Senior Design Manager

Michael Page (UK); Newbury; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Tier 1 contractor is seeking a Senior Design Manager in Newbury to lead complex design delivery and ensure robust project outcomes. The role involves managing multi-disciplinary teams, enhancing buildability, and supporting project performance. Candidates should have strong experience in construction projects and excellent stakeholder management skills. Competitive salary and flexible working arrangements offered, alongside extensive benefits including private medical insurance and generous leave policies.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

Private medical insurance

Pension scheme with 8% employer contribution

26 days' annual leave plus bank holidays

Extensive learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in a relevant technical discipline.
• Strong experience managing multi-disciplinary design delivery.
• Comprehensive understanding of construction methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the review of existing design information and risk appraisals.
• Develop and monitor design programmes aligned to procurement.
• Drive technical reviews and value engineering exercises.

Skills

Design coordination

Project management

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field

Job description

• Lead complex, high-value design delivery with genuine career progression
• Join a collaborative team shaping innovative, technically robust projects

About Our Client

A leading Tier 1 contractor recognised for delivering high-profile, technically challenging projects across a range of sectors, including commercial, residential, public realm, and mixed-use developments. The business is known for its commitment to innovation, buildability, and sustainable delivery, partnering closely with clients, consultants, and supply chain partners to create projects that offer long-term social and economic value.

With a culture centred around collaboration, professional development, and flexible working, the organisation provides an environment where Senior Design Managers can drive meaningful change, lead high-calibre schemes, and advance their careers within a supportive and forward-thinking team.

Job Description

• Lead the review of existing design information, carrying out detailed risk and opportunity appraisals to reduce design risk, enhance buildability, and maximise value.
• Develop, manage, and monitor robust design programmes and information release schedules aligned to design, procurement, and construction requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the Project Team, Lead Designer, and Consultant Team to ensure fully coordinated and technically robust design outputs.
• Partner with Commercial and Operations teams to ensure design deliverables align with cost plans, construction methodologies, and programme constraints.
• Drive technical reviews, value engineering exercises, and design workshops to support cost efficiency, compliance, and overall project performance.
• Maintain strong communication with clients, consultants, and internal teams to support informed decision-making and positive project outcomes.
• Ensure design deliverables meet contractual, statutory, and best-practice requirements.
• Support continuous improvement and innovation across design management processes and project delivery.

The Successful Applicant

• Degree-qualified in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Engineering, Design Management, or a related technical discipline.
• Strong experience managing multi-disciplinary design delivery on large, complex construction projects-ideally within a contractor environment.
• Comprehensive understanding of design coordination, buildability, construction methodologies, and technical compliance.
• Proven ability to lead design teams, challenge assumptions, and drive high levels of performance and accountability.
• Excellent commercial awareness, with experience aligning design development with cost, risk, procurement, and programme requirements.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Proactive, solution-focused, and collaborative in approach.
• Ability to work flexibly, including travel to project and office locations as required.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary with discretionary profit share scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Car allowance or company car (role/grade dependent).
• Travel reimbursement to project sites (in line with advisory rates).
• Private medical insurance.
• Pension scheme with 8% employer contribution.
• Health and wellbeing programme.
• 26 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Wide range of corporate benefits and lifestyle perks.
• Extensive learning and development opportunities to support long-term career progression.
• Industry-leading family leave benefits, including 26 weeks fully paid maternity leave and 12 weeks fully paid paternity leave.