Design Manager

Location: London

Salary: Competitive + comprehensive package

The Opportunity

We are currently partnering with a well-established and highly regarded main contractor to appoint a Design Manager for their growing London team. This business has a strong pipeline of secured work across the capital, delivering a range of complex and high-quality schemes.

This role will focus on fit-out and cut & carve projects, often within constrained, live, or technically challenging environments. As such, it offers an excellent opportunity for a Design Manager who enjoys working on detailed, design-led schemes where coordination and problem-solving are critical.

Role & Responsibilities

As Design Manager, you will take ownership of the design process across one or multiple projects, ensuring that design information is coordinated, compliant, and aligned with programme and commercial objectives.

Key responsibilities will include:

Managing the design process from tender stage through to completion

Coordinating external consultants, specialist subcontractors, and internal delivery teams

Leading and chairing design team meetings and workshops

Driving the design programme to ensure timely issue of information in line with construction sequencing

Reviewing design documentation for build-ability, cost efficiency, and compliance

Identifying and mitigating design risks while maximising value engineering opportunities

Acting as the key interface between client, consultants, and site teams

Ensuring all design outputs meet statutory requirements, planning conditions, and client expectations

Supporting pre-construction activities including tender reviews and design input

Candidate Requirements

We are keen to speak with individuals who can demonstrate a strong track record within a main contracting or specialist contracting environment.

You will ideally have:

Proven experience operating as a Design Manager on fit-out and/or cut & carve projects

Experience delivering projects within London, particularly in constrained or live environments

A strong understanding of construction methodologies, sequencing, and buildability

Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and drive design coordination

Experience across both pre-construction and delivery phases

Excellent communication, organisation, and leadership skills

A relevant qualification in construction, architecture, or engineering (or similar)

Why Apply?

Work on technically challenging, design-led projects across London

Join a contractor with a strong reputation and secured pipeline of work

Opportunity to take ownership of projects and progress your career

Collaborative and supportive team environment

Competitive salary and attractive benefits package