Senior Design Manager

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

Job summary

Apple Technical Recruitment (UK) is seeking a Senior Design Manager for a prestigious Higher Education project in Watford. The role focuses on on-site design coordination, technical compliance and management of external consultants as the project progresses onto site.

You will liaise between the design team, client and delivery teams, driving design processes to meet project timelines and commercial targets.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' experience with a Main Contractor.
• Experience on Higher Education, Life Science/Pharma or Wet Leisure/Labs projects.
• Previous roles include Technical Manager, Senior Design Manager, Design Manager, Principal Design Manager, Design & Build Manager.

Responsibilities

• Oversee on-site design coordination and technical compliance.
• Act as liaison between design team, client and on-site delivery team.
• Drive an efficient design process aligned to timelines and budget.
• Support innovation in design and construction methodologies.
• Manage external consultants to deliver during the delivery phase.

Education

HNC or Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or related

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

The Senior Design Manager will oversee technical compliance and design management, focusing primarily on on-site design coordination and managing the performance of external consultants through the delivery phase.

Key responsibilities include:

• 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.