Design Manager

Job Description

Job Title:

Design Manager
Department:
Design Management / Pre-Construction

Location:

UK (Project-based with office support)
Reporting To:
Project Lead / Senior Management Team / Directors

Company Overview

With a strong and secure pipeline of work extending into 2026/27, the business continues to deliver a diverse portfolio of high-quality projects across multiple sectors. Current and forthcoming projects include hotel extensions and façade replacements, new build residential developments, heritage refurbishments, and major pre-construction opportunities across the UK.

Role Overview

An opportunity has arisen to join a collaborative, professional Design Management Team. The successful candidate will play a key role in leading and managing design activities across bids and live projects, ensuring designs are compliant, buildable, cost-effective, and aligned with client objectives from project inception through to completion and customer care.

Current & Upcoming Projects Include

Hotel Extensions & Façade Replacements - Farnborough, Solihull, Warrington & Leeds (£10m)
New Build Residential - Stockport (£55m)
Heritage Refurbishment - 5
* Hotel, Bath (£35m)
New Build Residential - Liverpool (£45m)
Pre-Construction Opportunities - Operational, Design Management & Estimating
Project Manager - Customer Care Department

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage all aspects of Design Management for live bids and construction projects throughout the full project lifecycle
Provide design leadership from project inception through to handover and customer care
Influence design development to enhance buildability, programme certainty and cost efficiency
Manage Net Zero, sustainability, energy and carbon objectives, supporting both client and business commitments
Coordinate and collaborate with supply chain partners to develop optimal and innovative delivery solutions
Manage compliance with CDM Regulations, planning conditions and statutory/regulatory approvals
Compile, negotiate and manage Consultant and Sub-Contractor Appointments and Design Responsibility Matrices in collaboration with the in-house legal team
Contribute to supply chain interviews, subcontract procurement and specialist technical appraisals
Prepare Contractors Proposals and Employers Requirements documentation
Provide technical support for RFIs and design-related queries
Manage third-party consents and statutory approvals
Build, maintain and develop strong client relationships
Support employee development through active involvement in the Building Student Programme Skills, Experience & Knowledge

Proven track record in Design Management within the construction industry
Experience managing the full project lifecycle from pre-construction to completion
Strong working knowledge of construction techniques, sequencing, methodologies and delivery processes
Excellent understanding of Building Regulations, industry standards and best practice guidance
Commercial and contractual awareness
Experience working with multidisciplinary internal and external teams

Key Attributes

Excellent communication skills with confidence to challenge, influence and solve problems
Highly organised, methodical and able to manage competing priorities
Strong presentation skills, both written and verbal
High level of attention to detail while maintaining a strategic overview
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise effectively across departments and stakeholders
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently when required
Capable of meeting demanding deadlines within a fast-paced environment

RG Setsquare is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy