Senior Design Manager

Senior Design Manager – Welwyn Garden City Up to £92,000 + Car Allowance + Package Project‑based / office‑based, with flexibility for occasional remote working Healthcare, MOJ, or Education experience required We are seeking an accomplished Senior Design Manager to lead the design management function across major tenders and live projects within the Welwyn Garden City business. This senior role offers the opportunity to shape design strategy, influence early‑stage decision‑making, and drive excellence across a portfolio of high‑profile public sector schemes. About the Role You will take full ownership of the design process from pre‑construction through delivery, ensuring robust, coordinated and commercially aligned design solutions. Operating at both strategic and project levels, you will lead design governance, challenge briefs, manage risk and ensure that design outputs support programme, cost, quality and client aspirations. You will work closely with internal leadership teams, external consultants, supply chain partners and statutory authorities, acting as the senior point of accountability for design management across your projects. Key Responsibilities * Lead the design management function across complex tenders and live projects * Develop and implement design strategies that support bid success and project delivery * Oversee design governance, ensuring compliance with internal procedures and industry standards * Manage and mentor Design Managers and Assistant Design Managers * Lead the design process through all RIBA stages, ensuring coordinated and buildable solutions * Challenge design briefs, drive innovation and embed continuous improvement * Ensure design solutions align with commercial targets, cost plans and construction methodology * Oversee design risk management, including design responsibility matrices and scope clarity * Chair design reviews, technical workshops and coordination meetings * Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and statutory bodies * Ensure timely delivery of design information to support programme and procurement * Provide senior‑level input into tenders, including methodology, programme and design deliverables * Support digital construction, BIM integration and modern methods of construction initiatives What We’re Looking For A highly experienced Senior Design Manager with a strong track record delivering Healthcare, MOJ or Education schemes for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 main contractor. You will bring: * Extensive experience in main contracting design management * Proven leadership on complex public sector projects * Strong understanding of construction methodology, design coordination and technical compliance * Experience managing both single‑stage and two‑stage tenders * Ability to lead multidisciplinary design teams and influence senior stakeholders * HNC / HND / Degree in a construction or design‑related discipline * CIOB membership or working towards (advantageous) * Excellent communication, leadership and problem‑solving skills * A collaborative, proactive and commercially aware approach What You Can Expect * Salary up to £92,000 * Car allowance * 25 days holiday + package * Supportive, people‑focused and collaborative culture * Clear progression opportunities within a growing regional business * Exposure to a strong pipeline of Healthcare, Education and public sector projects * Opportunity to influence design strategy and contribute to high‑value, meaningful schemes Keywords Senior Design Manager, Lead Design Manager, Construction Design Management, Healthcare Projects, Education Projects, MOJ Projects, Tier 1 Contractor, Tier 2 Contractor, RIBA Stages, Design Leadership, BIM, Digital Construction, Pre‑Construction, Tender Design, Design Governance, Public Sector Construction, Hertfordshire Construction Jobs, Welwyn Garden City Jobs