Strategic Design Lead for Complex Construction Projects

Tilbury Douglas; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Private medical insurance

Life assurance and pension

Volunteering days

Flexible working

Job summary

Tilbury Douglas is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to lead the design function across the North East region. You will oversee complex construction projects from bid through to construction design, ensuring safety, compliance and on‑programme delivery.

You will mentor design teams, drive value engineering and design governance, and collaborate with clients, consultants and subcontractors to deliver healthcare, education and commercial schemes with excellence.

Qualifications

• Experience leading multidisciplinary design teams on complex construction projects.
• Knowledge of healthcare, education, commercial and public sector environments.
• Strong procurement experience (framework, negotiated, single-stage and two-stage).
• Leadership, communication and stakeholder management excellence.
• Understanding of Building Regulations, CDM and sustainable design.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior design leadership across multiple projects and frameworks (£2m–£40m).
• Lead design strategies aligned with programme, commercial and client objectives.
• Drive governance, risk management and value engineering.
• Build relationships with clients, consultants and stakeholders.
• Support bid and pre-construction activities with high-quality proposals.

Skills

Design leadership

Stakeholder management

Mentoring

Value engineering

Commercial awareness

Planning

Education

Construction degree or HNC

CIOB membership advantageous

Tools

Powerproject

TeamPlan

Microsoft Office

Job description

Tilbury Douglas is seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to lead the design function across the North East region. You will oversee complex construction projects from bid through to construction design, ensuring safety, compliance and on‑programme delivery.

You will mentor design teams, drive value engineering and design governance, and collaborate with clients, consultants and subcontractors to deliver healthcare, education and commercial schemes with excellence.