Design Manager

Overview

Atkins Search are currently recruiting for a Design Manager to join a leading Tier 1 construction contractor based in Bristol.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a market-leading business delivering some of the South West's most prestigious construction projects. With a strong pipeline of secured work, a collaborative culture and clear opportunities for career progression, you'll play a key role in shaping and delivering high-profile schemes from concept through to completion while working alongside some of the industry's leading professionals.

Client

Our client is a highly regarded national construction business with an excellent reputation for delivering complex, high-value projects across the UK. Their Southwest division continues to secure a strong pipeline of prestigious work, offering the opportunity to work on flagship schemes across a variety of sectors.

With a focus on quality, innovation and long-term client relationships, they have established themselves as one of the industry's most respected contractors. Their people-first approach, commitment to career development and collaborative culture make this an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Design Manager looking to progress their career.

Leading Tier 1 construction contractor

Prestigious projects across the Southwest

Strong, secured pipeline of work

Excellent reputation for quality and delivery

Long-standing relationships with key clients

Commitment to innovation and sustainability

Genuine career progression opportunities

Collaborative and supportive working environment

Role

As Design Manager, you will take ownership of the design process from pre-construction through to project completion, ensuring design information is delivered safely, efficiently and in line with programme requirements.

Working closely with clients, consultants, subcontractors and project teams, you will drive design coordination, manage risk and ensure projects are delivered to the highest standards.

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the delivery of major projects across the Southwest, working as part of an established and highly successful team.

Responsibilities

Managing relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and project teams to ensure successful project delivery

Leading and coordinating the design process throughout all project stages

Chairing and managing design team meetings

Managing design programmes alongside planners and project teams

Monitoring Information Release Schedules and design deliverables

Identifying and mitigating design risks while maximising project opportunities

Ensuring compliance with CDM 2015 and promoting safety in design principles

Managing the appointment and performance of external consultants

Developing consultant scopes and managing fee schedules

Coordinating statutory approvals including Planning, Building Control and BREEAM requirements

Reviewing buildability and challenging designs where required to ensure efficient construction methodologies

Managing design changes and providing commercially viable technical solutions

Undertaking site inspections to ensure completed works meet design requirements

Supporting pre-construction and bid activities with technical expertise

Person

The successful candidate will have previous Design Management experience within a main contracting environment, alongside strong technical, communication and stakeholder management skills.

Architectural, Design Management or construction-related qualification

Previous experience working for a main contractor

Experience across both pre-construction and project delivery phases

Strong knowledge of CDM 2015 and design risk management

Ability to interpret and manage design and construction programmes

Good understanding of buildability and construction sequencing

Experience managing consultant teams and external stakeholders

Commercial awareness and understanding of the design change process

Analytical and solutions-focused approach

Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels

Proactive, driven and collaborative attitude

Proficient with Microsoft Office and construction technology platforms

Remuneration

As Design Manager, you will be joining a market-leading contractor with an excellent reputation and a strong future workload. This is a fantastic opportunity to work on some of the region's most exciting projects while developing your career within a supportive environment.

Competitive salary

Company car or car allowance

Annual bonus scheme

Private healthcare

Generous pension contribution

Excellent holiday allowance

Ongoing training and professional development

Clear opportunities for career progression

Supportive, team-oriented culture

Exciting projects across the Southwest region

Atkins Search acts as an employment agency for the Built Environment including but not limited to Construction, Consultancy, Residential and Infrastructure sectors. By submitting your CV, you consent to Atkins Search processing your personal data in line with our Privacy Policy. At Atkins Search, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone throughout the recruitment process. Please note that any salary or benefits listed are indicative only and subject to suitability of skills and experience.