Senior Design Manager

Atkins Search · Derby, East Midlands

Senior Design Manager at Atkins Search, based in Derby, East Midlands, paying £60,000 - £70,000 per annum. This is a contract role.

Salary
£60,000 - £70,000 per annum
Location
Derby, East Midlands
Contract
Contract
Posted
1 month ago
Closes
10 Sep 2026
Sector
Creative & Design

About 10% above the going rate for creative & design

Reference c5e6ead56f22b74c0d60ca3977507d2980b6baa4

About the role

Overview



Are you a Senior Design Manager looking for their next career move in the East Midlands?



Atkins Search is recruiting a Senior Design Manager to join a well-established main contractor based in Derby. Renowned for delivering high-quality projects across the region, our client offers a supportive environment that values collaboration and employee development.



This role has the exciting opportunity to fast track and progress into a role of Head of Design in the future!





Client



Our client is a privately owned business with a strong reputation across the Midlands for delivering construction excellence across various sectors, including residential, healthcare, education, and commercial developments. Their people-first approach promotes career growth and employee wellbeing.



Established Reputation: Trusted in the industry and recognised for delivering quality in every project.
Diverse Portfolio: Projects range from £1M to £30M, including work on major public frameworks and private sector builds.
Growth-Oriented: Exciting strategy to expand its footprint, with robust leadership and team-oriented culture.
Local Focus: Projects are regionally based across the Midlands & North, minimising travel and enabling work-life balance




Role



As a Senior Design Manager, you will play a pivotal role in leading the design process, ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality projects that meet client expectations and budgetary requirements. You will collaborate with an experienced team and lead multiple exciting projects across the Midlands.





Responsibilities



As a Senior Design Manager, your responsibilities will include (but not limited to):



Manage the design process from concept through to delivery, ensuring compliance with project requirements and regulations
Manage and mentor junior members of the Design Team
Chair and lead design team meetings, providing guidance to consultants and internal stakeholders
Develop and monitor design programmes, ensuring timely and cost-effective project outcomes
Coordinate and manage external consultants, ensuring alignment with project goals
Provide technical input during preconstruction, supporting bid teams in securing new work




Person



The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in design management within a main contracting environment, with experience in both preconstruction and delivery phases.



Key Attributes:

Qualifications: Degree in Design Management, Architecture, or a construction-related discipline.
Experience: Hands-on experience managing design processes in a contractor setting delivering new build and refurbishment schemes
Skills: Proficient in design and construction software (e.g., CAD, Microsoft Office).
Attributes: Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.




Renumeration



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



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: Senior 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: c5e6ead56f22b74c0d60ca3977507d2980b6baa4 · Posted 1 month ago · Closes 10 Sep 2026 · Listed via Atkins Search

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Salary £60,000 - £70,000 per annum
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