Job Description

Design Manager

Are you ready to lead the design process on some of the most exciting and innovative projects in the region? Willmott Dixon is seeking a Design Manager to support our diverse range of projects across the Southwest. Based out of our Bristol office, you’ll enjoy a hybrid working model with time split between the office, home, and onsite locations.

As a Design Manager, you’ll take ownership of the design process, fostering collaboration across disciplines and driving project success. Leading the design on projects ranging from £10m to £100m across the following sectors: Education, Leisure, Transport, Blue Light, Commercial and Residential. You’ll oversee, monitor, and report on design programmes, ensuring high-quality outputs that align with project goals and budgets.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities are:

• Leading the design process to produce accurate information that meets agreed specifications and cost plans.
• Managing the appointment and performance of consultants in line with their deed and agreed scope of services.
• Developing a design programme with consultants to meet whole-life programme milestones.
• Delivering cost-effective, innovative technical solutions.
• Chairing design team meetings and driving action plans to completion.
• Ensuring designs meet all statutory and regulatory approvals, with comprehensive tracking and documentation.

With a robust pipeline of projects and a transparent outlook, you’ll have the confidence that you’re joining a stable business with a fantastic culture.

Essential and Desirable Criteria

• Will have managed design on projects between £10M- £100M across multiple sectors in a main contractor environment.
• Have an understanding of CAD, Microsoft Office and various other construction technology.
• Be able to read and interpret drawings and technical specifications.
• Able to mange specialist designers/subcontractors and supply chain partners.
• Hold a valid driving license and a CSCS card.

Personal Qualities

We’re looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and has a passion for innovative construction solutions.

Key skills and attributes include:

• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and the ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience in developing and managing design programmes.
• Knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements relevant to construction design.
• The ability to produce cost-effective and creative technical solutions.

Additional Information

At Willmott Dixon we provide an inclusive and flexible working environment for people to thrive in and we are happy to support agile working wherever possible.

We are a proud member of the Confident Scheme.

In return we reward our people generously with a competitive package that gives you flexible benefits to fit your lifestyle and priorities. This includes but is not limited to, an enhanced pension scheme, full / heavily discounted private medical, life assurance, incentive bonus and a car scheme which will make us a market leader in sustainable company travel. Applicable roles will benefit from a motoring expenditure allowance (MEA) and everyone can access a new of low carbon and electric cars via the Willmott Dixon run car leasing scheme.

About Us

With over 170 years of rich history, Willmott Dixon’s purpose is beyond profit; delivering brilliant buildings, transforming lives, strengthening communities and enhancing the environment so our world is fit for future generations. Ensuring that we add lasting value to the neighbourhoods we work in; our values, people, innovation, partnerships and focus on sustainability has allowed us to build a successful and solid privately owned business where our people can thrive.

Willmott Dixon was recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the Top 10 "Big" Companies to Work For in 2025, named among the Times Top 50 Employers for Equality in 2024, and ranked in the Top Five of Europe’s 1,000 best workplaces by the Financial Times in 2025. Willmott Dixon is also the first major contractor and developer to win a King's Award for Enterprise in the category of sustainable development.