and approvals process.
• Be a key stakeholder in bid and tender processes, providing robust design input.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in defence or nuclear industry design management, or related sectors with similar complexity and regulation.
• Strong track record managing large, technically demanding design projects.
• Deep understanding of design standards, regulatory & security standards, safety, sustainable design, and the full construction lifecycle.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Degree in relevant discipline (Engineering, Architecture, Building Services, etc.). Chartered status (or working towards) is a plus.

Why apply

• Work with one of the UK's leading contractors in data, defence & energy.
• Be part of projects that are mission‑critical and high visibility.
• A culture focused on sustainability, innovation, precision, and doing things right.
• Collaborative, people‑focused environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits