Design Manager
Leading Tier 1 Main Contractor

The Role

A leading Tier 1 contractor is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead the design process on major construction projects across pre-construction and delivery stages.

This is a key role working across tenders and live projects, ensuring designs are coordinated, compliant, and commercially viable.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the design process from concept through to construction and handover
• Coordinate internal teams, consultants, and specialist subcontract designers
• Lead design reviews, approvals, and information flow
• Identify and mitigate design risks, ensuring buildable and cost-effective solutions
• Support bid teams in developing competitive and compliant tender designs
• Drive value engineering and risk management across projects
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and client specifications
• Support delivery teams with design coordination throughout construction

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Design Manager with a main contractor
• Strong understanding of construction design, procurement, and delivery processes
• Experience working on large-scale projects across pre-construction and delivery
• Commercial awareness with the ability to drive value through design
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Familiar with BIM platforms and document control systems
• Degree qualified or relevant industry background

The Opportunity

• Work across high-value, complex projects
• Involvement in both tender and live project environments
• Strong pipeline of secured work
• Competitive salary and benefits package

Additional Information

• Full-time, permanent position
• Site and office-based role
• Right to work in the UK required

James Gray Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified candidates, regardless of race, sex, disability, beliefs, sexual orientation, or age