Design Manager

Location: Central Manchester - office based with regular site visits
Salary: Circa £65,000 + comprehensive package
Project Scale: Typically £5 million - £30 million refurbishment and façade upgrade schemes

A respected, privately owned regional main contractor is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead the design process on complex façade and building-envelope refurbishment projects.
Operating across the North West and wider UK, the company delivers a mix of commercial, residential and mixed-use schemes and is recognised for its collaborative approach, repeat client base, and commitment to innovation and building safety.

Main Purpose

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Take ownership of design development for major refurbishment projects with a strong focus on façades and external envelopes, ensuring safe, compliant and cost-effective solutions.

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Ensure all design activity complies with Building Regulations, statutory requirements, and company policies for safety, health, environment and risk management.

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Support tender generation and conversion into revenue and operating profit.

Key Responsibilities

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Lead and coordinate the design process—including Contractor Design Portion (CDP) elements—through tender, construction and completion, specifically for façade and external-envelope refurbishments.

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Integrate client requirements, planning conditions and statutory obligations into the design solution.

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Conduct value engineering and identify opportunities for innovation and improved buildability.

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Appoint and manage specialist façade design consultants and subcontractors.

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Chair design meetings and workshops, record accurate minutes and ensure designs remain aligned with budgets and programmes.

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Provide pre-build CDP design briefings to site teams and oversee the process through to completion.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

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Comprehensive knowledge of the Golden Thread Gateway 1, 2 and 3 requirements relating to UK Building Regulations (critical requirement).

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Proven track record as a Design Manager on complex construction projects, ideally with direct experience of façades, cladding and building-envelope works.

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Strong understanding of CDM regulations, BIM/Revit awareness and excellent Health & Safety knowledge (SMSTS, CSCS, Asbestos Awareness, Working at Height).

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Effective leadership, stakeholder management and commercial awareness, including contract and risk management.

What's on Offer

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Competitive salary circa £65,000 plus benefits package.

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Opportunity to lead high-profile façade refurbishment projects valued £5 million - £30 million within a respected and growing contractor.

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Professional development and the chance to influence innovative design solutions in the building-safety arena