Design Manager

  • Kingdom Search
  • 26/05/2026
Full time Construction

Job Description

Design Manager
Client: Tier 2 Main Contractor

  • Sector: D&B Industrial / Commercial / Motor Retail / Leisure / Education Location: Office-Based, Warwickshire (with national project travel as required) Engagement: Permanent
  • Salary/Package: Up to £70k + £5k car allowance + discretionary annual bonus (typically £5k £10k)
  • Start: ASAP subject to successful interview
We are working on behalf of a well-established regional Design & Build main contractor to appoint a Design Manager to join their growing team and support the delivery of multiple live projects across the UK.
The business delivers fast-paced, steel frame-led construction projects across a range of sectors including:
  • Industrial & logistics
  • Motor retail
  • Commercial
  • Education
  • Retail & leisure
  • Social care
The Role
This position will take responsibility for managing the design coordination process across 2 3 live projects at any one time. Working under JCT D&B contracts, the Design Manager will act as the key link between client-side consultants and subcontract design teams throughout the project lifecycle.
You will:
  • Coordinate consultant and subcontract design packages from inception through to completion
  • Ensure design information is delivered in line with programme
  • Chair and manage design team meetings
  • Monitor progress against design release schedules
  • Manage RFIs and resolve design queries
  • Liaise closely with Commercial & Project teams
  • Support value engineering opportunities
  • Ensure design compliance with statutory approvals and accreditations (e.g. Building Regs, planning, BREEAM)
  • Maintain strong working relationships with external consultants and subcontractors
  • Oversee design-related risks and buildability challenges
The role will also involve:
  • Supporting pre-construction activity including tender reviews
  • Managing design progress on live sites
  • Supporting project completion and handover documentation
Key Environment
  • Office-based role in Warwickshire
  • National travel for site visits as required
  • Typically managing shell & core / steel frame projects
  • Working closely with novated consultants
Salary & Package
  • Salary negotiable up to £70k (dependent on experience)
  • £5k car allowance
  • Annual discretionary bonus typically £5k £10k
Ideal Background
This opportunity would suit a Design Manager currently working within:
  • Industrial / logistics construction
  • Commercial build environments
  • Steel frame / fast-track projects
  • Main contractor delivery roles
Experience working under Design & Build contracts is essential. Typically, we are looking for candidates with years of diverse building experience and a solid grounding in construction design, detailing, and stakeholder management.

Please apply with your up-to-date CV, full contact details (including postcode) and availability to arrange a call to: (url removed)

Paid Referral Scheme up to £500 If you can recommend a suitable candidate who results in a successful permanent placement, we offer a referral fee of up to £500 ( T&Cs apply).