Design Manager

A progressive and people-focused principal contractor is looking to appoint a Design Manager to join its expanding design team, supporting the delivery of major façade remediation and complex building envelope schemes. With confirmed work secured into 2028, this is an opportunity to join a stable, cash-rich business that continues to invest in its people, its technology, and the future of safer, better-built environments.

Based out of their head office in the Portsmouth area, projects are delivered nationwide. This new position has been created due to increased workload, offering a unique opportunity to shape and influence design management within the business. Projects range in value up to £22 million and include complex schemes across residential towers, stadiums, commercial buildings, and public sector assets. The company has built strong, long-term partnerships with blue-chip clients and is widely recognised for technical delivery on challenging and sensitive sites.

Now targeting further growth, the company is scaling with purpose, aiming to exceed £50 million turnover this year. Backed by a listed parent group with significant financial strength, they operate with a modern, entrepreneurial approach while maintaining strong family values and a culture of trust and development.

Design Manager Salary & Benefits

Salary: £60,000 - £85,000 (DOE)
25-30 days holiday + Bank Holiday
Pension Scheme
Project Bonus Scheme
Company Bonus Scheme
4 Years Death in Service Cover
Critical Illness Cover
Hybrid working available (mainly office-based with occasional site visits)
Team Social Events
Company events and supportive social environment
Comprehensive in-house and external Training and Development
Access to Udemy and training courses
Charity Fundraising Days
Office facilities including stocked kitchen and shower

Design Manager Job Overview

Manage and coordinate design deliverables across complex envelope remediation and construction schemes.
Ensure all design milestones are achieved and programmes continuously updated.
Oversee and drive performance of external design houses, consultants, and internal design/technical teams.
Provide programme and milestone control using Microsoft Project.
Maintain effective communication with stakeholders, commercial, and operational teams.
Monitor design risk and ensure compliance with HRB requirements and regulatory standards.
Support procurement and site delivery by ensuring accurate and timely design information.
Attend occasional site visits as required (no permanent site presence).

Design Manager Requirements

Minimum 5 years' experience in design and/or project management within the building envelope or wider construction industry.
Strong background in design management; façade remediation experience desirable.
Technical proficiency with Microsoft Project;
Primavera advantageous.
Ability to manage workflows, external consultants, and multi-disciplinary teams.
Strong commercial awareness in relation to design deliverables.
Confident communicator, able to build and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships.
Candidates from an architectural background (e.g., Architectural Technologist) with progression into project management will also be considered.

What makes this opportunity different?

Forward workload confirmed into 2028
Secure financial backing with strong reserves
Low staff turnover and clear paths for progression
Structured mentoring and access to coaching
Real stories of team members doubling their earnings in under three years
Weekly culture feedback that informs senior management decisions
Training support, flexible working, and long-term incentives including shares

Bennett & Game Recruitment are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.

We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy, and in accordance with GDPR by applying you are granting us consent to process your data, contact you about the services we offer, and submit your CV for the role you have applied for