Jobs and Careers
CV

Design Manager

CV-Library
United Kingdomfull_timeVerifiedPosted 27 Aug 2026
💰 £80,000/yr(£65,000/yr£80,000/yr)

About the role

Design Manager

Location: Tonbridge
Projects: London, Surrey & Kent
Sectors: Education | Local Authority | Police / Blue Light | Commercial | Light Industrial
Contract: Permanent

The Role

We’re working with a well-established main contractor with a strong pipeline of work across London, Surrey and Kent.

They’re looking for an experienced Design Manager to join the team and take ownership of design delivery across a varied range of projects, typically from £5m up to £25m.

You’ll be involved from the early pre-construction stages right through to completion, working across new-build and refurbishment projects and dealing with a mix of sectors including education, local authority, blue light, commercial and light industrial.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, likes being involved in the detail and is comfortable working closely with both design and construction teams.

What You’ll Be Doing

* Managing the design process from pre-construction through to project completion

* Coordinating external consultants, subcontract designers and internal teams

* Keeping design programmes aligned with the wider project programme

* Identifying and managing design risks

* Managing design changes and ensuring information is properly controlled

* Chairing design and coordination meetings

* Making sure design information is accurate, buildable and issued on time

* Supporting tenders and pre-construction activities across various frameworks

* Working closely with the Project Manager, Commercial team and wider delivery team

Ideally, you’ll have:

* Previous experience as a Design Manager with a main contractor

* Experience delivering projects within sectors such as education, local authority, police / blue light, commercial or light industrial

* Good knowledge of Design & Build and framework procurement

* Strong communication and coordination skills

* The ability to manage consultants, subcontractors and multiple stakeholders

* Experience working across live construction projects

* A good understanding of the full design and construction process

Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who is organised, proactive and confident managing design across a busy project environment.

What’s On Offer?

* Competitive salary up to 80k + package

* Permanent position with an established main contractor

* A strong pipeline of work across London, Surrey and Kent

* Varied projects across multiple sectors

* Repeat work through established frameworks

* Supportive design and project teams

* Good long-term career prospects

Interested?

If you’re an experienced Design Manager with a main contractor background and are looking for a role offering variety, long-term work and a strong project pipeline, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now for a confidential conversation and to find out more.

If this role isn’t quite right for you but you know someone who could be a good fit, please feel free to get in touch

Apply for this role

Generate a tailored application kit with a matched cover letter, interview prep, and CV highlights — in under 60 seconds.

Apply Now →Generate Application Kit

Free account required — sign up in 30s

Company

CV-Library

View company profile →