redfish solutions ltd
Design Manager
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
About the Role
Our client is on the lookout for a Design Manager to join their team. They specialize in complex, high-value projects including luxury residential, commercial cut-and-carve, complex structural extensions, and heritage restorations. They have the financial backing of a massive corporation but maintain a flat, agile structure. You will get the prestige of working on landmark projects without the corporate red tape.
What’s In It For You?
- High-Profile Portfolio: Lead technically challenging schemes across Central London, from deep basement excavations to high-end commercial fit-outs.
- Autonomy & Impact: You will be the sole design authority on your projects, heavily influencing pre-construction strategies and value engineering.
- Career Trajectory: The company is growing rapidly, offering a clear, fast-tracked pathway into a Senior Design Manager role.
- Excellent Culture: They boast an incredibly high staff retention rate due to their collaborative, supportive, and social working environment.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Your Role
As Design Manager, you will take full ownership of the design process from pre-construction tender stages through to final on-site delivery. You will act as the pivotal link between client stakeholders, external architectural consultants, and internal site operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Design Teams: Manage and coordinate external multidisciplinary consultants, architects, and specialist subcontractors.
- Pre-Construction Strategy: Support the bidding team by reviewing tender documents, establishing Design Management Plans, and identifying cost-saving alternatives.
- Risk & Compliance: Ensure all architectural and structural drawings strictly comply with current UK building regulations and planning conditions.
- Interface Management: Chair weekly technical workshops and manage the Design Responsibility Matrix to eliminate scope gaps on-site.
- Commercial Support: Work hand-in-hand with Commercial and Project Managers to track financial variations and manage the design change-control process.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
What You Need to Succeed
- Main Contractor Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of experience working as a Design Manager specifically for a UK Main Contractor.
- Project Track Record: Proven experience delivering complex structural refurbishments, high-end residential, or commercial fit-out projects.
- Technical Qualifications: Degree or HND/HNC in Architecture, Construction Management, or Architectural Technology.
- Soft Skills: A highly proactive communicator who can confidently challenge external consultants and manage client expectations.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location