Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design across complex MOD/defence projects with precision and compliance.
- Company: Join a leading contractor in the defence sector with a focus on excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, security clearance support, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a structured environment with strong leadership and communication opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a critical environment where precision and compliance are key.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in design management within the MOD/defence sector is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead the design function across complex MOD / defence sector projects. This role requires a strong technical leader who can operate within secure, highly regulated environments – ensuring design delivery is compliant, coordinated, and aligned with both programme and commercial objectives.
The Role
- Lead the end-to-end design process across multiple MOD / defence projects
- Manage and coordinate internal design teams and external consultants
- Ensure all design outputs meet client specifications, security protocols, and compliance standards
- Oversee design programmes and ensure delivery milestones are achieved
- Drive design quality, buildability, and technical excellence
- Ensure full compliance with all relevant legislation, standards, and MOD requirements
- Manage design risks, including technical, programme, and security-related risks
- Lead the review and sign-off of all design documentation
- Maintain strict control of design information and document management processes
- Work closely with commercial and operational teams to ensure aligned delivery
- Build strong relationships with key stakeholders in a secure environment
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager within a main contractor environment
- Experience delivering projects within the MOD / defence sector
- Security clearance (SC level minimum) or ability to obtain clearance is essential
- Strong understanding of the full design lifecycle and project delivery
- Knowledge of the RIBA Plan of Work
- Strong technical understanding, including M&E, fire, and building regulations
- Experience managing consultants and multidisciplinary teams
- High level of attention to detail and ability to work within structured, regulated environments
- Strong communication and leadership skills
Why This Role
This is not a standard design role. You will be operating in an environment where:
- Precision matters
- Compliance is critical
- And delivery must be exact
You will be trusted to lead, influence, and ensure that every aspect of design is controlled, coordinated, and delivered to the highest standard.
Senior Design Manager in York employer: HLP Consulting
Contact Detail:
HLP Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager in York
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the MOD and defence sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of compliance standards. Be ready to discuss how you've led design projects in regulated environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've managed teams and coordinated with stakeholders to achieve project goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and you can keep track of your progress easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in MOD/defence projects and any relevant security clearances. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your leadership experience. We’re looking for someone who can manage teams and coordinate with external consultants, so share examples of how you've successfully led design projects in the past.
Be Detail-Oriented: Since precision and compliance are key in this role, make sure your application is free from errors. Double-check your documents for clarity and professionalism. We appreciate attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at HLP Consulting
✨Know Your Design Lifecycle
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the full design lifecycle and project delivery. Brush up on the RIBA Plan of Work and be ready to discuss how you've applied it in past projects. This will show your technical understanding and ability to lead effectively.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Since compliance is critical in this role, prepare to talk about your experience with security protocols and relevant legislation. Be specific about how you've ensured compliance in previous projects, as this will highlight your attention to detail and ability to work within regulated environments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to share examples of how you've managed multidisciplinary teams and coordinated with external consultants. Highlight your communication style and how you build relationships with stakeholders, as strong leadership is key in this position.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your technical knowledge, especially around M&E, fire, and building regulations. Brush up on these areas and think of scenarios where you've had to solve complex design issues, as this will demonstrate your capability to drive design quality and technical excellence.