New Design Manager position
- Location: Central Manchester
- Contract type: Permanent
- Salary: £ DOE + package
- Project experience required: Cut & carve refurbishment and new build
- Posted: 28th May 2026
- Contact: Mark Dixon (Skilled Careers, Maidstone Branch)
The company:
A well established national main contractor delivering refurbishment and new build schemes procured through design & build contracts. Projects range from minor £2m schemes up to £20m major works contracts.
The Opportunity
Due to a strong pipeline of secured work, we’re seeking a Design Manager to join a growing design team. You’ll be key in supporting tendering for new contracts across the north and ongoing management of live schemes.
This is a fantastic opportunity to make an impact in a business that truly values innovation, teamwork and professional development.
Your Role
- Analyse enquiry and tender documents to support bid preparation.
- Lead and coordinate the design process throughout RIBA stages 2-7.
- Produce and manage design programmes, scopes, responsibility matrices, and schedules.
- Procure, coordinate and manage external design consultants.
- Drive innovation and value engineering to optimise project performance and client satisfaction.
- Monitor design progress to ensure timely information delivery.
- Attend tender reviews, pre-start meetings, and ongoing project performance reviews.
About You
- Proven track record delivering new build and refurbishment schemes for a main or principal contractor.
- Strong ability to plan, organise, and manage workloads effectively.
- Solid understanding of site procedures, Building Regulations and planning processes.
- Commercially aware with excellent communication and coordination skills.
- Experience of client procurement routes.
- Background in site operations prior to design management would be advantageous but not essential.
Why apply for this role
- The opportunity to join a highly stable business and a healthy pipeline of work with repeat clients.
- A competitive salary and package.
- 25 days of holiday per year plus Bank Holidays (+ get more days with length of service)
- A welcoming team with a supportive culture and great project teams with exceptional talent and experience.
Interested?
If you’re looking to take the next step in your career as a Design Manager and want to work with a respected national main contractor delivering exciting projects we’d love to hear from you.
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