Senior Design Manager

Apple Technical Recruitment (UK) Limited; Welwyn; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in the UK seeks a Senior Design Manager to lead design on a £30 million project. Ideal candidates should have significant experience in design management on complex projects valued over £20 million. The role emphasizes technical accuracy, design innovation, and liaising with clients and delivery teams. A degree in Civil Engineering or Architecture is preferred. A comprehensive benefits package is included.

Benefits

Health benefits

Bonus

Pension

Car allowance

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Design Manager or Technical Manager on complex projects.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience within an architectural practice, developer, or main contractor.
• In-depth knowledge of construction methodologies and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee technical compliance and design management.
• Act as the liaison between design teams and clients.
• Drive design processes aligned with project timelines.

Skills

Excellent communication

Coordination skills

Leadership skills

Understanding of digital design

Understanding of modern construction techniques

Education

HNC or Degree in Civil Engineering

Construction Management

Architecture

Job description

Vacancy Summary

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Hertfordshire

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: c£80,000-£85,000 basic, plus a comprehensive package including car or allowance, health benefits, bonus, pension and more.

Company & Project

An award‑winning main contractor renowned for advancing modern methods of construction and digital design innovation is seeking to strengthen its design team with the appointment of a Senior Design Manager. The successful candidate will take the design lead on a newly secured project valued at around £30 million.

Operating across multiple sectors – including commercial, science, residential, mixed‑use, healthcare, higher education and regeneration – the Senior Design Manager will be responsible for managing the design process from early feasibility and planning stages through to on‑site coordination and delivery.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Senior Design Manager will oversee technical compliance and design management, focusing primarily on early feasibility and procurement stages, while also monitoring on‑site design coordination and managing the performance of external consultants.

• Act as the primary liaison between the design team, client and on‑site delivery team.
• Ensure technical accuracy and compliance with all relevant standards and regulations.
• Drive an efficient design process aligned with project timelines and commercial targets.
• Support innovation in design and construction methodologies.

Desirable Experience

Significant experience as a Design Manager, Technical Manager or Design & Build Manager on complex projects valued at £20 million+, from early planning through to completion. A minimum of 10 years’ experience within an architectural practice, developer or main contractor (experience with a main contractor highly advantageous). In‑depth knowledge of construction methodologies, Design & Build contracts, planning legislation and building regulations.

Previous roles may include:

• Technical Manager
• Senior Design Manager
• Design Manager
• Senior Design Coordinator
• Design & Build Manager

Qualifications & Skills

• HNC or Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or Architecture.
• Excellent communication, coordination and leadership skills.
• Understanding of digital design and modern construction techniques.

Application Process

If you would like more information on this Senior Design Manager position or any other vacancy, please email your current CV to Jess Quinn, where it will be reviewed and you will be contacted within 48 hours if your CV is of interest.