Senior Design Manager

ARC Group; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organisation in commercial property and construction is seeking a Senior Design Manager to oversee design and technical solutions for refurbishment and maintenance programmes. This role requires strong technical expertise and leadership in managing complex projects, ensuring compliance with regulations and delivering efficient design solutions. Candidates should have a degree in a relevant field and proven experience in commercial projects. The role is based in Cambridgeshire.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of commercial building compliance and fire safety strategy.
• Proficiency in digital design technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead design teams through all RIBA stages for commercial developments.
• Oversee BIM Level 2 implementation across project stages.
• Manage design risk and quality control for commercial schemes.

Skills

Design delivery on commercial refurbishment projects

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder coordination

BIM Level 2 processes

Problem-solving skills

Education

Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline

Job description

Senior Design Manager Commercial Build

Salary: Up to £80k + package

Employment Type: Permanent

Representing a leading organisation within the commercial property and construction sector

Our client, a respected name within the commercial built environment, is seeking a highly capable Senior Design Manager to oversee the delivery of design and technical solutions across major refurbishment, retrofit, and planned maintenance programmes. This role is ideal for an experienced design professional with a strong technical background and a proven ability to manage complex commercial building projects from inception through to completion.

The Role

As Senior Design Manager, you will lead multi-disciplinary design teams across a variety of commercial property schemes, including high-rise office refurbishments, commercial fit-outs, and complex retrofit projects. You will ensure that all design outputs meet stringent regulatory, fire safety, and building performance standards, particularly within operational and occupied environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate design teams through all RIBA stages for commercial developments and refurbishments.
• Ensure full compliance with building safety regulations, including Gateway processes for applicable higher-risk commercial buildings.
• Oversee BIM Level 2 implementation and drive digital design coordination across all project stages.
• Manage design risk, technical assurance, and quality control for commercial schemes.
• Deliver retrofit solutions that enhance energy performance, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
• Maintain the golden thread of project information and ensure seamless communication across internal and external stakeholders.
• Produce and review design documentation for commercial planned maintenance programmes and refurbishment work in live, operational environments.

Qualifications & Expertise

• Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• Strong understanding of commercial building compliance, fire safety strategy, and structural design considerations.
• Proficiency in BIM Level 2 processes and digital design technologies.

Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated experience leading design delivery on commercial refurbishment, retrofit, or high-rise property projects.
• Proven capability in managing design assurance, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong knowledge of energy-efficiency retrofit principles and sustainable design.
• Excellent stakeholder coordination, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working within operational commercial buildings and delivering planned maintenance programmes.

To be considered for this position please apply with your CV, for further information please contact Jenny Saban in our Cambridge office.