Design Manager in Luton

DESIGN MANAGER (MAIN CONTRACTS) £60,000 £75,000 + Car Allowance
Full Time | Office /Site Based | 37.5 hours per week within a 7.30am 5.30pm working window (Teams typically work 8.30am 5.00pm, with site operatives starting and finishing earlier)
Benefits
Car allowance
On-site parking
All PPE provided
33 days holiday including bank holidays
Contributory pension
Non-contributory life cover
Continued professional development through structured learning programmes
About the Client
Our client is a long-established, family-owned construction business with over 150 years of history, delivering high-quality projects across commercial, education, industrial, heritage, blue light and leisure sectors. They operate across the Home Counties, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire and North London, delivering projects through two divisions: Small Works & Frameworks (up to £1m) and Main Contracts (up to £15m).
They are now seeking a Design Manager to join their Main Contracts division, delivering projects up to £15m across their operating region. Reporting to the Main Contracts Director, the role leads and manages the design process from pre-construction through to completion, coordinating consultant design teams and ensuring designs are technically compliant, buildable and aligned with programme, budget and client requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Manage the design process from tender/pre-construction through to completion and handover
Coordinate external design consultants (architects, structural/M&E engineers and specialists) and internal project teams Review and manage technical submittals, RFIs, drawing registers and design information release schedules
Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, warranty provider requirements, CDM 2015 and the Building Safety Act (including Gateway processes and golden thread requirements for higher-risk buildings)
Identify and resolve design risks, buildability issues and value engineering opportunities with project and commercial teams Develop and manage the design programme, ensuring alignment with the construction programme
Chair and attend design team meetings, producing minutes and tracking actions
Support bid/estimating teams during tender stage, including review of Employers Requirements and development of Contractors Proposals Manage change control of design information throughout the project
Liaise closely with clients, architects, engineers and subcontractors to ensure design intent is understood and delivered on site
Skills & Experience
Strong technical knowledge across a range of construction methods and building types
Working knowledge of NEC3/4 and JCT forms of contract
Experience managing design on main contracts projects up to £15m
Knowledge of CDM 2015 and the Building Safety Act
Confident managing multiple consultants and stakeholders
Familiarity with BIM/Revit-based coordination (desirable)
Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills
Qualifications & Requirements
In-date CSCS card supported by a recognised qualification (NVQ, HNC/HND, degree or equivalent)
HNC/HND or degree in Architecture, Building Surveying, Construction Management or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
SMSTS (desirable)
Minimum 5 years design management experience with a main contractor
Security, Vetting & Right to Work
Must have full right to work in the UK
Must have been continuously resident in the UK for the past 5 years to meet client vetting requirements
Must be willing to undertake DBS, BPSS or client-led security checks where required
Must be willing to discuss any matters relevant to vetting as part of the process
Must be able to maintain the vetting standards required for regulated sites
Salary & Package £60,000 £75,000 depending on experience Car allowance

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