Senior Design Manager

Apple Technical Recruitment (UK) Limited; Watford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Healthcare

Performance bonus

Pension

Job summary

Apple Technical Recruitment (UK) Limited is seeking a Senior Design Manager for a permanent role in Watford, Hertfordshire. The project is a £60m+ higher education scheme, with on-site design coordination and close liaison with clients and delivery teams.

You will manage design processes, ensure technical accuracy and regulatory compliance, and drive design activities to meet ambitious timelines while supporting innovative construction approaches.

Qualifications

• 10 years' experience working for a Main Contractor.
• Experience on Higher Education, Life Science/Pharmaceuticals or similar sectors preferred.
• On-site design coordination experience is essential.

Responsibilities

• Acting as the primary liaison between the design team, client, and on-site delivery team.
• Ensuring technical accuracy and compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
• Driving an efficient design process aligned with project timelines and commercial targets.
• Supporting innovation in design and construction methodologies.
• A process-driven approach with strong technical understanding and attention to detail.

Skills

Design management

Design coordination

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder liaison

Education

Civil/Structural Engineering degree

Job description

Vacancy Summary

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Job Type: Permanent

Job Ref: #1441

Location: Watford, Hertfordshire (Mix of Office & Site based, with flexible working options available)

Salary: c£80,000-£90,000 basic salary (DOE), plus a comprehensive package including car allowance, healthcare, performance bonus, pension.

Company & Project: A successful Tier 1 Main Contractor with a stable and secured pipeline of work are looking for a Senior Design Manager to join the business working on a new c£60m new build Higher Education project starting on site imminently.

The project features unique design aspects and is highly technical, making it an excellent project for a talented design manager.

The Senior Design Manager will be involved in managing the design process including the on-site design coordination. This is a unique opportunity to lead a complex project in the local area as it progresses onto site.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Acting as the primary liaison between the design team, client, and on-site delivery team.
• Ensuring technical accuracy and compliance with all relevant standards and regulations.
• Driving an efficient design process aligned with project timelines and commercial targets.
• Supporting innovation in design and construction methodologies.
• A process-driven approach, strong technical understanding of construction, and a keen attention to detail are essential for success in this role.

Desirable Experience

• A minimum of 10 years' experience working for a Main Contractor.
• Previous experience on at least one of the following sectors: Higher Education, Life Science/Pharmaceuticals or Wet Leisure/Swimming Pools or other Laboratory.
• Previous Roles: Technical Manager | Senior Design Manager | Design Manager | Principal Design Manager | Design & Build Manager

Qualifications & Skills

HNC or Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or a related construction discipline.