Design Manager

Build Recruitment Limited; Town of Brighton (NY); On-site; USD 98,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

Build Recruitment Limited in Brighton (Falmer) is seeking a Design Manager on a contract basis. You will lead and manage design delivery across multiple projects, ensuring robust, buildable solutions and alignment with project goals.

The role requires Chartered Engineer or working towards, with a degree in engineering, and proven experience managing complex multidisciplinary design teams in water or utilities sectors. Strong communication and leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer or working towards with a degree-level qualification in engineering.
• Experience managing complex multi-disciplinary design projects.
• Background in engineering design, construction, and project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage design delivery across assigned projects from definition through handover.
• Ensure design teams and consultants develop safe, cost-effective, buildable solutions.
• Oversee design quality assurance and implement right-first-time design practices.

Skills

Design management

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Communication

Driving Licence

Water/Utilities experience

Education

Chartered Engineer

Engineering degree

Job description

Design Manager – Contract Brighton (Falmer) Inside IR35 Negotiable Day Rate

We’re working with a leading national construction and infrastructure business who are looking for an experienced Design Manager to join their team on a contract basis in Brighton (Falmer).

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of design delivery for a portfolio of technically complex and high-profile projects.

Location: Brighton (Falmer)
Day Rate: Negotiable (Inside IR35)
Hours: 40 per week
Contract Type: Ongoing

The Role

As Design Manager, you’ll lead and manage engineering design delivery across multiple projects, ensuring designs are technically robust, commercially efficient, and aligned with project goals. You’ll be the main point of contact for all design matters, collaborating closely with engineering teams, consultants, and construction partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage design delivery across assigned projects from definition through to handover
• Ensure design teams and consultants develop safe, cost-effective, and buildable solutions
• Oversee design quality assurance and implement “right-first-time” design practices
• Coordinate with engineering and construction teams to optimise methodologies and outputs
• Support project planning, risk management, and value engineering activities
• Drive innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement across design stages
• Manage and mentor multidisciplinary design teams to achieve delivery excellence

About You

• Chartered Engineer (or working towards) with a degree-level qualification in an engineering discipline
• Proven experience managing complex, multidisciplinary design projects
• Strong background in engineering design, construction, and project management
• Experience within the water or utilities sector is highly advantageous
• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage confidently with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Strong leadership, organisation, and influencing skills
• Full UK Driving Licence