Design Manager in Portsmouth

We are looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager to join our Building team, supporting projects across the South West based out of our Southampton office. This is a key role responsible for managing the design process on complex, high-value projects from tender stage through to the start of construction. You will play a critical role in shaping project outcomes, with the autonomy to influence design strategy, client engagement, and technical solutions from the earliest stages. Working closely with clients, consultants, and internal teams, you will drive innovative, cost-effective design solutions that support successful project delivery across sectors including education, healthcare, and custodial.

Key Duties

• Lead and manage the design process from tender through to construction, ensuring alignment with programme, cost, and quality requirements.
• Develop and coordinate innovative, buildable, and cost-effective design solutions in collaboration with consultants and subcontractors.
• Act as the primary interface with clients and the design team, managing relationships and expectations throughout the pre-construction phase.
• Drive value engineering and risk management, identifying opportunities to optimise design and improve project outcomes.
• Oversee design team performance, information flow, and tender deliverables to ensure a robust and competitive submission.

About You

You will be a technically strong and commercially aware construction professional with a proven track record in design management within a main contractor environment. You will bring:

• Significant experience managing design on complex construction projects from tender through to delivery.
• Strong technical construction knowledge, including current Building Regulations and sustainable design standards (e.g. BREEAM/Passivhaus).
• A solid understanding of site operations, buildability, and project risks, supported by site-based experience.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and managing subcontractor design packages.
• Strong planning, organisation, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Analytical problem-solving ability and sound decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office; experience with planning or estimating software (e.g. Powerproject, Causeway) is desirable.

What We Can Offer You

• Competitive salary and car allowance.
• 26 days annual leave, with the option to buy or sell up to 3 days.
• Additional long service leave at 3, 7, and 10 years.
• Private medical insurance (with option to extend to family).
• Life assurance and pension matched up to 8%.
• Enhanced family leave policies.
• 2 volunteering days per year.
• Flexible and agile working (role dependent).
• Employee Assistance Programme, including financial advice.
• Payment of professional membership fees.
• Access to “Perks at Work” discount platform.
• Flexible benefits including critical illness cover, dental insurance, travel insurance, cycle to work scheme, and retail vouchers.

Who We Are

Tilbury Douglas is a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out company, delivering vital projects across sectors including health, education, highways, justice, defence, aviation, water, and environment. Our people are at the heart of our success. We are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages innovation and celebrates individual differences. We are proud to hold Investors in Diversity status. Please note: we do not hold a sponsorship licence. This role is subject to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance. We look forward to receiving your application.