Freelance Design Manager

Clearfield Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced Freelance Design Manager with Department for Education (DfE) project experience to support a range of projects across East Anglia.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and experienced Design Manager looking for a stable, long-term role working on education-sector projects.

The Role

You will be responsible for managing and coordinating the design process from initial stages through to project delivery, ensuring designs meet client requirements, programme deadlines, budget expectations and relevant regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and coordinate design teams, consultants and subcontractors.

• Oversee design programmes, deliverables and project milestones.

• Ensure compliance with DfE requirements, building regulations and relevant specifications.

• Liaise with clients, project managers, site teams and external consultants.

• Review design information, drawings and technical submissions.

• Identify and resolve design issues to maintain project progress.

• Attend design meetings and monitor progress against project programmes.

Requirements

• Previous experience working as a Design Manager within the construction industry.

• Proven experience delivering DfE projects is essential.

• Strong knowledge of design coordination and construction processes.

• Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and meet project deadlines.

• Relevant construction or design-related qualifications are desirable.

What We Offer

• Ongoing, long-term work across East Anglia.

• The opportunity to work on education-sector construction projects.

• A role suited to an experienced professional seeking a consistent workload.