Design Manager (Manchester)

Atkins Search · Manchester, North West

Design Manager (Manchester) at Atkins Search, based in Manchester, North West, paying £70,000 - £75,000 per annum. This is a contract role.

Salary
£70,000 - £75,000 per annum
Location
Manchester, North West
Contract
Contract
Posted
3 weeks ago
Closes
6 Sep 2026
Sector
Creative & Design

About 24% above the going rate for creative & design

Reference 9e9886bd7c4f2c458f4765afba6a2d59656c6dc5

About the role

Overview

Atkins Search are currently recruiting for a Design Manager vacancy to join a progressive, dynamic main contractor based in Manchester.

The Construction Design Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the design process of construction projects valued between £5 million and £10 million. You will work closely with the project team, clients, architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure the design is delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Your role will focus on design coordination, risk management, and ensuring seamless communication between all parties involved.

Client

Based in Nottingham & Manchester our client prides itself on the quality of their work, delivering varied and interesting projects across the Midlands.

An established construction main contractor with the client at the focus of their approach, they offer a consistent service across the public and private sectors. With a large portfolio of schemes, our client operates across the MOD, healthcare, MOJ, commercial and industrial sectors.

Profitable, long-standing construction main contractor
Varied, interesting projects ranging from £1m to £30m in value
Excellent reputation with clients for delivery quality work
Over 50 years in operation
Exciting growth plans to increase turnover and expand regionally
Well-connected, accessible senior leadership team
People-focused, open and connected culture
Local, regionally based projects across the Midlands
Role

As the Design Manager, you will be working as part of an established, successful Design team, you will lead the design process, promote integration of disciplines and select, manage and appoint consultants to ensure that they perform in line with their deed and agreed scope of services.

You will be responsible as the Design Manager for monitoring and reporting on design programmes and also provide technical support to the bid process. You will be managing multiple projects at various stages from tender, live through to completion.

Responsibilities

Design Coordination & Management
Coordination, design development and management process across multiple construction projects.
Work closely with architects, engineers, and the project team to ensure that design concepts align with project goals and client expectations.
Oversee design drawings, specifications, and other documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulations.
Act as the main point of contact for all design-related queries and issues throughout the project lifecycle.
Manage the design approval process and ensure all necessary permits and approvals are obtained prior to construction commencement.
Person

The ideal candidate for the Design Manager job will have a proven track record as a Design Manager in a construction main contracting environment. You will also need to be proactive, positive and confident communicating at all levels and able to work as part of a team.

Architectural, Design Management or construction related degree
Experience working for a construction main contractor on similar projects
Both preconstruction and delivery experience
Excellent communication skills
Positive, driven and team-oriented attitude
Ability to operate autonomously and as part of wider teams across the business
Understanding of CAD, Microsoft Office and various other construction technology
Proven experience as a Design Manager or in a similar role within the construction industry, specifically managing projects valued between £5m - £10m.
Experience working on a variety of project types.
Strong understanding of design processes, project management techniques, and construction methods.
Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate multiple design teams and stakeholders.
Remuneration

As the Design Manager, you will be joining an established main contractor with excellent growth plans. You will have a forum to build an established career, surrounded by like-minded individuals.

Competitive salary
Company car or car allowance (including electrical vehicles)
Fun, team-oriented atmosphere
Regular social events
Local projects across the region
Generous holiday allowance and pension contributions
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: 9e9886bd7c4f2c458f4765afba6a2d59656c6dc5 · Posted 3 weeks ago · Closes 6 Sep 2026 · Listed via Atkins Search

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Salary £70,000 - £75,000 per annum
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