Senior Design Manager

Sphere Solutions; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking a Senior Design Manager / Design Lead for a major education project in Cardiff, valued at £100m. The role involves overseeing the full design lifecycle from pre-construction to delivery while ensuring design excellence and compliance. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in large construction projects and strong leadership skills, particularly within the education and public sector. This role offers competitive salary and benefits, and a chance to shape a landmark development in South Wales.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Collaborative working environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Design Manager or Design Lead on large construction projects.
• Strong background in education, healthcare, or complex public-sector projects.
• In-depth knowledge of the UK construction and design process, including D&B contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process on a major education project.
• Act as the single point of contact for all design-related matters.
• Manage design risk, change control, and technical queries.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership skills

BIM (Level 2)

Design coordination

Compliance with regulations

Education

Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related discipline

Job description

Senior Design Manager / Design Lead - Major Education Project

Location: Cardiff

Salary: Competitive + excellent benefits

Sector: Construction / Education / Major Projects

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Design Manager / Design Lead to take a pivotal role on a large-scale education project in Cardiff, valued at approximately £100m. This is a high-profile, technically complex scheme delivered by a leading Tier 1 contractor, offering long-term stability and the chance to influence a landmark development in South Wales.

You will act as the Design Lead, managing the full design lifecycle from pre-construction through to delivery, ensuring design excellence, compliance, and coordination across multiple disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process on a major education project from RIBA Stage 2 through to completion
• Act as the single point of contact for all design-related matters, coordinating internal teams, consultants, and stakeholders
• Manage and challenge architects, engineers, and specialist designers to ensure buildability, value, and programme alignment
• Ensure compliance with statutory regulations, planning conditions, and employer's requirements
• Drive design coordination using BIM and digital design tools, ensuring clash-free and coordinated outputs
• Manage design risk, change control, and technical queries
• Chair design workshops and progress meetings, producing clear reports and action plans
• Support procurement, construction, and commissioning teams with technical input
• Promote best practice in health & safety, sustainability, and quality

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Senior Design Manager, Design Manager, or Design Lead on large construction projects
• Strong background in education, healthcare, or complex public-sector projects
• Experience working for a Tier 1 or major main contractor
• In-depth knowledge of the UK construction and design process, including D&B contracts
• Strong understanding of BIM (Level 2), technical compliance, and design coordination
• Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills
• Degree-qualified in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Chartered status (RIBA, CIOB, ICE, or similar) desirable but not essential

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to lead a £100m flagship education scheme
• Long-term, career-defining role on a major project in Cardiff
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Collaborative, professional working environment with clear progression opportunities

Apply

If you are a Senior Design Manager or Design Lead looking to take ownership of a prestigious education project in South Wales, this role offers scale, challenge, and long-term opportunity.