Design Manager

Design Manager
50,000 - 60,000 + progression + benefits package
Central Bristol Office, 1 day a week from home

A rare and exciting opportunity for an Architect with a strong technical background to join a thriving refurbishment contractor, working across a variety of fast-paced developments with clear progression opportunities.

Are you an Architect or Architectural Technician with refurbishment experience? Do you have a strong understanding of RIBA Stages 3-5 and are looking to move into a contractor environment?

This well-established contractor specialises in design and build refurbishment and has built a strong reputation delivering high-quality student accommodation projects across the UK. With continued growth in the sector, they have secured multiple contracts with leading accommodation providers, resulting in a significant increase in turnover and a strong pipeline of upcoming work. As a result, they are now looking to appoint a Design Manager to play a key role in streamlining and enhancing design processes across the business.

In this role, you will take ownership of projects from RIBA Stage 2 through to Stage 5, ensuring a smooth and coordinated design journey through to delivery. You will manage key external stakeholders including Architects, Structural Engineers and Building Surveyors, while reviewing and coordinating drawings to ensure full compliance with building regulations. Acting as the link between design and construction, you will lead design team meetings alongside site teams, resolve technical queries, and carry out quality checks to ensure designs are practical, buildable, and delivered to a high standard.

The ideal candidate will come from an Architectural background and be either an aspiring or established Design Manager, with strong experience working on refurbishment projects. You will be confident managing multiple schemes and motivated by the opportunity to take ownership within a growing business.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual looking to move into a contractor-based role, working on fast-paced refurbishment projects and overseeing the full design function. The role offers variety, autonomy, and genuine long-term progression within a rapidly expanding business.

The Role:
Lead and manage the design process across refurbishment projects
Coordinate external stakeholders including Architects, Structural Engineers and Building Surveyors
Review drawings and conduct quality checks for compliance and buildability
Chair design team meetings and drive technical resolution
Oversee projects from concept through to completion

The Person:
Architectural or Architectural Technologist qualification (or equivalent)
Proven refurbishment project experience
Strong knowledge of RIBA Stages 3-5
Confident stakeholder management skills
Full UK Driving Licence

Reference: BBBH(phone number removed)

To apply for this role or for to be considered for further roles, please click "Apply Now" or contact Zoe Cann at Rise Technical Recruitment.

Rise Technical Recruitment Ltd acts an employment agency for permanent roles and an employment business for temporary roles.

The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set and will be decided by our client, the employer. Rise are not responsible or liable for any hiring decisions made by the end client.

We are an equal opportunities company and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.