Design Manager

Overview

Atkins Search are working in partnership with a nationally active, East Midlands-based main contractor to recruit a Design Manager to join their growing delivery team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Design Manager or an Architectural Technologist/Architect looking to step into a main contracting business.

Client

Our client is an award-winning construction main contractor with a strong pipeline of industrial and commercial design & build projects across the UK. With values typically ranging between £5m and £60m, they are a well-established and respected name in the industrial construction sector.

Led by professionals from architectural backgrounds, the business places a strong emphasis on technical detail, buildability and collaborative working.

This is a great environment for someone from a design or architecture practice who wants to move into main contracting and see their designs delivered on-site.

A Little More About Them

Nationwide Main Contractor with East Midlands Roots

Experts in Industrial and Technical Project Delivery

Design-Led Culture with Architectural Leadership

Career Growth in a High-Trust, Agile Environment

Proven Track Record with Leading UK Developers

Role

As a Design Manager, you will lead and coordinate the design process through all project stages, from pre-construction through delivery and handover. You’ll work closely with internal project teams, consultants and designers to ensure that the most practical, buildable and commercially sound solutions are achieved.

Whether you’re an experienced Design Manager or someone from an architectural design or technical background ready to step into a contractor-side role, this is an opportunity to develop in a company that values your skillset and invests in its people.

Responsibilities

Manage and coordinate the full design process across multiple projects

Act as the technical and design lead during pre-construction and construction phases

Collaborate with architects, consultants, subcontractors and internal teams

Review technical drawings for buildability, compliance and cost efficiency

Resolve design-related issues and manage change control

Ensure timely release of information to meet construction programmes

Work closely with commercial and delivery teams to align design with budget and programme

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will have a strong design and technical background and a desire to play a central role in project delivery.

Key requirements include:

Experience as a Design Manager in a main contractor or...

Background as an Architect, Architectural Technologist or technical designer seeking a move into contractor-side delivery

Good understanding of construction methods, detailing and D&B contracts

Strong coordination, communication and problem-solving skills

Ability to manage multiple design packages and deadlines across complex projects

Confident working with AutoCAD, Revit, and standard BIM workflows (advantageous)

A proactive, delivery-focused attitude

Remuneration & Benefits

This role offers the chance to join a growing and dynamic contractor with clear career progression and a technically engaging workload.

Company car or allowance

Paid expenses and travel

Work on nationally recognised industrial schemes

Supportive and technically minded leadership team

Generous holiday allowance and pension scheme

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Please note that any salary or benefits listed are indicative only and subject to suitability of skills and experience.