Design Manager

Atkins Search are currently recruiting for a Design Manager to join a leading Tier 1 construction contractor based in Bristol.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a market-leading business delivering some of the South West's most prestigious construction projects. With a strong pipeline of secured work, a collaborative culture and clear opportunities for career progression, you'll play a key role in shaping and delivering high-profile schemes from concept through to completion while working alongside some of the industry's leading professionals.

Our client is a highly regarded national construction business with an excellent reputation for delivering complex, high-value projects across the UK. Their Southwest division continues to secure a strong pipeline of prestigious work, offering the opportunity to work on flagship schemes across a variety of sectors.

With a focus on quality, innovation and long-term client relationships, they have established themselves as one of the industry's most respected contractors. Their people-first approach, commitment to career development and collaborative culture make this an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Design Manager looking to progress their career.

• Leading Tier 1 construction contractor
• Prestigious projects across the Southwest
• Strong, secured pipeline of work
• Excellent reputation for quality and delivery
• Long-standing relationships with key clients
• Commitment to innovation and sustainability
• Genuine career progression opportunities
• Collaborative and supportive working environment

As Design Manager, you will take ownership of the design process from pre-construction through to project completion, ensuring design information is delivered safely, efficiently and in line with programme requirements.

Working closely with clients, consultants, subcontractors and project teams, you will drive design coordination, manage risk and ensure projects are delivered to the highest standards.

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the delivery of major projects across the Southwest, working as part of an established and highly successful team.

• Managing relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and project teams to ensure successful project delivery
• Leading and coordinating the design process throughout all project stages
• Chairing and managing design team meetings
• Managing design programmes alongside planners and project teams
• Monitoring Information Release Schedules and design deliverables
• Identifying and mitigating design risks while maximising project opportunities
• Ensuring compliance with CDM 2015 and promoting safety in design principles
• Managing the appointment and performance of external consultants
• Developing consultant scopes and managing fee schedules
• Coordinating statutory approvals including Planning, Building Control and BREEAM requirements
• Reviewing buildability and challenging designs where required to ensure efficient construction methodologies
• Managing design changes and providing commercially viable technical solutions
• Undertaking site inspections to ensure completed works meet design requirements
• Supporting pre-construction and bid activities with technical expertise

The successful candidate will have previous Design Management experience within a main contracting environment, alongside strong technical, communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Architectural, Design Management or construction-related qualification
• Previous experience working for a main contractor
• Experience across both pre-construction and project delivery phases
• Strong knowledge of CDM 2015 and design risk management
• Ability to interpret and manage design and construction programmes
• Good understanding of buildability and construction sequencing
• Experience managing consultant teams and external stakeholders
• Commercial awareness and understanding of the design change process
• Analytical and solutions-focused approach
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels
• Proactive, driven and collaborative attitude
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and construction technology platforms

As Design Manager, you will be joining a market-leading contractor with an excellent reputation and a strong future workload. This is a fantastic opportunity to work on some of the region's most exciting projects while developing your career within a supportive environment.

• Competitive salary
• Company car or car allowance
• Annual bonus scheme
• Private healthcare
• Generous pension contribution
• Excellent holiday allowance
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Clear opportunities for career progression
• Supportive, team-oriented culture
• Exciting projects across the Southwest region

Atkins Search acts as an employment agency for the Built Environment including but not limited to Construction, Consultancy, Residential and Infrastructure sectors. By submitting your CV, you consent to Atkins Search processing your personal data in line with our Privacy Policy. At Atkins Search, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone throughout the recruitment process. Please note that any salary or benefits listed are indicative only and subject to suitability of skills and experience.