Design Manager – Public Sector Project

About the role

We are seeking a Design Manager to lead design delivery on a major public‑sector project in Cirencester. You will work closely with the senior project team from pre‑bid through to handover, ensuring design quality, compliance and client satisfaction.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver design management across the project lifecycle, applying professional judgement and experience.
• Collaborate with senior project leaders such as the Project Director, Commercial Director and Construction Director.
• Represent the business with clients, consultants and supply‑chain partners.
• Manage complex projects across various sectors, procurement routes and client types.
• Support bid preparation, build external relationships and secure new work through presentations and reports.
• Oversee consultant design during pre‑construction, integrating specialist designers.
• Control design review and approval processes, including documentation, DMS and inspections.
• Coordinate third‑party interfaces, e.g., Planning and Building Control (RBCA).
• Report regularly to the Head of Design Management and adhere to internal governance reviews and audits.

Required profile

• Appropriate CSCS card for the role.
• Professional construction qualifications, such as a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or a related field.
• Thorough knowledge of the design and construction process, relevant legislation, CDM 2015 Regulations and the Building Safety Act.

Required skills

• Ability to plan, manage and monitor design in line with Building Act and BRPD regulations.
• Strong written and verbal communication for technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Robust judgement to evaluate complex information and provide clear direction.
• Negotiation and presentation skills at senior consultant level.
• Competent IT skills: Microsoft Office, PDF editing, Adobe InDesign, Autodesk Construction Cloud (BIM).