Senior Design Manager

Fusion People Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Pension contribution

Exposure to complex UK projects

Clear progression into senior leader­-

Job summary

Fusion People Ltd in Manchester is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to lead technical delivery across pre-construction, directing design strategy and coordinating with consultants and supply chain partners.

You will set up technical deliverables, drive risk reduction, mentor junior staff, and ensure compliance with Building Safety Act and CDM regulations.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Building Services Engineering.
• Chartered or working towards (CIBSE, IET, IMechE preferred).

Responsibilities

• Leading technical strategy and design management across pre-construction phases.
• Managing relationships with clients, consultants, bid teams, and supply chain partners.
• Setting up and managing technical deliverables plans and review processes.
• Identifying and mitigating design and technical risks across projects.
• Ensuring designs are fully coordinated, compliant, and aligned with project objectives.
• Mentoring and supporting junior technical staff.
• Ensuring compliance with Building Safety Act, CDM regulations, and industry standards.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Mech & Elec Building Services

Design management

Pre-construction leadership

Education

Mechanical, Electrical or Building Services Engineering degree

Chartered or working towards (CIBSE, IET, IMechE preferred)

Job description

Salary: GBP75000 - GBP80000 per annum

Join a leading engineering and technical solutions provider delivering complex, high-value projects across the UK.

Due to continued growth and a strong pipeline of work, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Design Manager to join a high-performing technical team. You’ll play a key role in supporting projects from bid stage through pre-construction, ensuring technical excellence and reducing delivery risk.

This role is focused on technical leadership, design management, and ensuring projects are set up for efficient and successful delivery.

The Role

Reporting into the Project Director / Technical Leadership team, you will take ownership of technical delivery during the pre-construction phase, working closely with internal teams, consultants, and supply chain partners.

You will be responsible for shaping technical strategy, managing design processes, and ensuring projects are fully de-risked before site delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading technical strategy and design management across pre-construction phases
• Managing relationships with clients, consultants, bid teams, and supply chain partners
• Setting up and managing technical deliverables plans and review processes
• Identifying and mitigating design and technical risks across projects
• Ensuring designs are fully coordinated, compliant, and aligned with project objectives
• Managing value engineering, technical change, and design development activities
• Ensuring compliance with Building Safety Act, CDM regulations, and industry standards
• Coordinating specialist technical input (e.g. MMC, specialist systems)
• Managing consultant deliverables, scopes, and technical fee alignment
• Mentoring and supporting junior technical staff

Requirements

• Experience as a Senior Design Manager / Technical Manager within building services or MEP
• Strong Mechanical & Electrical / Building Services background
• Experience delivering projects in the £5M – £50M MEP range
• Exposure to sectors such as healthcare, commercial, leisure or defence
• Strong understanding of design management and pre-construction processes
• Knowledge of CDM, Building Safety Act, and technical standards
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Building Services Engineering (or similar)
• Chartered or working towards (CIBSE, IET, IMechE preferred)

Package

• Full benefits package
• Pension contribution
• Exposure to complex, high-profile UK projects
• Clear progression into senior leadership roles