The Construction Index Ltd
Design Manager
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Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 per annum + benefits Type: Full Time Region: UK - East Town/City: Hatfield, Hertfordshire Posted: 13/07/2026 Reference: DM3_1783956263
Job Description
Design Manager
Location: Hatfield & Project Sites
Sector: Refurbishment, Fire Remediation & Re-Cladding
Industry: Building and Construction
Overview
Our client is a leading construction and refurbishment contractor delivering complex residential, refurbishment, fire remediation and re-cladding projects across the UK.
Due to continued growth, they are looking to recruit an experienced Design Manager to join their team.
The Role
The Design Manager will be responsible for managing and coordinating all design activities throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring information is delivered on programme, within budget, and fully compliant with statutory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Technical Management
- Lead consultant and survey tendering and procurement activities
- Undertake detailed design risk appraisals to support tender submissions
- Review Employer's Requirements and contribute to Contractor's Proposals
- Develop and manage robust design and pre-construction programmes
- Coordinate consultant design teams throughout project delivery
- Manage consultant and surveyor appointments and associated fee budgets
- Integrate consultant programmes into comprehensive design delivery programmes
- Monitor design progress and report against key milestones
- Chair design team meetings and drive performance across project teams
- Review design information for compliance, buildability, cost-effectiveness and regulatory requirements
- Manage design changes and maintain effective change control procedures
Pre-Construction & Project Delivery
- Support single-stage and two-stage tendering processes
- Provide technical support throughout pre-construction and project delivery phases
- Lead design reviews and client presentations
- Resolve technical and design-related issues efficiently
- Ensure information is issued in line with project programmes and construction requirements
- Support procurement activities through detailed design coordination
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Stakeholder & Client Management
- Build and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants and project stakeholders
- Lead client meetings during tender and pre-construction stages
- Work closely with commercial teams to validate design solutions against project budgets
- Liaise with statutory authorities and approval bodies where required
- Ensure client requirements and project objectives are achieved throughout delivery
- Communicate effectively with project teams and senior management
Compliance & Building Safety
- Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, Planning Conditions and Warranty requirements
- Work closely with the Principal Designer to satisfy Building Safety Act requirements
- Manage statutory approvals, permissions, licences and third-party agreements
- Ensure all design information meets health, safety and environmental obligations
- Support project compliance across Higher Risk Buildings and fire remediation schemes where applicable
Team Leadership & Development
- Provide support, mentoring and guidance to Design Coordinators
- Assist with the professional development of junior team members
- Promote collaboration and continuous improvement within the design team
- Support digital transformation initiatives and BIM implementation
- Stay current with industry developments, legislation changes and product innovations
Requirements
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- Proven experience in a Design Manager position within the construction industry
- Strong background in refurbishment, residential, remediation or cladding projects
- Experience managing design from pre-construction through to project completion
- Detailed understanding of construction methods and building structures including RC frames, timber, structural steel and load-bearing masonry
- Experience supporting tendering and pre-construction activities
- Strong understanding of design management processes and project sequencing
- Experience reviewing technical design information and resolving design issues
- Working knowledge of JCT, NEC and PPC forms of contract
- Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Proven ability to work under pressure and deliver to deadlines
- Experience using Common Data Environments (CDEs)
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving capabilities
Desirable
- Experience working on Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs)
- Fire remediation and façade replacement project experience
- BIM knowledge and digital design management experience
- Experience using Asta Powerproject or Microsoft Project
- Experience with Viewpoint for Projects, Fieldview or similar platforms
- Membership of a professional body such as CIOB, RICS, RIBA or ICE
- Additional qualifications in BIM, Project Management or Health & Safety
Education & Qualifications
- Relevant qualification in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Building Surveying, or a related construction discipline
- Professional membership (CIOB, RICS, RIBA, ICE or equivalent)
- Additional qualifications in BIM, Project Management, Sustainability, Environment or Health & Safety
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