Design Manager

Access Talent Group; Reading; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

Job Title: Design Manager
Location: Reading, Berkshire
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

About Us:
We are a leading construction company based in Reading, Berkshire, delivering high-quality commercial projects valued up to £14 million. With a strong reputation for excellence, we pride ourselves on our collaborative approach, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering projects on time and within budget.

Role Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to oversee projects throughout their entire lifecycle—from pre-construction design through to post-handover aftercare once buildings are operational. This is a pivotal role where you’ll work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure all design elements are seamlessly integrated and executed to the highest standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design management process from concept through to completion and post-handover.
• Collaborate with the bid and estimating teams during the pre-construction phase to assess design feasibility, programme timelines, and buildability of proposed schemes.
• Provide input into commercial quotations and assist pre-construction teams in developing robust tender proposals.
• Manage and coordinate the design process with consultants, subcontractors, and client teams, ensuring all requirements are met within project timescales and budget.
• Monitor and manage design risks and opportunities across all project phases.
• Ensure compliance with building regulations, planning requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Support the handover and aftercare stages, ensuring any design-related issues are resolved effectively.

Experience & Qualifications Required:

• Minimum of five years’ experience in a Design Manager role for a principal contractor, ideally on commercial projects.
• Strong understanding of various procurement routes and contract forms—particularly JCT Design & Build (DB) and JCT Standard/SBC or Intermediate Contracts (IC) with Contractor’s Design Portion (CDP).
• Excellent knowledge of the design process and the contractor’s responsibilities under different forms of contract.
• HNC/HND or degree in a construction-related discipline is preferred.
• Membership of professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) or Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is advantageous.

What We Offer:

• A dynamic and supportive working environment
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• A chance to work on a variety of exciting and challenging commercial projects