Design Manager

Design Manager Location: Manchester The Opportunity We are currently working with a leading North West Contractor who are seeking an experienced Design Manager to support the delivery of a £30 million, 12-storey residential apartment scheme in Manchester. This is a high-profile, urban residential development requiring a Design Manager with strong technical knowledge, excellent coordination skills, and proven experience managing the design process on multi-storey residential projects from pre-construction through to completion. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring design information is coordinated, compliant, and issued in line with the construction programme, working closely with the Project Manager, site teams, consultants, and subcontractors.

Key Responsibilities Managing the design process from pre-construction through delivery Coordinating consultants, architects, engineers, and specialist designers Ensuring design information is fully coordinated, buildable, and issued on time Managing design risk, change control, and design queries (RFIs) Reviewing drawings and specifications for compliance with employer’s requirements Supporting value engineering and buildability reviews Ensuring compliance with building regulations, planning conditions, and fire strategy Maintaining the design programme aligned with the construction programme Attending design team meetings and reporting progress to senior stakeholders Supporting technical approvals, warranties, and handover documentation Candidate Requirements Proven experience as a Design Manager on multi-storey residential or mixed-use projects Strong understanding of the design and construction process within a main contractor environment Experience coordinating complex design packages and specialist subcontractors Sound knowledge of building regulations, fire safety, and technical compliance Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and competing priorities Strong communication and problem-solving skills Relevant construction or design-related qualification (Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or similar) Professional accreditation (MCIOB, RIBA, CIOB, ICE or similar) desirable What’s on Offer Competitive salary and benefits package Opportunity to work on a flagship Manchester residential development Long-term project pipeline with a growing and reputable contractor Collaborative and supportive working environment