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- Tasks: Lead high-tech design projects in defence and nuclear sectors, ensuring compliance and innovation.
- Company: Join a top-tier design and build contractor with a stellar reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive, collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical infrastructure projects that matter.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in design management with strong technical knowledge and stakeholder skills.
- Other info: Enjoy long-term job security and opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
Location: Wiltshire/Bristol (Site-based)
Sector: High-Tech Design & Build | Defence, MOD & Nuclear
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
Join a market-leading design and build contractor delivering some of the UK's most important projects in defence, MOD, and nuclear sectors. We're seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to lead complex, high-value projects across Wiltshire and Bristol.
If you thrive on technical challenges, want to work on projects that genuinely matter, and are ready to take your career to the next level, this is your opportunity.
Our client is a leading design and build contractor specialising in high-tech, mission-critical projects across defence, nuclear, data, and energy sectors. With a reputation for technical excellence and innovation, they deliver complex projects that require the highest standards of quality, compliance, and safety. They're committed to investing in their people, offering genuine career progression, and creating an inclusive workplace where talent thrives.
What You'll Be Doing
As Senior Design Manager, you'll own the entire design lifecycle—from bid stage through to handover—on cutting-edge, high-tech construction projects. Your day-to-day will include:
- Leading design delivery on £10m+ projects in defence, MOD, and nuclear environments
- Coordinating multidisciplinary design teams, consultants, and specialist subcontractors
- Ensuring full compliance with stringent regulatory, safety, and technical standards
- Driving value engineering to deliver innovative, cost-effective, and buildable solutions
- Managing design programmes to meet critical project milestones
- Building strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and supply chain partners
- Reviewing and approving technical submissions, drawings, and specifications
- Identifying and mitigating design risks before they impact delivery
What We Need From You
- 10+ years in design management within construction
- Proven experience in defence, MOD, nuclear, or highly regulated sectors
- Strong technical knowledge of design coordination and buildability
- Professional qualification: RIBA, ICE, CIOB or equivalent
- SMSTS certification
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Commercial awareness with ability to balance quality, cost, and programme
- Experience with BIM Level 2 and digital design platforms
- Background in data centres, secure facilities, or advanced manufacturing
- Security clearance or eligibility for SC clearance
- Knowledge of CDM regulations and principal designer responsibilities
What's In It For You?
- Competitive salary of £80,000–£90,000 (based on experience)
- Career development – Clear progression pathways and leadership training
- Challenging projects – Work on the UK's most critical infrastructure
- Industry leader – Join a company with an outstanding reputation and project pipeline
- Supportive culture – Collaborative environment that values your expertise
- Job security – Long-term projects with a stable, growing contractor
- Professional development – Support for charterships and continued learning
Ready to Apply?
If you're an experienced Senior Design Manager ready to lead high-profile projects in defence and nuclear sectors, we want to hear from you! Click "Apply Now" and we'll be in touch within 24 hours to discuss this opportunity.
Senior Design Manager in Bristol employer: 4Front Recruitment
Contact Detail:
4Front Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. A personal connection can often get your foot in the door faster than a CV.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in what they do and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with their needs. Keep it concise but impactful—think of it as your personal brand statement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in defence, MOD, and nuclear sectors, and showcase your technical knowledge and project management skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our projects. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead complex design teams.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; highlight your achievements! Use metrics where possible to show how you've driven value engineering or improved project outcomes. We love seeing how you've made a difference in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we’re excited to hear from you directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at 4Front Recruitment
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects the company is involved in, especially in defence and nuclear sectors. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their high-tech design and build approach.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Senior Design Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strong technical knowledge. Prepare examples of past projects where you led design delivery, managed multidisciplinary teams, and ensured compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you've built relationships with clients and stakeholders in previous roles. Have specific examples ready that highlight your communication skills and ability to balance quality, cost, and programme.
✨Discuss Value Engineering Strategies
Be prepared to talk about how you've driven value engineering in past projects. Share innovative, cost-effective solutions you've implemented and how they contributed to project success, especially in highly regulated environments.
