Design Manager

Our business is truly special; part of the Eric Wright Group, and wholly owned by the Eric Wright Charitable Trust, we are a commercially focused business with a social purpose. Forward thinking and people focussed, we retain our traditional values and are extremely proud of our dedicated, passionate and friendly colleagues who live our values and work hard to make a difference every day. Our business would not be the business it is today without its people, we strive to develop and nurture talent, provide a positive healthy environment empowering our people to be the best they can be.

Eric Wright Construction work in a variety of sectors including hi-rise residential city apartments, Educational, Sports and leisure, City Regeneration and Health, schemes that range from £5m to £65m+. As a Design Manager, you will play a key role in leading and coordinating the design process across a diverse range of construction projects, ensuring designs are deliverable, compliant, commercially viable and aligned with project objectives. Reporting to the Principal Design Manager and working closely with internal teams, consultants, clients and stakeholders, you will provide technical leadership throughout pre-construction and construction phases, helping to secure new opportunities and drive successful project outcomes.

What You'll Do

• Lead and coordinate the design delivery of complex construction projects from pre-construction through to completion.
• Drive successful project outcomes by managing consultants, technical information and design risk.
• Champion buildable, compliant and commercially effective design solutions.
• Support work-winning activities, including tender submissions, client presentations and interviews.
• Work collaboratively with operational, commercial and project teams to ensure seamless project delivery.
• Lead BIM processes and promote digital innovation across projects and the wider business.
• Mentor and develop junior team members, helping to build future talent within the business.
• Act as a trusted technical expert, providing guidance and support to colleagues, clients and stakeholders.

What You'll Bring

• Proven experience in a Design Manager role within the construction or built environment sector.
• Strong technical knowledge of building regulations, planning requirements and construction methodologies.
• The ability to identify design risks and opportunities, making informed decisions that add value.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence at all levels.
• A collaborative leadership style and a passion for developing high-performing teams.
• Commercial awareness and a good understanding of contract forms including JCT and NEC.
• Experience of BIM processes and digital construction tools.
• A relevant HNC / HND is essential, or degree qualification is desirable, with MCIOB status or progress towards membership (desirable).

Our Values

• Integrity – We’re transparent, honest, and accountable. We build trust and deliver lasting impact.
• Excellence – We go beyond expectations with expertise, determination, and attention to detail.
• Respect – We’re inclusive, compassionate, and professional. Every voice matters.
• Innovation – We think differently, solve problems creatively, and embrace a “can do” attitude.

How You’ll Work

• Be authentic – Say what you mean, keep your promises, and build trust.
• Be accountable – Own your work, celebrate success, and learn from setbacks.
• Belong – Be part of something bigger, rooted in community and purpose.
• Be the best you can – Give your all, ask for support, and grow with us.
• Be motivated – Strive for excellence and take charge of your development.
• Be safe – Look after yourself and others—safe people, safe place.
• Be inclusive – Treat everyone with fairness, respect, and equality.
• Be empathetic – Listen deeply and value every voice.
• Be open – Share feedback, celebrate strengths, and speak up for what’s right.
• Be collaborative – Offer support, share knowledge, and learn from others.
• Be inspiring – Lead with positivity, embrace innovation, and foster teamwork.
• Be bold – Speak up, be curious, and help shape the future.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a business that exists to make a difference.
• Thrive in a healthy, empowering environment.
• Work with passionate, dedicated colleagues who live our values.
• Enjoy real opportunities to grow and shape your future.
• Good salary and benefits offer.

Our offer

• Enhanced annual leave starting at 26 Days + bank holidays rising with service.
• Enhanced Paid Family Leave - maternity, paternity, adoption, fertility, compassion, bereavement, crisis, emergency dependants, and much more.
• Learning and development - we offer a range of learning opportunities to develop talent at all levels within our business focusing on technical competence, upskilling, compliance and governance and career development.
• Pension — 6.5% employer contribution of your salary into your pension to help you save for the future.
• BUPA - optional scheme and can include your family to the scheme (50% contribution).
• Group Income Protection – 50% of your salary covered for 3 years for long term illness.
• Health Plans – optional, including dental, cash health plans and critical illness.
• EAP – Employee Assistance Programme through Health Assured, supporting you and your family with advice, guidance and counselling on a variety of areas such as health, fitness, home life, finances and much more.
• Mental Health support– through the Thrive app, approved by the NHS, provides tools, to tackle, prevent and manage common stressors such as sleep, bereavement, work issues etc. Also provides relaxation, breathing and meditation techniques and measures impact.
• Savings scheme – Put aside an affordable amount for a rainy day in the future.
• Recognition awards – awards for long service and special birthdays.
• Onsite gym – we have a gym on site at Head Office – free to use.
• Company Doctor– for when you can’t get to see your own or if you have any health concerns.
• A comprehensive health and wellbeing strategy focused on physical, emotional, financial and career wellbeing.
• A wide range of enhanced benefits to support your well-being and work-life balance.

Working at the Eric Wright Group of companies is truly special. Owned 100% by the Eric Wright Charitable Trust, we are a commercially focused business with a social purpose, which means that after reinvestment in the business, our profit is donated to charity via the Trust. This ownership structure provides a high level of stability for the Group and supports longer-term commercial and charitable strategies. Our reputation is built on our Chairman's founding principles of a company that must be profitable, ethical and farsighted, as a result we have people, community and social value at our heart. The companies across the Group regularly collaborate to deliver outstanding results on bespoke projects for both public and private sector clients.

We are extremely proud of our dedicated, passionate and friendly colleagues who live our values and work hard to make a difference in communities every day.

Equal opportunity statement: At Eric Wright Group, our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, who share our values, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger.

Safeguarding if required: The Eric Wright Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of its employees, contractors and clients and expects its people to share this commitment. Successful applicants may be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check or Disclosure Scotland check and to provide proof of their right to work in the UK. We are committed to equal opportunities, inclusion and fairness across all employment opportunities and service delivery. All managers and employees are expected to promote our values to ensure our workplaces and services are inclusive and accessible.