Design Manager

Are you a Design Manager looking for an exclusive opportunity to work on the UK’s most prestigious projects in Derby?

We’re hiring a Design Manager to join our client and lead the design coordination of exciting construction projects across Derby. This is a full-time, permanent role offering excellent career progression, varied project exposure, and the chance to work with a growing, supportive team on schemes valued between £5 million and £20 million.

Based in Derby, our client is a well-established construction main contractor with over 50 years of proven delivery across the Midlands. They pride themselves on the quality of their work, delivering varied and interesting construction projects across the Midlands. With a large portfolio of schemes, our client operates across MOD facilities, healthcare developments, MOJ projects, commercial builds and industrial sectors, with the client at the focus of their approach.

As a Design Manager in Derby, you'll be responsible for managing and coordinating the design process from pre-construction through to project completion. You will work closely with internal teams, consultants, and subcontractors to ensure that designs are fully coordinated, compliant, and aligned with project requirements.

Operating across both office and site environments, you’ll play a key role in ensuring design solutions are practical, cost-effective, and delivered on programme.

Your responsibilities as a Design Manager will include:

• Manage and coordinate the design process from tender through to construction and handover
• Review and manage design programmes, ensuring key deliverables are met
• Coordinate architects, engineers, and specialist consultants to ensure fully integrated designs
• Identify and resolve design clashes, risks, and buildability issues
• Ensure designs comply with building regulations, client requirements, and industry standards
• Work closely with commercial and delivery teams to ensure cost-effective design solutions
• Manage design change processes and ensure proper documentation and approvals
• Attend and chair design team meetings, ensuring clear communication across stakeholders
• Review technical drawings, specifications, and submittals for accuracy and completeness
• Support value engineering initiatives and continuous improvement
• Ensure timely release of design information to support construction programmes

To succeed in this Design Manager job, you’ll bring strong experience in design coordination within the construction industry and the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams effectively.

Essential:

• Degree in Construction, Architecture, Engineering, or a related discipline
• Proven experience in a Design Manager or Design Coordinator role within construction
• Experience working on projects valued between £5 million and £20 million
• Ability to pass SC Clearance
• Strong understanding of the design and construction process
• Knowledge of UK building regulations and industry standards
• Experience coordinating consultants and managing design programmes
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team

Desirable:

• Professional membership (RIBA, CIOB, RICS or similar) or working towards
• Experience using BIM and design coordination tools such as Navisworks or Revit
• Experience in healthcare, education, or commercial construction projects
• Knowledge of sustainable design practices and modern methods of construction

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing team with a strong project pipeline. As a Design Manager, you’ll gain exposure to varied and challenging construction projects while progressing your career with clear pathways to Senior Design Manager and beyond.

Package includes:

• Competitive salary (negotiable based on experience)
• Generous benefits package
• Opportunities for career progression and professional development
• Varied workload on exciting construction schemes
• Supportive team environment
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Generous annual leave

Apply Now: Design Manager Job in Derby

Ready to progress your design management career in Derby? Apply today to join our client and work on some of the most exciting construction projects.

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