Main Contractor Design Manager

We are seeking an experienced Main Contractor Design Manager to join a full-time, permanent role, predominantly office-based and will involve leading and coordinating the design process across projects from pre-construction through to completion, ensuring alignment with programme, budget, and technical requirements.

Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire
Salary: £55,000 to £70,000 per annum, depending on experience
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week (typically 08:30 to 17:30 with a 1-hour lunch break, flexibility available)
Start Date: ASAP
Working Arrangement: Office-based, with potential work-from-home options following successful integration

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the development and management of the design process from pre-construction through to project completion Ensure the project design aligns with the agreed brief, budget, and programme Appoint and manage external consultants, ensuring design information is produced to a high standard Collaborate closely with the Senior or Lead Design Manager and wider project team to deliver design milestones efficiently Coordinate and oversee multi-disciplinary consultant teams, including architects, structural engineers, fire engineers, façade consultants, M&E consultants, and relevant subcontractor design packages Manage and monitor design review processes, ensuring compliance with Building Regulations, planning requirements, and warranty conditions Oversee the discharge of third-party approvals, including planning conditions and building control requirements Manage design information and workflows using common data environments such as Aconex, Procore, or Asite Identify and manage design-related risks, proposing practical solutions as issues arise Maintain strong working relationships with clients, consultants, and key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle Support construction teams by ensuring timely issue of accurate and buildable design information Attend design meetings and undertake occasional site visits where required

Requirements:

Proven experience working as a Design Manager within a main contractor environment Strong understanding of the construction design process from pre-construction to delivery Experience managing and coordinating external consultant teams Familiarity with digital document management systems Confident communicator with strong organisational and coordination skills Ability to manage multiple workstreams and priorities simultaneously

What’s Offered:

Competitive salary depending on experience Up to 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to up to 35 days with length of service Competitive pension scheme via salary sacrifice Private health insurance Ongoing training and development opportunities Permanent, full-time position with long-term progression potential

Interested applicants are invited to apply by sending their most up-to-date CV.