TalentHawk
Design Manager
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Contract Type: Fixed Term (initially 2 years, with strong likelihood of extension aligned to programme lifecycle)
Location: Hybrid (regular on-site presence required for design reviews, stakeholder sessions, and delivery coordination)
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to join a high-profile, fast-paced infrastructure programme. This is a senior-level role acting as the key interface between the design organisation, delivery partners, and internal programme leadership.
Unlike traditional construction environments, this programme operates at significant pace and complexity, requiring strong design governance, confident stakeholder engagement, and the ability to challenge and influence senior technical and delivery teams.
The successful candidate will ensure that design outputs align with programme objectives, operational needs, technical standards, and security requirements across the full project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the primary point of contact for the appointed design organisation/design house.
- Lead oversight and governance of design deliverables across all RIBA stages (0–7).
- Review, challenge, and validate design outputs to ensure compliance with scope, standards, and programme requirements.
- Ensure design intent is fully aligned with operational, technical, commercial, and security expectations.
- Actively challenge assumptions, specifications, and design decisions where necessary.
- Collaborate closely with senior programme stakeholders including:
- Programme leadership
- Commercial and procurement teams
- Delivery and construction partners
- Technical and operational stakeholders
- Participate in design reviews, partner meetings, and site-based engagements as required.
- Support smooth transition from design phase into delivery and handover.
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Essential Experience
- Strong, demonstrable experience working across RIBA stages 0–7 (mandatory).
- Background in one or more of the following disciplines:
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Construction / Project Management
- Proven experience in a design governance role, either:
- Within a design consultancy/design house, or
- Client-side acting as a Design Manager interfacing with design organisations
- Experience on large-scale infrastructure or complex capital programmes (preferred but flexible by sector).
- Strong understanding of design assurance, review processes, and delivery integration.
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Skills & Attributes
- Confident communicator with the ability to challenge senior designers and stakeholders constructively.
- Strong stakeholder management skills in complex, matrixed environments.
- Highly proactive, delivery-focused, and solution-oriented mindset.
- Comfortable operating in high-pressure, fast-moving programme environments.
- Strong presence with the ability to influence (“visible and vocal” role).
- Pragmatic, decisive, and able to balance governance with delivery pace.
Working Arrangement
- Hybrid working model with regular on-site collaboration.
- Presence required for key design reviews, partner meetings, and site activity.
- Flexible working patterns supported (including compressed hours where appropriate).
- Role is full-time in workload regardless of working pattern.
Security & Eligibility
- Role is subject to UK Security Clearance.
- Existing clearance is advantageous and transferable where applicable.
- Candidates without clearance may be considered but must meet eligibility criteria, including:
- Minimum 5 years UK residency
- Overseas/offshore candidates are not eligible.
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