_{07th September, 2026}

Design Manager - Main Contractor
Location: Hatfield, Hertfordshire
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Job Type: Permanent
Sector: Construction / Main Contracting
 
The Opportunity
 
We are currently working with a well-established and growing property and construction business to recruit an experienced Design Manager on a permanent basis.
 
This is a fantastic opportunity for a Design Manager with a main contracting background to join a forward-thinking organisation with an established presence within the property and construction sector.
 
The successful candidate will take a key role in managing and coordinating the design process across projects, working closely with internal teams, consultants, subcontractors and other project stakeholders to ensure designs are fully coordinated, compliant and delivered in line with programme requirements.
 
The Role
As Design Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the design process from pre-construction through to completion, ensuring that design information supports the successful delivery of each project.
 
Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing and coordinating the design process from pre-construction through to project completion.
• Working closely with Project Managers, Commercial teams and site-based personnel.
• Coordinating architects, engineers, consultants, subcontractors and specialist suppliers.
• Leading design coordination meetings and driving actions through to completion.
• Managing design programmes, trackers, registers and deliverables.
• Reviewing drawings, specifications and technical information.
• Identifying and resolving design clashes, technical issues and project risks.
• Ensuring design information is delivered in accordance with the agreed programme.
• Reviewing subcontractor and supplier design information.
• Supporting procurement and ensuring design responsibilities are clearly established.
• Assisting with value engineering and buildability reviews.
• Working alongside the commercial team to identify potential cost and programme implications arising from design.
• Ensuring designs comply with relevant Building Regulations, British Standards and project requirements.
• Supporting the construction team with technical queries and design-related issues.
• Managing design changes and ensuring these are properly recorded and communicated.
• Maintaining effective communication between the design team, project management and site teams.
• Providing technical and design support throughout the construction process.

About the Company
Our client is an established property and construction business with a strong track record of delivering projects across the sector.
 
The business operates with a hands-on approach to project delivery and is continuing to develop its portfolio. As a result, this represents an excellent opportunity for an experienced Design Manager to join a business where they can have genuine involvement in projects and make a tangible contribution to their successful delivery.
 
The company offers a professional yet collaborative environment, with a strong emphasis on quality, programme and delivering projects to a high standard.
 
About You
We are looking for a confident and technically capable Design Manager with main contractor experience.
You will ideally have:

• Previous experience working for a main contractor.
• Proven experience managing design packages throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Strong technical and construction knowledge.
• Experience coordinating consultants, subcontractors and specialist design teams.
• A good understanding of construction methodologies and buildability.
• Knowledge of current Building Regulations and relevant technical standards.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced project environment.
• A proactive approach to identifying and resolving design and technical issues.
• The confidence to work collaboratively with both senior management and site teams.

A relevant qualification in construction, architecture, engineering or a related discipline would be advantageous, although relevant industry experience will also be considered.
 
What's on Offer

• Permanent position with an established and growing construction business.
• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• Opportunity to work across a varied project portfolio.
• Genuine responsibility and ownership of the design function.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Long-term career development opportunity.
• Office/project location in the Hatfield area, providing good access across Hertfordshire and North London.

Apply Now
If you are an experienced Design Manager with a main contracting background and are looking for a permanent opportunity with a growing property and construction business, we would be keen to hear from you.
 
Please apply with your CV for a confidential discussion regarding the opportunity.

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