Design Manager

Design Manager – Essex
We’re working with a highly respected main contractor that has built an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality construction projects across London and the South East. Their diverse portfolio spans residential, commercial, education, heritage, healthcare, and public sector works, with values typically ranging from £5m to £30m+.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking business that genuinely invests in its people and prides itself on strong client relationships, repeat business, and collaborative working.

The Role
You’ll take the lead on managing design consultants and subcontractors to ensure that all designs and specifications:

• Meet contract and statutory requirements

• Are cost-effective and buildable

• Align with procurement and construction programmes

You’ll work closely with internal teams, clients, stakeholders, and approval bodies to drive project success from tender through to completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee design delivery and ensure compliance with building regs and warranties

• Lead planning condition discharge and approval processes (Building Control, SBD, warranty providers)

• Drive value engineering opportunities and support commercial alignment

• Chair design meetings and influence programme progression

• Provide technical input across tender, construction, and completion stages

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Design Manager in the main contracting environment

• Strong technical understanding of construction detailing, regulations, and buildability

• Comfortable leading meetings, managing consultants, and resolving complex design issues

• Ideally degree-qualified with CIOB/RIBA or similar membership

• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills

This role would suit someone well-organised, commercially aware, and passionate about delivering high-quality projects with a focus on safety, sustainability, and client satisfaction.

You’ll be joining a contractor known for delivering award-winning projects, holding ISO certifications across quality, environmental, and health & safety standards, and maintaining a strong culture of collaboration, innovation, and social value.

If you’re interested, please send your CV to