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.