Design Lead Preconstruction Manager

CLIENT



Our client is a growing, design focused construction business entering a significant new phase, having secured a landmark £100m+ leisure and residential development in the East Midlands.



This high profile scheme delivered in partnership with a globally recognised luxury hospitality brand will transform a prime countryside destination into a world class resort offering, including high end accommodation, leisure facilities, and lifestyle amenities.



As a result, the business is looking to appoint a Design led Preconstruction professional to take a leading role in shaping and delivering this flagship project, while also contributing to the continued growth of its housebuilding and development pipeline.



This is not a traditional Design Manager role. It is an opportunity to lead from the front, influence outcomes, and help shape how design is delivered across a growing organisation.





ROLE



Working closely with senior leadership, you will take ownership of the design function throughout preconstruction and into delivery, ensuring that design is fully coordinated, buildable, commercially viable, and aligned with programme from the outset.



You will operate at the intersection of design, commercial, and programme, driving a proactive preconstruction approach rather than reacting during delivery.



This role offers genuine scope to influence not just this flagship project, but how preconstruction and design management are structured across the wider business.







RESPONSIBILITIES



Lead design coordination across all packages during preconstruction and delivery
Develop and manage the preconstruction design programme aligned to procurement and construction strategy
Oversee consultant appointment, performance, and management
Implement and manage RFI processes and structured information flow
Establish and manage drawing release schedules in line with programme requirements
Drive design risk management and value engineering during preconstruction
Manage design change control and technical approvals processes
Ensure design compliance, buildability, and specification alignment
Coordinate interfaces across disciplines, supply chain, and stakeholders
Lead design workshops, reviews, and preconstruction meetings
Support procurement strategy through coordinated design information
Drive high-quality, timely release of coordinated design information for construction Coordinate interfaces between disciplines and packages
Lead design workshops, reviews and coordination meetings
Drive high-quality, timely release of coordinated design information




PERSON



We are seeking an experienced Design Manager or Design Lead with strong preconstruction capability, who can combine technical expertise with strategic oversight.



You will likely come from a main contractor, developer, or design & build environment, with experience influencing projects early and driving design through preconstruction.



Proven experience in a Design Manager / Senior Design Manager / Design Lead role
Strong involvement in preconstruction, tenders, and early-stage project planning
Experience within design & build construction environments
Track record delivering or supporting £50m+ schemes
Strong understanding of buildability, programme, and commercial interfaces with design
Ability to lead consultants and influence stakeholders at all stages
Confident managing design from concept through to construction release
Experience working on high-end, design-led or hospitality schemes
Exposure to residential or housebuilding developments
Experience contributing to bid or tender processes
Ambition to move into a more strategic preconstruction leadership role






REMUNERATION



Base Salary Negotiable depending on experience
25 days holiday + bank holidays
Car Allowance


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