At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design coordination on-site and during pre-construction for diverse projects.
- Company: Respected main contractor known for high-quality heritage and commercial projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and hands-on project experience.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities to work on innovative and sensitive schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on exciting projects while collaborating with talented teams.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager in construction and strong team coordination skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A respected main contractor delivering high-quality projects across heritage, education, commercial, residential, and student accommodation sectors. With a strong focus on collaboration and craftsmanship, we pride ourselves on delivering technically complex and sensitive schemes, including refurbishment and new-build developments.
We are seeking a project-facing Design Manager to join our delivery teams and take ownership of design coordination on-site and during pre-construction. This is a hands-on role embedded within the project team, working closely with site, commercial, and client stakeholders to ensure that design is buildable, compliant, and delivered on programme.
You will play a key role in delivering projects across:
- Heritage and refurbishment schemes
- Education projects
- Commercial developments
- Residential and student accommodation
- New build and mixed-use projects
Project Delivery Focus
- Act as the lead Design Manager on assigned projects, fully integrated within the site team
- Work closely with Project Managers, Site Managers, and Quantity Surveyors to deliver coordinated design solutions
- Ensure design intent is translated effectively into construction
- Proactively identify and resolve design issues on-site
Design Coordination
- Manage and coordinate architects, consultants, and specialist subcontractors
- Ensure timely production, review, and approval of design information
- Chair design meetings and drive actions to maintain progress
- Serve as a key point of contact for design matters between client, consultants, and internal teams
Pre-Construction Input
- Support tender and pre-construction stages where required
- Review Employer's Requirements and contribute to Contractor's Proposals
- Identify risks, gaps, and opportunities within design documentation
- Contribute to value engineering and practical design solutions
- Manage design programme and ensure information is issued in line with construction needs
- Monitor design progress and escalate risks to programme or delivery
- Align design development with procurement and construction sequencing
Compliance & Quality
- Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, planning conditions, and statutory approvals
- Maintain high standards of design quality and technical accuracy
- Support implementation of BIM and digital coordination where applicable
Experience as a Design Manager within a main contractor environment. Strong understanding of construction processes and project delivery. Experience working on live construction projects (project-facing role). Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary design teams effectively. Strong knowledge across refurbishment and/or new build projects. Comfortable working in a fast-paced project environment. Commercial awareness and attention to detail.
Design Lead - to be a manager in Essex employer: Psr-Solutions
As a leading main contractor, we offer an exceptional work environment that fosters collaboration and craftsmanship, making us an excellent employer for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in the construction industry. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through hands-on roles like the Design Lead position, where you will be integral to high-quality projects across diverse sectors, including heritage and education. With a focus on professional development and a supportive team culture, we ensure our employees thrive while delivering technically complex and sensitive schemes in a dynamic setting.
