Senior Design Manager

ARC (Norwich) Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in the commercial property sector is seeking a Senior Design Manager to oversee design and technical solutions for major refurbishment and planned maintenance programs. This role requires managing multi-disciplinary design teams and ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards, particularly in operational environments. Candidates should have a degree in a relevant discipline and proven experience in commercial projects. Excellent problem-solving and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading design delivery on commercial refurbishment and retrofit projects.
• Strong understanding of commercial building compliance and fire safety.
• Proficient in managing design assurance and risk mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate design teams through all RIBA stages for commercial developments.
• Ensure compliance with building safety regulations.
• Oversee BIM Level 2 implementation across all project stages.

Skills

Leadership of design teams

Stakeholder coordination

Problem-solving skills

Knowledge of energy-efficiency retrofit principles

Education

Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline

Tools

BIM Level 2 processes

Digital design technologies

Job description

Senior Design Manager – Commercial Build

Salary: Up to £80k + package
Employment Type: Permanent

Representing a leading organisation within the commercial property and construction sector

Our client, a respected name within the commercial built environment, is seeking a highly capable Senior Design Manager to oversee the delivery of design and technical solutions across major refurbishment, retrofit, and planned maintenance programmes. This role is ideal for an experienced design professional with a strong technical background and a proven ability to manage complex commercial building projects from inception through to completion.

The Role

As Senior Design Manager, you will lead multi-disciplinary design teams across a variety of commercial property schemes, including high-rise office refurbishments, commercial fit-outs, and complex retrofit projects. You will ensure that all design outputs meet stringent regulatory, fire safety, and building performance standards, particularly within operational and occupied environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate design teams through all RIBA stages for commercial developments and refurbishments.
• Ensure full compliance with building safety regulations, including Gateway processes for applicable higher-risk commercial buildings.
• Oversee BIM Level 2 implementation and drive digital design coordination across all project stages.
• Manage design risk, technical assurance, and quality control for commercial schemes.
• Deliver retrofit solutions that enhance energy performance, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
• Maintain the golden thread of project information and ensure seamless communication across internal and external stakeholders.
• Produce and review design documentation for commercial planned maintenance programmes and refurbishment work in live, operational environments.

Qualifications & Expertise

• Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• Strong understanding of commercial building compliance, fire safety strategy, and structural design considerations.
• Proficiency in BIM Level 2 processes and digital design technologies.

Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated experience leading design delivery on commercial refurbishment, retrofit, or high-rise property projects.
• Proven capability in managing design assurance, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong knowledge of energy-efficiency retrofit principles and sustainable design.
• Excellent stakeholder coordination, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working within operational commercial buildings and delivering planned maintenance programmes.

To be considered for this position please apply with your CV, for further information please contact Jenny Saban in our Cambridge office