Design Manager

Design Manager

Location: Hatfield, Hertfordshire (with regional travel as required)

Salary: £60,000 - £80,000 + £5,200 car allowance + bonus + excellent benefits

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Design Manager to lead design activities from pre-construction through to project delivery on major refurbishment, fire remediation, and re-cladding schemes.

This role offers the opportunity to take full technical responsibility for high-profile projects while collaborating closely with clients, consultants, and internal teams. You will also provide design and technical support during tenders, ensuring the delivery of compliant, buildable, and commercially sound solutions.

If you thrive on managing the design function, driving compliance, and supporting the safe and successful delivery of complex schemes, this role could be ideal for you.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Technical Leadership

• Lead consultant and survey tendering and procurement.
• Review Employer''s Requirements (ERs) and develop Contractor''s Proposals.
• Carry out design risk appraisals and lead client design meetings.
• Establish robust design and pre-construction programmes.
• Oversee consultant and survey appointments, managing design budgets and performance.
• Review and sign off all design information for compliance, buildability, cost, and statutory regulations.
• Manage design changes and oversee the change control process.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with clients, key stakeholders, and statutory bodies to ensure compliance (Building Regulations, Warranty, Planning).
• Work with the Principal Designer under the Building Safety Act.
• Support the Commercial Team with cost validation.
• Lead design reviews and deliver client presentations.

Team Development & Continuous Improvement

• Mentor and guide Design Coordinators and Assistant Design Managers.
• Stay up to date with regulatory changes, product developments, and best practice.
• Support the integration of digital design tools (BIM, digital reviews).

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all design outputs meet health, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Collaborate closely with the Principal Designer to deliver safe, compliant projects.

About You

Essential:

• Relevant qualification in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Strong background in leading design management on refurbishment, fire remediation, or recladding projects.
• Excellent knowledge of Building Regulations and statutory requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple consultants, budgets, and programmes simultaneously.

   

Desirable:

• Membership of a professional body (CIOB, RICS, RIBA, ICE).
• Additional qualifications in BIM, Project Management, or Health & Safety.

   

What''s on Offer

• Competitive salary £60,000 - £80,000 DOE
• £5,200 annual car allowance
• Annual bonus opportunities
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (option to purchase additional days)
• Generous pension scheme & life cover (2x salary)
• Employee discount shopping schemes with leading retailers
• Gym membership discounts
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• 2 CSR/volunteering days per year
• Wide range of training, professional qualifications, and development support
• Inclusive workplace with active employee networks
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing app

   

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation at the forefront of fire remediation and sustainable refurbishment projects. You''ll be empowered to lead design on challenging and high-profile projects, while benefiting from excellent career progression, structured development, and a comprehensive rewards package.

Apply now with your updated CV to be considered for this exciting Design Manager opportunity or contact Nathan at the 300 North Leeds office on (phone number removed) or (url removed)