Overview

We are working with a Tier 1 contractor based near Reading to recruit a Design Manager to join the team. The company is a national brand with an excellent reputation in their chosen marketplace and maintains long-term relationships with clients, subcontractors and the wider supply chain. They have a forward-thinking approach to staff engagement and offer opportunities to grow and develop your career.

The regional office is based near Reading. The geographical area covers the M4 Corridor (Reading and Oxford) with work in education, public sector, leisure and commercial marketplaces. They target a mix of negotiated and framework opportunities. Turnover for 2025 and 2026 has been secured and 2027/28 is almost there, placing them in a position to be highly selective about which work they pursue.

Current Live Projects

• New build NHS and student schemes in Oxford
• SEN schools, Life Sciences schemes
• Office and local authority developments ranging from £25 to £90 million
• Projects run on JCT and NEC forms of contract

Role and Responsibilities

The role of Design Manager includes early involvement at tender and bid stage, working with the estimating and commercial teams to carry out a detailed and forensic investigation into the scheme. You will work on key packages to explore and identify opportunities and potential issues with critical pathways, conduct value engineering exercises where needed, and create detailed input for tender and bid packages. You will be responsible for information flow between the client, consultants, subcontractors and internal teams, and you will take the lead on framework schemes.

You will be responsible for taking the scheme from tender/bid (including full detailed second-stage works) through contract award and onto site for the construction phase. You will manage and implement the design on site with the project manager, site delivery teams and subcontractors, and take responsibility for managing RFIs, change processes, and CDM regulations through to handover and commissioning.

Qualifications and Experience

Ideally you will have worked for a Tier 1 or larger regional contractor on schemes above £10 million, with experience of both design & build (D&B) projects and framework negotiations. You should demonstrate excellent work practices, attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to identify opportunities and potential issues.

Opportunities and Benefits

They are looking for experienced Design Managers as well as senior staff as part of controlled growth and development. This is a brilliant time to join the business. They offer a competitive salary and package, hybrid working options, full training and bespoke development packages, and opportunities for advancement are described as unlimited. They regularly recognise, reward and promote the best internal talent.

Equality and Eligibility

Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. Applications from all sections of society are welcome. Reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements can be discussed to support your application. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

Additional Information

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.

Job Information

• Job Title: Design Manager
• Company: (Tier 1 contractor, near Reading)
• Location: Reading area (M4 Corridor) with work across Reading and Oxford
• Salary: £75,000 - £87,000 Per annum
• Benefits: Work from home, pension, healthcare
• Posted: Sep 15th 2025
• Closes: Oct 16th 2025
• Sector: Construction
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full Time

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