Design Manager

Job Title: Design Manager
Location: Milton Keynes (with occasional site visits)
Salary: Negotiable (DOE) + Car Allowance/Company Car + Bonus Scheme + Private Medical Care + Pension

Role Overview

I am looking to speak with Design Managers to join a well established technical team. Based at the Milton Keynes office, you will report to the Technical Director and work across multiple commercial and industrial contracts ranging from £1m – £20m in value.

Projects typically include industrial units with steel frame structures, metal cladding, Category A fit-out, and associated external works including civils and drainage.

Key Responsibilities

• Review drawings to identify clashes, errors, and omissions, issuing comments and ensuring they are fully integrated into the design.

• Ensure all trade and specialist information is fully coordinated.

• Review design information to ensure compliance with contract specifications, drawings, and relevant standards.

• Provide design support to project management teams throughout project delivery.

• Identify and implement value engineering opportunities.

• Attend design team meetings and coordinate input from architects, engineers, and subcontractors.

• Support the Contracts Manager in producing and coordinating meeting minutes.

• Coordinate information to ensure compliance with BREEAM and Part L (SBEM) requirements.

• Oversee submissions to Building Control and track comments to closure.

• Distribute drawings to relevant design team members and subcontractors.

• Track design progress against programme deadlines to ensure timely delivery.

Background & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a Design Coordinator (preferably with a Design & Build main contractor) or at least 2 years as a Design Manager in a similar environment.

• Experience in the industrial/commercial sector essential, with projects valued between £1m – £20m.

• Alternatively, experience as an architect reviewing drawings with an interest in moving to a main contractor will be considered.

• Strong understanding of the design and construction process, with experience reviewing civils, levels, drainage, concrete, S278, S106, S50, steel frames, cladding, internals, and M&E.

• Proficient IT skills with familiarity in Microsoft Office Suite (CAD/Bluebeam beneficial but not essential).

Package & Benefits

• Competitive salary (negotiable depending on experience)

• Permanent role

• 25 days holiday (5 to be taken at Christmas) + Bank Holidays

• Car allowance or company car

• Private medical care available

• Pension contribution

• Company bonus scheme

• Annual Christmas party

• Regular social and team-building events