Senior Design Manager

About the Company

Our client is a leading Tier 1 construction and infrastructure contractor with a strong reputation for delivering complex refurbishment, remediation and building improvement projects across the UK. Due to continued growth and a strong order book, they are looking to appoint an experienced Senior Design Manager to join a major healthcare project in Birmingham.

This role offers the opportunity to work on a high-profile healthcare scheme valued between £20m and £40m , involving a combination of remediation, corrective works and high-quality fit out packages within a live environment. The project focuses on rectifying legacy construction issues, delivering compliance-led improvements and upgrading existing facilities to meet modern operational and healthcare standards.

Senior Design Manager Roles and Responsibilities

As Senior Design Manager, you will take ownership of the design process from concept through to project completion, ensuring all design solutions are technically robust, compliant, buildable and commercially viable.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and coordinating multidisciplinary design teams including Architectural, Structural and MEP consultants.
• Driving the design process through feasibility, detailed design, construction and handover stages.
• Leading the delivery of refurbishment, remediation, fit out and building improvement works within an operational healthcare environment.
• Managing programmes of corrective and remedial works aimed at resolving historic construction defects, quality concerns and compliance issues.
• Reviewing existing installations and developing practical technical solutions to improve building performance and operational functionality.
• Managing consultant performance and ensuring design information is issued in line with construction programmes.
• Coordinating design solutions while minimising disruption to building users and ongoing operations.
• Reviewing designs for buildability, technical compliance, quality and cost efficiency.
• Working closely with Project Managers, Commercial Teams, Site Managers and Planning Teams to overcome design challenges.
• Managing stakeholder engagement including clients, consultants, Building Control, statutory authorities and end users.
• Ensuring compliance with current Building Regulations, Building Safety Act requirements and healthcare standards.
• Coordinating specialist subcontractor design packages and technical submissions.
• Managing BIM processes and digital design coordination throughout project delivery.
• Identifying project risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Driving innovation, quality improvements and best practice across the design management process.

Senior Design Manager Requirements

• Proven experience working as a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager within the construction industry.
• Strong technical background with the ability to review, challenge and develop detailed construction and design solutions.
• Experience delivering healthcare projects valued between £20m and £40m .
• Strong refurbishment, remediation, corrective works or building improvement experience.
• Fit out experience within complex building environments.
• Excellent knowledge of building regulations, compliance requirements and construction standards.
• Strong understanding of existing building constraints and refurbishment methodologies.
• Ability to identify historic construction issues and lead the implementation of practical, cost-effective remedial solutions.
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong administration, reporting and paperwork management skills.
• Experience managing and coordinating Architectural, Structural and MEP design disciplines.
• Strong knowledge of BIM and digital construction processes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working within highly regulated environments where quality and compliance are critical.
• CSCS Card.
• Professional membership (RICS, CIOB, ICE or similar) desirable.

Senior Design Manager Benefits

• Salary between £75,000 - £90,000
• 4 days on site. 1 day working from home.
• Opportunity to work on a flagship healthcare project.
• Clear career progression opportunities within a leading contractor.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Support towards further qualifications and professional memberships.
• Long-term project pipeline and job security.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment.