Design Manager in High Wycombe

Location: High Wycombe (Head Office) & Regional Sites

Project Portfolio: New Build, Fit-Out & Refurbishment, Social Housing and Spec developments (£1m - £30m)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

About the Company

They are a regional based Tier 2 with ambitious growth plans and are targeting framework opportunities in education, care, health, MOD, MOJ and local authority schemes. They deliver exceptional new build, fit-out, and refurbishment projects across London and the Home Counties and want to grow the M4 corridor patches. Founded on core values of collaboration, clear communication, and high-quality craftsmanship, their mission is simple: to create client relationships for life. They pride themselves on providing a supportive, team-focused environment where their people are given the trust, authority, and resources needed to succeed.

The Role

They are seeking an experienced and proactive Design Manager to join the team based out of their High Wycombe office. In this role, you will lead and coordinate the design process across two-stage tenders, Design & Build (D&B), and traditional procurement routes. Working closely with external design teams, site delivery operations, and clients, you will ensure designs are buildable, cost-effective, compliant, and delivered on schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Pre-Construction & Tendering: Lead the design management process during tender and pre-construction stages, identifying value engineering opportunities, design risks, and buildability challenges.
• Design Coordination: Manage relationships with architects, structural engineers, M&E consultants, and specialist sub-contractors to drive clear design release schedules.
• Compliance & Standards: Ensure all designs comply with relevant Building Regulations, statutory approvals, planning conditions, and client requirements.
• Information Flow: Implement robust Information Release Schedules (IRS) and manage RFI processes to ensure site teams always work from current, fully coordinated information.
• BREEAM & Sustainability: Work alongside project teams to embed sustainable practices and ensure target environmental standards (BREEAM/Net Zero goals) are met.
• Commercial Support: Collaborate closely with Commercial Managers and Estimators to control design change costs and value management.

What They Are Looking For

• Experience: Proven track record as a Design Manager (or Senior Design Coordinator) within a UK regional main contractor.
• Sector Expertise: Experience delivering projects (£1m-£30m) across commercial, education, healthcare, or residential sectors.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of Design & Build procurement, modern construction methods, and building regulations.
• Software Skills: Proficiency in design management platforms, BIM models, and Microsoft Office tools.
• Qualifications: Degree/HNC in Construction Management, Architecture, Building Surveying, or Civil Engineering (CIOB/RIBA membership is desirable).
• Location: Must be within reasonable commuting distance of High Wycombe and regional project sites across the M4 corridor and Home Counties patch.

What They Offer

• Competitive Salary & Package: Generous base salary + car allowance / company car + pension scheme.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid flexible working opportunities balancing site, office, and home working.
• Supportive Environment: A people-first culture focused on personal development and employee wellbeing.
• Career Growth: Opportunities to lead high-profile regional projects and progress within a growing business.

Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.