Design Manager

Job Description

Design Manager

Location: Essex

Company: Tier 1 Main Contractor (c. £1bn turnover)

Sector: Data Centres & Mission Critical / Industrial & Logistics

Package: £65,000 – £75,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus + Full Package

Overview:

A leading Tier 1 main contractor with a turnover exceeding £1bn is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join their team on a flagship state-of-the-art steel-frame logistics centre based in Essex. The business is renowned for delivering high-specification data centres, mission-critical industrial schemes, and complex technical projects across the UK and Europe.

This role will play a key part in managing the design process from pre-construction through delivery, ensuring technical excellence, compliance, and coordination across all disciplines.

Key Responsibilities:

Design Management:

• Lead and manage the full design process from tender stage through construction and handover.
• Coordinate with architects, structural engineers, M&E designers, specialist subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Review design deliverables to ensure technical accuracy, buildability, and compliance with project requirements.
• Manage the design programme, ensuring timely release of information (RFI responses, design approvals, drawing packages).

Technical & Quality Assurance:

• Ensure all designs comply with building regulations, industry standards, fire and safety protocols, and relevant client specifications.
• Identify technical risks early and work with stakeholders to resolve issues proactively.
• Lead value-engineering workshops to drive efficiency while maintaining quality.

Communication & Coordination:

• Act as the key interface between the client, consultant teams, and internal project delivery teams.
• Facilitate design meetings, workshops, and technical reviews.
• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors to ensure smooth flow of information.

Documentation & Reporting:

• Maintain accurate design records, trackers, and approvals.
• Prepare reports on design progress, design risks, and change control for senior management.
• Support commercial teams with technical input for procurement packages and change orders.

Experience & Requirements

Essential:

• Proven Design Manager experience within a Tier 1 or major main contractor environment.
• Experience on industrial, logistics, data centre, or mission-critical projects.
• Strong understanding of steel-frame construction methodologies.
• Experience managing complex M&E-heavy schemes.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary design teams on fast-paced projects.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder-management skills.

Desirable:

• Degree-qualified in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Experience with BIM / digital coordination tools (e.g., Revit, Navisworks).
• Experience delivering large-scale schemes in excess of £50m+.

Package:

• Salary: £65,000 – £75,000
• Car Allowance
• Annual Bonus Scheme
• Full Tier 1 Contractor Benefits Package
• Travel expenses and professional development support.

Why Join?

• Opportunity to work on a cutting-edge logistics scheme for a leading contractor.
• Join a high-performing team within a stable, well-funded business delivering major mission-critical projects.
• Long-term career progression across data centres, industrial, and technical sectors.