Job Specification – Design Manager

Location: London & surrounding area (some travel required)

Salary: £60,000 – £75,000 + package

Employer: Leading £1bn-turnover Main Contractor

Sector: Data Centres & Mission-Critical Industrial Builds

Overview

A top-tier £1bn-turnover main contractor specialising in data centres and mission-critical industrial build projects is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join its high-performing technical team. This role is critical to the successful delivery of complex, high-value, M&E-intensive projects and requires a professional comfortable working in fast-paced, highly technical environments with significant travel requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process from tender through construction and handover on large-scale data centre and mission-critical industrial projects.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams including architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and specialist vendors.
• Review, challenge, and approve design information, ensuring accuracy, buildability, and compliance with client specifications and industry standards.
• Manage design programmes, ensuring all deliverables are issued on time to support procurement and construction.
• Work closely with internal delivery teams, supply chain partners, and client stakeholders to resolve technical issues.
• Oversee design risk management, value engineering, and change control.
• Lead design workshops, technical reviews, and interface coordination meetings.
• Support tender submissions, design strategy, and bid presentations.
• Regularly travel to project sites, design offices, and client locations across the UK and Europe.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Proven Design Manager or Senior Design Coordinator with experience in mission‑critical or highly serviced environments (data centres, pharma, labs, hospitals, major M&E projects).
• Strong understanding of both architectural and MEP design principles.
• Experience coordinating large-scale, complex £50m+ projects.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and BIM models.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of buildability and project sequencing.
• HNC / HND or Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or related discipline.
• Willingness to travel extensively as project demands require.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary £60–75k depending on experience.
• Travel allowance and full expenses package.
• Opportunity to work with one of the UK’s leading data centre and mission‑critical contractors.
• Clear progression pathways to Senior Design Manager or Technical Lead.
• Exposure to high-value, technically complex projects across the UK and Europe.