Design Manager

New Design Manager vacancy

• Position: Design Manager
• Sector: Main contractor (new build and refurbishment)
• Location: Brighton, East Sussex
• Contract type: Permanent
• Salary: £ competitive

The company:

A well established national main contractor delivering refurbishment and new build schemes procured through design & build contracts. Projects range from minor £2m schemes up to £20m major works contracts.

The role:

The Design Manager will lead and manage the design process for projects, ensuring that all design solutions are compliant, coordinated and aligned with statutory requirements, with particular emphasis on the Building Safety Act and associated regulatory framework. The Design Manager will ensure that design outputs meet the requirements of the Building Safety Regulator, including the management of Gateway submissions, the development and maintenance of the Golden Thread of information, and compliance with duty holder obligations. The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Coordinate internal teams, external consultants and specialist subcontractors to deliver safe, compliant and buildable solutions.
• Support the commercial and operational teams in managing risk and delivering value engineering.
• Take ownership of the design management function across both preconstruction and delivery phases, ensuring that schemes are fully coordinated, compliant and de-risked.
• Lead the development of design solutions that address fire safety, structural integrity and buildability. Ensuring alignment with current legislation, guidance and industry best practice, particularly in relation to higher-risk buildings.
• Oversee the appointment and management of design consultants and specialist subcontractors, ensuring competency, clear scopes of work and effective coordination of design responsibilities.
• Chair and lead design team meetings and technical workshops, driving resolution of design issues, ensuring coordination between disciplines and maintaining progress in line with programme requirements.
• Support tender activities by developing compliant and deliverable design proposals, identifying risks and opportunities and engaging with the supply chain to inform robust design solutions.

Your skills and expertise

• Strong experience as a Design Manager or similar role within a main contractor environment.
• Working knowledge of the Building Safety Act and the role of the Building Safety Regulator is essential, including experience with Gateway processes and regulatory submissions.
• Experience managing design consultants and specialist subcontractors, with the ability to coordinate complex design interfaces and drive design programmes.
• A construction-related degree (or equivalent) is expected, alongside relevant health and safety qualifications and a good understanding of CDM Regulations.
• Experience with BIM processes and common data environments (such as Viewpoint or equivalent) is also important, particularly in relation to information management and the Golden Thread.