Design Manager

Location: London

Sector: Construction / Education

Experience Required: Main Contracting, DfE Projects & Relevant Frameworks

We are currently seeking experienced Design Managers to join our team on education projects across London. We are looking for candidates with a strong background in delivering Department for Education (DfE) projects, a thorough understanding of the relevant procurement frameworks, and proven experience working for a main contractor.

The Role

As Design Manager, you will take responsibility for managing and coordinating the design process from pre-construction through to delivery on site, ensuring projects meet the required technical, commercial, programme, quality and compliance standards.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage the design process across education projects, including DfE schemes.

Coordinate design consultants, subcontractors and the wider project team.

Ensure designs comply with DfE requirements, building regulations, relevant standards and project specifications.

Manage design programmes, deliverables, design reviews and technical submissions.

Work closely with pre-construction, commercial and site teams to ensure design solutions are practical, cost-effective and buildable.

Identify and resolve design risks, technical issues and potential programme delays.

Manage design changes and ensure effective communication between all stakeholders.

Ensure compliance with relevant procurement frameworks and project-specific requirements.

Support the successful delivery of projects from tender stage through to practical completion.

Essential Requirements

Proven experience as a Design Manager working for a main contractor.

Demonstrable experience delivering DfE education projects, such as schools, academies or other educational facilities.

Experience working within relevant DfE procurement frameworks and associated delivery requirements.

Strong understanding of design management processes from pre-construction through to construction.

Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams, consultants and specialist subcontractors.

Good knowledge of UK building regulations, construction standards, technical compliance and buildability.

Strong communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Ability to manage multiple design deliverables and work to demanding project programmes.

The Ideal Candidate

You will be a proactive and commercially aware Design Manager who understands the complexities of DfE-led education projects and has the main contracting experience required to drive design coordination and delivery. You will be confident working with consultants, clients and site teams, ensuring design information is delivered accurately, efficiently and in line with project requirements