Design Manager

  • Arise Recruit Ltd
  • Pembury, Kent
  • 21/10/2026
Full time Construction Project Manager Architect and Design

Job Description

Design Manager

Location: Kent
Projects: London, Surrey & Kent
Sectors: Education Local Authority Police / Blue Light Commercial Light Industrial
Contract: Permanent

The Role

We re working with a well-established main contractor with a strong pipeline of work across London, Surrey and Kent.

They re looking for an experienced Design Manager to join the team and take ownership of design delivery across a varied range of projects, typically from £5m up to £15m.

You ll be involved from the early pre-construction stages right through to completion, working across new-build and refurbishment projects and dealing with a mix of sectors including education, local authority, blue light, commercial and light industrial.

This company are financially secure, boast unrivalled staff retention, and develop their staff. It really is a great opportunity with a company that do things differently.

What You ll Be Doing

  • Managing the design process from pre-construction through to project completion
  • Coordinating external consultants, subcontract designers and internal teams
  • Keeping design programmes aligned with the wider project programme
  • Identifying and managing design risks
  • Managing design changes and ensuring information is properly controlled
  • Chairing design and coordination meetings
  • Making sure design information is accurate, buildable and issued on time
  • Supporting tenders and pre-construction activities across various frameworks
  • Working closely with the Project Manager, Commercial team and wider delivery team

Ideally, you ll have:

  • Previous experience as a Design Manager with a main contractor
  • Experience delivering projects within sectors such as education, local authority, police / blue light, commercial or light industrial
  • Good knowledge of Design & Build and framework procurement
  • Strong communication and coordination skills
  • The ability to manage consultants, subcontractors and multiple stakeholders
  • Experience working across live construction projects
  • A good understanding of the full design and construction process

Most importantly, we re looking for someone who is organised, proactive and confident managing design across a busy project environment.

What s On Offer?

  • Competitive salary up to 80k + package
  • Permanent position with an established main contractor
  • A strong pipeline of work across London, Surrey and Kent
  • Varied projects across multiple sectors
  • Repeat work through established frameworks
  • Supportive design and project teams
  • Good long-term career prospects

Apply now for a confidential conversation and to find out more.