At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design coordination for exciting education projects, ensuring compliance and quality.
- 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 projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of education through innovative design solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager or Architect in education projects is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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.
Senior Manager, Design (Design Director) in Essex employer: Fawkes & Reece
Fawkes & Reece is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to delivering high-quality education sector projects across Essex. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative work culture, team members benefit from long-term stability and the opportunity to work on impactful projects that enhance learning environments. Joining our team means being part of a respected organisation that values innovation and excellence in design management.
