Senior Design Manager

Atkins Search are currently recruiting for a Senior Design Manager to join a leading Tier 1 construction contractor delivering projects across Manchester and the wider North West region.

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a market-leading business with a strong presence across the North West, delivering some of the region's most prestigious and technically challenging construction projects. With a substantial pipeline of secured work across multiple sectors, a collaborative culture and clear progression opportunities, you will play a key leadership role in driving design excellence from pre-construction through to project completion.

Our client is a highly respected national construction contractor with an exceptional reputation for delivering complex, high-value projects throughout the UK. Their North West business continues to secure major projects across Manchester and surrounding regions, providing the opportunity to work on flagship developments across a diverse range of sectors including commercial, education, healthcare, residential and public sector schemes.

With a strong focus on quality, innovation and long-term client relationships, they have positioned themselves as one of the industry's most successful contractors. Their people-first approach, commitment to professional development and collaborative working culture make this an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Senior Design Manager seeking the next step in their career.

• Leading Tier 1 construction contractor
• Major projects across Manchester and the North West
• Strong pipeline of secured work
• Excellent reputation for quality, innovation and delivery
• Established relationships with key public and private sector clients
• Commitment to sustainability and modern construction methods
• Genuine career advancement opportunities
• Collaborative and supportive working environment

As Senior Design Manager, you will be responsible for leading the design management function across major construction projects from bid stage through to successful completion.

Working closely with clients, consultants, subcontractors and operational teams, you will provide strategic leadership to the design process, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with programme, commercial and quality objectives.

You will also support and mentor Design Managers within the business, while playing a key role in pre-construction activities and contributing to the successful delivery of landmark projects across Manchester and the surrounding regions.

• Leading and managing the design process across multiple projects and project teams
• Providing strategic direction and technical leadership throughout all design stages
• Managing relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and key stakeholders
• Chairing and leading design workshops and coordination meetings
• Developing and managing design programmes alongside planning and delivery teams
• Monitoring information release schedules and critical design deliverables
• Identifying, managing and mitigating design risks throughout project lifecycle
• Ensuring compliance with CDM 2015 and promoting best practice in safe design
• Leading the appointment, management and performance of external consultants
• Managing consultant scopes of service, fee negotiations and performance reviews
• Coordinating statutory approvals including Planning, Building Control, BREEAM and other project-specific requirements
• Driving buildability reviews and challenging designs to maximise project efficiency
• Managing design change processes and delivering commercially viable solutions
• Undertaking project and site reviews to ensure compliance with design intent
• Supporting bid submissions and pre-construction activities with technical expertise
• Mentoring and developing Design Managers and wider project teams

The successful candidate will have extensive Design Management experience within a main contracting environment and a proven track record of delivering complex construction projects. You will possess strong leadership skills, commercial awareness and the ability to effectively manage multiple stakeholders across large-scale developments.

• Degree or professional qualification in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering or a related discipline
• Significant Design Management experience within a Tier 1 or major main contractor environment
• Experience leading major projects from pre-construction through to completion
• Strong understanding of CDM 2015 and design risk management
• Proven ability to manage and interpret complex design and construction programmes
• Excellent understanding of buildability, construction methodologies and sequencing
• Experience managing consultant teams and multidisciplinary stakeholder groups
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of design-related project risks
• Strategic thinker with a proactive and solutions-focused approach
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Ability to influence and build relationships at all levels
• Experience mentoring and developing team members
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant construction technology platforms

As Senior Design Manager, you will be joining a leading contractor with an excellent reputation and a strong forward order book across the North West. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the delivery of some of Manchester's most notable projects while developing your career within a highly successful business.

• Competitive salary
• Company car or car allowance
• Annual performance bonus
• Private healthcare
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Generous holiday allowance
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Clear career progression opportunities
• Flexible and supportive working culture
• Opportunity to work on flagship projects across Manchester and the North West
• Leadership and mentoring responsibilities within a growing team
• Long-term pipeline of high-profile projects and secured work

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