Senior Design Manager

Fawkes and Reece; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Portsmouth seeks an experienced Senior Design Manager to oversee the design process for a £70m Higher Education project. Responsibilities include managing the design development and consultant team, liaising with various stakeholders, and ensuring timely delivery of project information. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical and commercial knowledge, and experience in large education projects. Excellent salary and career development opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience managing large new Higher Education projects.
• Proven ability in preconstruction design development.
• Experience with large projects in secondary education and commercial sectors.

Responsibilities

• Manage design development and consultant team.
• Liaise with clients, architects, and consultants.
• Ensure timely delivery of detailed design information.

Skills

Excellent technical and commercial knowledge

Strong planning and problem-solving ability

Communication and negotiation skills

Education

Engineering/Construction or Architectural background

Job description

Overview

Reference: MO11092024_1757610751
Posted: September 11, 2025

Ambitious/experienced Senior Design Manager required by the Southern region of this leading Tier 1 main contractor to manage the design process throughout second stage preconstruction and then construction of a £70m new build Higher Education project in Portsmouth, Hampshire.

The preconstruction phase will take 9-12 months with work due to commence on site in Q4 next year.

Reporting to and working closely with the Senior Project Manager for the scheme, you will be responsible for:

Responsibilities

• Management of the design development for the scheme throughout the PCSA initially;
• Management of consultant design team;
• Regular liaison with client, architect, consultants and the construction/commercial team;
• Agreement of information required schedule; Ensuring key dates achieved;
• Review of construction design information for buildability, compliance with contractors proposals, employers requirements, budget, current building legislation, etc;
• Identifying opportunities for value engineering opportunities where appropriate;
• Proactive issue resolution;
• Engaging with specialist sub-contractor design teams;
• Overall managing the smooth and timely delivery of detailed design information for preconstruction, then procurement and construction throughout the build process once underway.
• Preconstruction phase will be undertaken based in the Regional office prior to working Site-Based throughout construction phase.

About the Company

The company is a leading national main contractor, with experience and a proven track record in the delivery of complex new build schemes in secondary education, higher education, commercial offices, senior living, leisure centres and hotels ranging from £35m to £100m in the Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire areas.

Turnover is circa £100m+ for the office, with a regional base in Berkshire.

Qualifications

Requirements including certificates and qualifications:

Either from an Engineering/Construction delivery or Architectural background, you will possess excellent technical and commercial knowledge, a keen understanding of construction methodology, materials and systems, procurement lead in times, etc.

Previous experience of working on a large new Higher Education faculty scheme would be advantageous; Large project experience plus secondary education and commercial experience is also desirable.

You will have excellent communication and negotiations skills, strong planning and problem solving ability, initiative and a positive approach. In terms of character, you will be a highly driven, positive and ambitious individual able to work well within a large team dynamic.

You will ideally have a proven track record of successful project delivery with a recognised Main Contractor in a Senior Design Management role, and have lead a project through the preconstruction design development phase and successful construction.

High standards, attention to detail and the drive to deliver on programme, specification and budget will be very well rewarded with excellent salary, benefits, promotional and development prospects.

For more information on this contract please contact Martin Olney on 07984 174040 or send your CV to [e-mail]

Candidates must be able to prove their eligibility to work in the UK