Senior Design Manager

Fawkes and Reece; South Oxfordshire; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable contracting company in South Oxfordshire is seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead design management for a £50 million residential project. You will coordinate consultants and ensure design quality while supporting junior team members. Ideal candidates have senior-level experience with large projects and strong communication skills. This role values work-life balance and professional development.

Benefits

Work-life balance

Supportive senior leadership

Opportunity for professional development

Qualifications

• Experienced Design Manager or established Senior Design Manager.
• Strong background with main contractors on £30m-£60m projects.
• Detail-driven, commercially aware, and proactive.

Responsibilities

• Lead design management from pre-construction to delivery.
• Coordinate consultants, architects, and subcontractors.
• Drive value engineering, buildability, and compliance.
• Support junior team members and shape best practice.

Skills

Design management

Communication

Problem-solving

Relationship building

Job description

Reference: AK-SDM151025_1760524099
Posted: October 15, 2025

If you're looking to join a contractor where you'll feel valued, supported, and given the autonomy to deliver, this could be the perfect next step. Fawkes and Reece are working with a well-established main contractor that has built a strong reputation delivering projects across commercial, education, residential and public sector schemes. With a healthy pipeline of work and a collaborative culture, they are now looking for a Senior Design Manager to join their team.

This main contractor are delivering a £50million design and build Residential/Later living scheme in South Oxfordshire. Initially you will be office based in their London office during the pre-construction stage of the project. This project is due to commence on site pretty swiftly and will require a Senior Design Manager who is capable of delivering the project from it's inception through to completion in 2027.

What's in it for you?

• A contractor with a proven track record of repeat business and long-standing client relationships.
• A role where you'll lead design management across varied and interesting projects.
• Supportive senior leadership and a culture that values work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals within the industry.

What you'll be doing:

• Taking the lead on design management from pre-construction through to delivery.
• Coordinating consultants, architects, and subcontractors to ensure smooth design processes.
• Driving value engineering, buildability, and compliance while maintaining design quality.
• Supporting junior team members and helping shape best practice within the business.

What we're looking for:

• Experienced Design Manager ready to step up, or an established Senior Design Manager.
• Strong background working for a main contractor on £30m-£60m projects.
• Confident communicator who can build strong relationships with clients and consultants.
• Detail-driven, commercially aware, and proactive in problem-solving.

If you want to hear more about this Senior Design Manager role, please apply with an up-to-date copy of your CV or contact Arri Kirby in our London office on [e-mail].