Senior Design Manager - Fire Safety Upgrades in Government

This Senior Design Manager role focuses on leading the design process for complex, secure government projects with a strong emphasis on fire safety, compliance, and buildability. Based from the Newbury office, you'll initially support a live-site development requiring enhanced clearance and close collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Client Details

Our client is a major UK government department responsible for delivering and maintaining secure public infrastructure. Their projects involve highly regulated environments with strict safety, security, and operational standards.

Description

As Senior Design Manager, key responsibilities include:

• Lead and coordinate the design process across all project stages.
• Review designs for compliance, fire safety, buildability, and value.
• Develop and manage design programmes and information schedules.
• Collaborate with consultants, commercial, and site teams to align design with construction and budget needs.
• Identify and mitigate design risks while driving innovation and efficiency.
• Ensure all design outputs meet client, regulatory, and security requirement
• Support technical workshops, value engineering, and stakeholder reviews.

Profile

The successful candidate will ideally have experience working with a Tier 1 main contractor, demonstrating strong leadership in managing complex, secure construction projects. They will possess excellent technical design knowledge, risk management skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams in high-security environments. Adaptability, professionalism, and a proactive approach to innovation and compliance are essential.

Job Offer

• Competitive senior-level salary package with additional car allowance
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance
• Profit share scheme and extensive corporate benefits
• Private medical insurance and 8% employer pension contribution
• 26 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Industry-leading family leave: 26 weeks fully paid maternity leave and 12 weeks fully paid paternity leave
• Travel expenses covered for site visits
• Access to excellent learning and career development opportunities
• Supportive, inclusive work environment with a strong focus on wellbeing and diversity