Senior Design Manager

Role: Senior Design Manager

Location: London

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to join a Tier 1 Main Contractor delivering high-value new-build projects across the Commercial, Public Sector, Health, and Education sectors.

The successful candidate will have proven experience delivering commercial and/or Department for Education (DfE) new-build schemes from a main contractor environment.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage the delivery of design information in line with agreed design programmes and deliverable schedules

Coordinate and manage appointed design consultants, ensuring compliance with project briefs, technical standards, and contractual obligations

Provide design leadership during both pre-construction and live construction phase

Produce and manage

Design programmes

Design scopes

Design responsibility matrices

Consultant appointments

Design schedules

Chair and attend design meetings and workshops with internal and external stakeholders

Drive collaboration between project teams, consultants, subcontractors, and clients

Ensure design risk, compliance, buildability, and programme considerations are effectively managed throughout the project lifecycle

Essential Experience

Proven experience as a Senior Design Manager or Design Manager working for a main contractor

Strong track record delivering new-build commercial projects and/or DfE projects

Experience managing high-value, technically complex schemes from pre-construction through delivery

Excellent understanding of design coordination, consultant management, and construction processes

Strong organisational, planning, and workload management skills

Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and work within fast-paced project environments

Desirable

Experience across Commercial, Public Sector, Healthcare, or Education sectors

Knowledge of site and contract procedures

Relevant construction or design qualification