Senior Design Manager

Mandala Group Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence contractor is seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead design transformation in complex projects within the UK. You will manage multi-disciplinary design teams and utilize advanced digital tools to ensure compliance with high safety standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in design management, particularly in secure projects, along with strong BIM skills and a passion for sustainable design. Competitive salary and benefits are on offer.

Benefits

Competitive salary with bonus potential

Vitality Health Insurance

Health Cash Plan

Cycle to Work scheme

Paid volunteering day

Continuous professional development

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Senior Design Manager or Principal Design Manager.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and leadership capability.
• Strong BIM and digital design expertise.
• Security clearance (or eligibility) required.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary design coordination across defence projects.
• Ensure design integrity through all RIBA stages.
• Manage design risk, governance and change control.
• Oversee integration between architectural, structural, civils and MEP disciplines.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

BIM expertise

Leadership capability

Risk management

Innovation in design

Tools

Revit

Navisworks

BIM360

Job description

Help lead the design transformation of the UK s defence infrastructure.

We re representing a next-generation contractor redefining how secure, complex projects are delivered, using advanced digital tools, automation and AI-enhanced collaboration to industrialise design for the modern age.

As a Senior Design Manager, you ll drive excellence across major defence and secure-estate projects, leading multi-disciplinary design teams to deliver world-class facilities that meet the highest standards of safety, compliance and innovation.

About the Role

You ll oversee all aspects of design management, from early concept development through to coordinated construction delivery. The Senior Design Manager will work hand-in-hand with internal design, engineering and project management teams, as well as MOD stakeholders and specialist subcontractors, ensuring seamless coordination across every discipline.

You ll use digital design tools such as Revit, Navisworks and BIM360 to manage complex data and ensure clarity across all RIBA stages. This is an opportunity for a Senior Design Manager who wants to influence national-level infrastructure projects while working at the cutting edge of AI-enabled, industrialised construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary design coordination across defence projects
• Ensure design integrity through all RIBA stages
• Manage design risk, governance and change control
• Oversee integration between architectural, structural, civils and MEP disciplines
• Drive quality, efficiency and compliance with defence standards
• Develop, coach and inspire high-performing design teams

About You

• Significant experience as a Senior Design Manager or Principal Design Manager on complex or secure projects
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and leadership capability
• Strong BIM and digital design expertise
• Security clearance (or eligibility) required
• Passionate about innovation, collaboration and sustainable design

What s on Offer

• Competitive salary with bonus potential
• Vitality Health Insurance and Health Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Paid volunteering day
• Continuous professional development and access to emerging digital training

Join as a Senior Design Manager and help redefine what s possible in defence construction blending innovation, security and sustainability into every design.