At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design processes for exciting education projects, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join a reputable main contractor with a strong focus on education sector projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy long-term stability, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a strong pipeline of innovative projects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in creating high-quality learning environments for future generations.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager or Architect in education projects is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Fawkes & Reece are proud to be partnering with a leading main contractor in the search for an experienced Senior Design Manager to join the team on a strong pipeline of education sector projects across Essex and the surrounding region. This is an excellent opportunity to join a business with a strong reputation for delivering DfE, academy, and public sector education schemes, working across multiple live and upcoming projects that combine technical complexity with high-quality learning environments.
The portfolio includes a range of new build schools, academies, SEND facilities, and education refurbishments, typically ranging from £5m to £40m+, delivered within both live operational environments and standalone construction sites. This role offers genuine long-term stability, with repeat framework work and a strong forward pipeline across the education sector.
The successful candidate will play a key role in managing and coordinating the design process across multiple education projects, ensuring information is fully coordinated, compliant, and buildable from pre-construction through to handover:
- Managing the design process across multiple education projects
- Coordinating architects, engineers, consultants and specialist subcontractors
- Reviewing and managing technical design information across RIBA stages 2–5
- Leading design coordination meetings and design workshops
- Managing design programmes and consultant deliverables across multiple schemes
- Supporting project teams during pre-construction and delivery stages
- Ensuring compliance with DfE standards, building regulations and project requirements
Previous experience as a Design Manager or Architect within education, schools, academies or public sector projects is required. Experience delivering new build or refurbishment schemes in live environments is essential. Strong technical design coordination skills across RIBA stages 3–5 are necessary, along with the ability to work across multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment.
Design Lead - to be a manager in Essex employer: Fawkes & Reece
Fawkes & Reece is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets stability. With a strong focus on the education sector, employees benefit from engaging projects that not only challenge their skills but also contribute to the development of high-quality learning environments. The company fosters a collaborative culture, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
