Design Manager

Atkins Search · Derby, East Midlands

Design Manager at Atkins Search, based in Derby, East Midlands, paying £45,000 - £55,000 per annum. This is a contract role.

Salary
£45,000 - £55,000 per annum
Location
Derby, East Midlands
Contract
Contract
Posted
1 month ago
Closes
10 Sep 2026
Sector
Creative & Design

15% below the typical rate for creative & design

Reference b93cff7a10aeec47cc3020522abe36b81375d3f6

About the role

Overview



Are you a Design Manager looking for an exclusive opportunity to work on the UK’s most prestigious projects in Derby?



We’re hiring a Design Manager to join our client and lead the design coordination of exciting construction projects across Derby. This is a full-time, permanent role offering excellent career progression, varied project exposure, and the chance to work with a growing, supportive team on schemes valued between £5 million and £20 million.





Client



Based in Derby, our client is a well-established construction main contractor with over 50 years of proven delivery across the Midlands. They pride themselves on the quality of their work, delivering varied and interesting construction projects across the Midlands. With a large portfolio of schemes, our client operates across MOD facilities, healthcare developments, MOJ projects, commercial builds and industrial sectors, with the client at the focus of their approach.





Role



As a Design Manager in Derby, you'll be responsible for managing and coordinating the design process from pre-construction through to project completion. You will work closely with internal teams, consultants, and subcontractors to ensure that designs are fully coordinated, compliant, and aligned with project requirements.



Operating across both office and site environments, you’ll play a key role in ensuring design solutions are practical, cost-effective, and delivered on programme.





Responsibilities



Your responsibilities as a Design Manager will include:

Manage and coordinate the design process from tender through to construction and handover
Review and manage design programmes, ensuring key deliverables are met
Coordinate architects, engineers, and specialist consultants to ensure fully integrated designs
Identify and resolve design clashes, risks, and buildability issues
Ensure designs comply with building regulations, client requirements, and industry standards
Work closely with commercial and delivery teams to ensure cost-effective design solutions
Manage design change processes and ensure proper documentation and approvals
Attend and chair design team meetings, ensuring clear communication across stakeholders
Review technical drawings, specifications, and submittals for accuracy and completeness
Support value engineering initiatives and continuous improvement
Ensure timely release of design information to support construction programmes




Person



To succeed in this Design Manager job, you’ll bring strong experience in design coordination within the construction industry and the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams effectively.



Essential:

Degree in Construction, Architecture, Engineering, or a related discipline
Proven experience in a Design Manager or Design Coordinator role within construction
Experience working on projects valued between £5 million and £20 million
Ability to pass SC Clearance
Strong understanding of the design and construction process
Knowledge of UK building regulations and industry standards
Experience coordinating consultants and managing design programmes
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail
Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team


Desirable:

Professional membership (RIBA, CIOB, RICS or similar) or working towards
Experience using BIM and design coordination tools such as Navisworks or Revit
Experience in healthcare, education, or commercial construction projects
Knowledge of sustainable design practices and modern methods of construction


Remuneration



This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing team with a strong project pipeline. As a Design Manager, you’ll gain exposure to varied and challenging construction projects while progressing your career with clear pathways to Senior Design Manager and beyond.



Package includes:

Competitive salary (negotiable based on experience)
Generous benefits package
Opportunities for career progression and professional development
Varied workload on exciting construction schemes
Supportive team environment
Enhanced pension scheme
Generous annual leave


Apply Now: Design Manager Job in Derby



Ready to progress your design management career in Derby? Apply today to join our client and work on some of the most exciting construction projects.





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.

Reference: b93cff7a10aeec47cc3020522abe36b81375d3f6 · Posted 1 month ago · Closes 10 Sep 2026 · Listed via Atkins Search

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Salary £45,000 - £55,000 per annum
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