Overview

We are working with a Tier 1 contractor based in Bristol to recruit a Design Manager to join the team. The company is a national brand with an excellent reputation in its chosen marketplace and has excellent long‑term relationships with clients, subcontractors and the wider supply chain. It takes a forward‑thinking approach to staff engagement and offers opportunities to grow and develop your career with them.

Geographic Scope

The regional office is based in Bristol, but the geographical area covers Bristol, South Wales and South West England down to Exeter and Plymouth. Work is targeted at the education, public sector, leisure and commercial marketplaces with a mix of negotiated and framework opportunities. Turnover for 2025 and 2026 has been secured and 2027/28 is almost there, allowing the firm to be highly selective about what work to pursue.

Current Projects

Current live projects include new‑build student schemes in Bristol, DFE framework schools, Life Sciences schemes, office and local authority developments ranging from £25 million to £90 million on JCT and NEC forms of contract.

Responsibilities

The Design Manager will be involved early at the tender and bid stage, working with the estimating and commercial teams to carry out detailed, forensic investigations into the scheme. The role involves examining key packages to explore and identify opportunities and potential issues, conducting V&A exercises where required, and creating detailed input for the tender and bid packages. You will be responsible for information flow between client, consultants, subcontractors and internal teams and will take the lead on framework schemes.

You will also take the scheme from tender, bid (including full detailed 2nd stage works), contract award and ultimately to site construction. On site you will manage and implement the design with the project manager and delivery teams, supervising subcontractors and handling RFIs, change processes and CDM regulations through to handover and commissioning.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates have experience with a Tier 1 or larger regional contractor on schemes above £10 million, including D&B projects and framework negotiations. Demonstrated excellent work practices, attention to detail, strong organisational skills and the ability to identify opportunities and potential issues are essential.

Benefits

Competitive salary and package, hybrid working options, comprehensive training and bespoke development programmes. The company recognises, rewards and promotes internal talent, and offers unlimited opportunities for advancement. Permanent or permanent‑to‑permanent opportunities are available.

EEO & 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. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are ready to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as needed to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK. For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we act as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we act as an Employment Business.