Base pay range

Design Manager – Tier 1 Main Contractor (Data Centres & Mission Critical Industrial Projects)

Location: Nationwide

Salary: £65,000 – £75,000 + 10% Car Allowance + Bonuses + Private Healthcare + Mileage Paid

About the Company

Our client is a Tier 1 Main Contractor with an annual turnover exceeding £1 billion, delivering landmark projects across the data centre, industrial, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Renowned for technical excellence, innovation, and a collaborative culture, they continue to lead the market through sustainable growth and world‑class project delivery.

The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Design Manager to join their high-performing team. You will oversee the design development process for major data centre and industrial build projects — working from early concept stages through to handover. This role offers exposure to technically complex, high-value schemes and genuine long-term career progression.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full design process from pre-construction through delivery, ensuring design intent aligns with cost, quality, and programme targets
• Coordinate design teams, consultants, and subcontractors to ensure effective information flow and design development
• Review and manage technical submissions, design programmes, and change control procedures
• Lead design meetings with clients and internal stakeholders to resolve technical and coordination issues
• Ensure compliance with building regulations, health & safety standards, and client specifications
• Drive innovation and value engineering opportunities throughout the design process
• Support bid and pre-construction teams in developing design strategies and tender submissions

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Design Manager within a Tier 1 or leading Tier 2 main contractor
• Background in data centre, industrial, distribution, or high-tech build projects (preferred)
• Strong understanding of design coordination, construction methodologies, and BIM processes
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Degree-qualified in a relevant construction or engineering discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Capable of managing multiple stakeholders and meeting key project milestones under pressure

What’s on Offer

• Competitive base salary of £65,000 – £75,000 (depending on experience)
• 10% car allowance + mileage paid
• Annual performance bonus scheme
• Private healthcare (individual and family cover options)
• Pension and comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunity to work on flagship, high-value projects across the UK and Europe
• Genuine career progression within a global market leader

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Design

Industries

Construction