Design Manager

About the role

Willmott Dixon is seeking a Design Manager to lead the design process for a portfolio of projects across the North East region. The role is hybrid, combining office work in Gateshead, remote days and on‑site presence. You will be responsible for delivering high‑quality designs that meet client specifications, cost targets and regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design process to produce accurate information aligned with specifications and cost plans.
• Manage the appointment and performance of consultants, ensuring they meet agreed scopes of service.
• Develop and maintain a design programme that aligns with whole‑life project dates.
• Provide technical support during the bid process and produce cost‑effective solutions.
• Chair design team meetings, issue actions and track progress.
• Produce designs that satisfy statutory and regulatory approvals and record them on appropriate logs.
• Oversee projects ranging from £5m to £50m across sectors such as education, leisure, health, blue‑light and commercial.

Required profile

• Strong communication, attention to detail and collaborative working style.
• Ability to monitor, report on design programmes and manage multiple complex projects.
• Experience developing innovative design solutions on large‑scale construction projects.
• Willingness to work in a hybrid model and travel to on‑site locations as needed.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary and market‑leading benefits package.
• Enhanced pension scheme, private medical cover and life assurance.
• Incentive bonus and a car scheme with motoring expenditure allowance.
• Access to low‑carbon and electric vehicles through a company leasing programme.