Senior Design Manager

PACE Recruitment; Northaw; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional main contractor in Northaw is looking for an experienced Senior Design Manager to lead the design strategy for high-quality construction projects. The role involves overseeing the entire design lifecycle while ensuring compliance with regulations and effective communication with clients and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess deep construction knowledge, proficiency in design tools, and strong leadership skills. This position offers a competitive salary of £70,000 - £95,000 plus bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package, with clear opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunities for career advancement

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of construction techniques and modern project delivery methods.
• Strong navigation and interpretation skills with design and BIM tools.
• Proven ability to integrate complex project components.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design strategy in alignment with business objectives.
• Oversee the full design lifecycle and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Maintain compliance with building regulations and industry standards.

Skills

Construction techniques

Design and BIM tools

Leadership and mentoring

Analytical mindset

Interpersonal communication

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

Senior Design Manager Location: Hertfordshire (regional main contractor) Salary: Competitive package up to circa £70,000 - £95,000, depending on experience, plus bonus, benefits, and clear opportunities for career progression Reports to: Pre-Construction Director

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to play a pivotal leadership role in delivering high‑quality, efficient, and compliant construction projects. This position acts as the vital link between creative design vision and practical on‑site execution, ensuring projects are realised on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.

Working for a respected Hertfordshire‑based main contractor with a strong regional presence, you will champion innovative and sustainable approaches while upholding the company's reputation for integrity, confidentiality, and professional discretion. Previous team members in similar roles have consistently provided excellent feedback about the supportive environment and growth potential here.

Core Responsibilities

• Shape and lead the company's design strategy, aligning it closely with overall business objectives to deliver projects that are both innovative and commercially successful.
• Oversee the full design lifecycle, coordinating multidisciplinary teams (including architects, engineers, and specialist consultants) to develop robust, buildable solutions that meet client expectations, programme deadlines, and cost targets.
• Act as the key design interface for clients, consultants, and internal stakeholders—leading meetings, workshops, and discussions to foster alignment and swiftly resolve any emerging issues or TABCh conflictsిగి.
• Maintain rigorous compliance with building regulations, health & safety legislation, environmental requirements, and evolving industry standards, while proactively keeping abreast of new technologies and best practices.
• Drive quality throughout the design process by reviewing and approving drawings, specifications, and technical submissions, and carrying out regular site inspections to verify faithful implementation during construction.
• Collaborate with project teams on cost control and value engineering opportunities, identifying smart ways to optimise designs without sacrificing quality or intent.
• Proactively spot potential design‑related risks at the earliest stages and develop effective mitigation plans to protect project outcomes.
• Support and continually improve the organisation's design management processes and systems, while providing project‑specific guidance, auditing, and advice as needed.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with internal departments and key external partners/dutyholders to ensure seamless collaboration.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Deep knowledge of construction techniques, materials, building systems, and modern project delivery methods.
• Confident working with design and BIM tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and related software to review and manage information effectively (hands‑on production not required, but strong navigation and interpretation skills are essential).
• Proven ability to integrate complex project components and systems, ensuring cohesive outcomes.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to clearly explain technical decisions, influence stakeholders under pressure, and promote understanding across teams.
• Strong analytical mindset and problem‑solving capability—able to diagnose unexpected challenges quickly and implement practical, timely solutions.
• Comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy: given clear objectives, you take initiative, adapt approaches where authorised, and deliver results independently.
• Leadership experience, including mentoring and guiding multidisciplinary teams (both internal design staff and external consultants/partners).

What We Offer

In addition to a competitive salary, you can expect a comprehensive benefits package, performance‑related bonus, and genuine scope for advancement within a stable and well‑regarded business. This is an excellent opportunity to make a real impact on regional projects while enjoying the advantages of working for a caráter‑size contractor with a positive culture and proven track record of employee satisfaction.

If this sounds like the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you