Design Manager

Job Description

Design Manager – Data Centres & Mission Critical Projects

Wolverhampton

£55,000 – £70,000 per annum, Bonus, Car Allowance + Excellent Package

Company Overview:

Our client is a leading UK main contractor with a turnover in excess of £1bn, specialising in the delivery of large-scale data centre, mission-critical and complex industrial projects across the UK and Europe. Renowned for technical excellence, innovation and repeat blue-chip clients, the business continues to grow its design and engineering capability to support a strong secured pipeline of work.

Key Responsibilities:

Design Management:

• Manage and coordinate the design process across all disciplines (architectural, structural, MEP, specialist systems)
• Lead the design development from concept through detailed design, construction and commissioning
• Ensure compliance with employer’s requirements, technical standards, statutory regulations and client specifications
• Chair and manage design team meetings, workshops and technical reviews

Pre-Construction & Tender Support:

• Support bid and pre-construction teams with design input, risk reviews and value engineering
• Review consultant and specialist contractor proposals for technical compliance
• Contribute to programme development and design deliverables schedules

Technical & Commercial Interface:

• Identify and manage design risks, opportunities and change control
• Work closely with commercial teams to manage design-related costs and variations
• Support procurement through design reviews and technical clarifications

Construction & Delivery Support:

• Provide ongoing design support to site teams during construction
• Manage RFIs, design queries and coordination issues
• Ensure design information is issued in line with construction programme
• Support commissioning, testing and handover processes

Stakeholder Management:

• Act as a key technical interface with clients, consultants, statutory authorities and supply chain partners
• Build strong working relationships across internal teams and external stakeholders

Ideal Candidate Profile:

Essential:

• Proven experience as a Design Manager or Assistant Design Manager with a main contractor
• Experience delivering data centre, mission-critical, industrial or complex MEP-led projects
• Strong understanding of design management processes across RIBA stages
• Good technical knowledge of building services coordination and integrated design
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication, coordination and stakeholder management skills

Desirable:

• Experience on large-scale, high-value projects (£50m+)
• Knowledge of off-site manufacturing, modular or fast-track construction
• Exposure to international or hyperscale data centre clients
• Relevant construction or engineering qualification (HNC/HND/Degree)

Personal Attributes:

• Technically confident and detail-focused
• Proactive problem solver with a collaborative approach
• Commercially aware and delivery focused
• Able to work under pressure and meet challenging deadlines