Senior Design Manager

CONTRACT SCOTLAND LIMITED; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK construction firm in Edinburgh is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to oversee and coordinate the design processes on high-quality developments. The successful candidate will lead design efforts from pre-construction through completion, ensuring alignment with client needs and technical standards while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships. This role offers a competitive salary and a supportive work environment that values collaboration and professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunity for professional growth

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager in main contracting.
• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process from pre-construction to completion.
• Ensure design information aligns with client requirements and regulations.
• Conduct design reviews and value engineering exercises.

Skills

Design management

Technical understanding of residential and mixed-use schemes

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Education

Degree in a construction-related discipline

Job description

Senior Design Manager
Edinburgh

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Design Manager to join a leading UK construction and development business, recognised for delivering high-quality, design-led projects within the residential, student accommodation, and build-to-rent sectors.

The company is known for its commitment to collaboration, integrity, and technical excellence. With a strong pipeline of work across the UK, this is a chance to join a forward-thinking organisation that values long-term partnerships, continuous improvement, and the professional growth of its people.

The Role

The Senior Design Manager will be responsible for managing and coordinating the design process across all stages of a major development in Edinburgh. The role will involve working closely with internal teams, consultants, and subcontractors to ensure that design deliverables are completed to programme, budget, and quality requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process from pre-construction through to project completion.
• Ensure all design information aligns with client requirements, statutory regulations, and technical standards.
• Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, and value engineering exercises.
• Coordinate with project and site teams to resolve technical and design-related issues.
• Support and mentor junior design management staff as required.
• Maintain strong relationships with external consultants and key stakeholders.

About You

• Demonstrable experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager within a main contracting environment.
• Strong technical understanding of residential, student accommodation, or mixed‑use schemes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and drive the design process to successful delivery.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills.
• Degree qualified in a construction-related discipline (or equivalent experience).

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to play a key role in the delivery of a high-profile Edinburgh development.
• A collaborative and professional working environment that promotes innovation and continuous learning.

Legal Information:
We act as an employment agency for permanent work and as an employment business for temporary work.

For roles in the UK, applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

We value diversity and promote equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all areas of society and can discuss any reasonable adjustments to support your application.