Senior Design Manager

We are seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to lead and coordinate all design activities from preconstruction through to project completion. This critical role will ensure seamless collaboration between internal teams, external consultants, subcontractors, and other stakeholders—particularly those working within secure or complex environments.

What you will be doing:

• Managing the design team and design portion subcontractors throughout both the tender and construction periods to deliver high quality solutions in a timely fashion.
• Chairing design team meetings and workshops as appropriate to manage the design development process.
• Producing, reviewing, and updating the design programme, information release schedule, risk register and technical query schedules.
• Using a variety of internet-based document management systems dependent on client needs.
• Thoroughly appraising tender documentation to identify design risks and opportunities and developing solutions accordingly.
• Vetting and appointing the design team: Ensuring terms and conditions of appointment/novation are acceptable, lead designer role is defined, Schedule of deliverables, preparing Design Service Agreements and all appropriate services are included.
• Working alongside the preconstruction and project teams to ensure design portion subcontract enquiries are robust and responses provide a value for money compliant solution.
• Reviewing the design on an ongoing basis, identifying potential interface, buildability, and coordination issues, resolving them with the design and project team and specialist subcontractors.
• Developing innovative design solutions with the design team and supply chain including the production of high-quality value engineering solutions.
• Managing the relationship with the client, subcontractors, and professional team to resolve any design queries and deliver high quality design solutions in a timely fashion.
• Assisting with bidding management activities.

What we will need from you:

• You will need a proven track record of undertaking design management activities at both tender and construction stages.
• You will have experience in both healthcare and education (schools, further and higher), preferably SCF and DFE Frameworks.
• You will ideally be able to demonstrate experience across a wider range of other sectors including accommodation & commercial.
• You will ideally have experience of framework schemes as well as open market tenders via a combination of single stage, two stage and negotiated contracts.
• You will demonstrate a good all-round level of technical expertise commensurate with a Design Management role.
• You will have the ability to communicate with a range of people both verbally and in writing with a client and customer focus in order to build productive relationships.
• You will be an analytical problem solver, with the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements and decisions.
• You will be able to plan, organise and project manage, whilst working independently and in a team environment.
• You will demonstrate effective leadership, ideally with people management experience.
• You will ideally hold a construction based HNC (or equivalent level of technical knowledge).
• You will be experienced in using Microsoft packages e.g. Outlook, Excel, Word along with document management systems, Powerproject, Team plan (or similar software).
• Hold a valid driving licence and CSCS card.

What we can offer you:

• Competitive salary.
• Car Allowance.
• 26 days annual leave (with the opportunity to buy or sell up to 3 days holiday).
• 3 additional long service days achieved after 3, 7 and 10 years.
• Private medical insurance for yourself (with the option to buy family cover).
• Life Assurance.
• Defined contribution pension scheme matched up to 8%.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and parental leave.
• 2 days volunteering opportunities.
• Flexible and Agile working (dependent on your role).
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Professional membership fees.
• Perks at Work Employee discount scheme offering discounts on a range of categories such as electronics, home appliances, food & groceries, car buying, travel, fitness and more.
• Flexible Benefits scheme which includes the opportunity to purchase benefits such as: Critical illness insurance (with option to purchase for your partner), Dental Insurance, Travel insurance, Cycle to work scheme, Retail vouchers/payroll giving/activity pass for top leisure attractions.

Who we are:

Tilbury Douglas is a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out company. We deliver vital projects across a range of sectors including health, education, highways, justice, defence, aviation, water and environment. It is our people who make Tilbury Douglas a success. We believe our inclusive culture encourages new ways of thinking, enabling us to innovate whilst remaining resilient. We value and celebrate all individual differences and look forward to receiving your application. We have now achieved our Investors in Diversity status.

Please note we do not have a sponsorship licence. Please note that this role is subject to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance which includes identity, employment history, and criminal record checks. We look forward to receiving your application!