Design Manager
Location:Essex
Company:Tier 1 Main Contractor (c. £1bn turnover)
Sector:Data Centres & Mission Critical / Industrial & Logistics
Package:£65,000 £75,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus + Full Package
Overview:
A leading Tier 1 main contractor with a turnover exceeding £1bn is seeking an experiencedDesign Managerto join their team on a flagshipstate-of-the-art steel-frame logistics centrebased in Essex. The business is renowned for delivering high-specificationdata centres, mission-critical industrial schemes, and complex technical projectsacross the UK and Europe.
This role will play a key part in managing the design process from pre-construction through delivery, ensuring technical excellence, compliance, and coordination across all disciplines.
Key Responsibilities:
Design Management:
- Lead and manage the full design process from tender stage through construction and handover.
- Coordinate with architects, structural engineers, M&E designers, specialist subcontractors, and internal teams.
- Review design deliverables to ensure technical accuracy, buildability, and compliance with project requirements.
- Manage the design programme, ensuring timely release of information (RFI responses, design approvals, drawing packages).
Technical & Quality Assurance:
- Ensure all designs comply with building regulations, industry standards, fire and safety protocols, and relevant client specifications.
- Identify technical risks early and work with stakeholders to resolve issues proactively.
- Lead value-engineering workshops to drive efficiency while maintaining quality.
Communication & Coordination:
- Act as the key interface between the client, consultant teams, and internal project delivery teams.
- Facilitate design meetings, workshops, and technical reviews.
- Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors to ensure smooth flow of information.
Documentation & Reporting:
- Maintain accurate design records, trackers, and approvals.
- Prepare reports on design progress, design risks, and change control for senior management.
- Support commercial teams with technical input for procurement packages and change orders.
Experience & Requirements
Essential:
- Proven Design Manager experience within a Tier 1 or major main contractor environment.
- Experience onindustrial, logistics, data centre, or mission-critical projects.
- Strong understanding of steel-frame construction methodologies.
- Experience managing complex M&E-heavy schemes.
- Ability to lead multidisciplinary design teams on fast-paced projects.
- Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder-management skills.
Desirable:
- Degree-qualified in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management.
- Experience with BIM / digital coordination tools (e.g., Revit, Navisworks).
- Experience delivering large-scale schemes in excess of £50m+.
Package:
- Salary:£65,000 £75,000
- Car Allowance
- Annual Bonus Scheme
- Full Tier 1 Contractor Benefits Package
- Travel expenses and professional development support.
Why Join?
- Opportunity to work on a cutting-edge logistics scheme for a leading contractor.
- Join a high-performing team within a stable, well-funded business delivering major mission-critical projects.
- Long-term career progression across data centres, industrial, and technical sectors.
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