Design Manager

Title: Design Manager
Location: Swindon + regional day travel (lots of flexible/remote working)
Salary: £60,000 to £70,000 + car allowance + strong benefits package (potential flexibility for the right person)
Sector: Main Contractor – In-House Construction / High-End Healthcare & Medical Facilities
Start Date: ASAP (flexible for the right candidate)
The Company
Our client is a leading ultra high-end healthcare provider operating at the very top end of the market. Their facilities are best described as five-star hotel meets medical centre — premium consulting suites, theatres and clinical environments delivered to exceptional standards of finish, aesthetics and detail. Projects are £50million + individually,
As part of an ambitious growth strategy, the business has made the bold decision to bring construction entirely in-house. A dedicated construction entity has been formed to deliver all construction works as main contractor, working exclusively for the group as client under JCT contracts. There is no external client work.
The result is a rare opportunity to join a construction function with a guaranteed pipeline, zero tendering exposure, no payment risk, and long-term visibility of work.
Design Manager – The Role
* The role sits within the in-house construction team, overseeing the technical and design function across multiple live projects. You will be responsible for setting technical standards, managing design processes, and assisting in the technical delivery across a growing portfolio of schemes.
* Working closely with operational and commercial teams, you will act as the technical authority across the business, ensuring design intent, compliance, quality and programme alignment are maintained from pre-construction through delivery.
* You will report directly into the Techmical Director and play a key role in shaping how the in-house construction arm evolves as the business continues to expand.
* Projects are delivered to exceptionally high standards, with a strong focus on detail, finish and coordination across complex clinical environments.
Design Manager – Key Responsibilities
* Lead design imploimentation on new build projects
* Manage pre- and post-construction design coordination
* Ensure design compliance, buildability and quality across all works
* Work closely with construction, commercial and supply chain teams
* Set and maintain technical standards, processes and best practice
* Provide senior-level technical leadership and problem solving
* Interface with consultants, specialists and internal stakeholders
Design Manager - The Person
* Strong main contracting background is essential
* Design Manager or Design-led Project Manager experience
* Capable managing design packages
* Experience delivering complex, high-quality projects
* Larger project ecxperience £20m +
* Healthcare experience is highly beneficial but not essential
* Candidates from high-end commercial, residential or specialist fit-out backgrounds will be considered
* Comfortable overseeing multiple projects simultaneously
* Strong communicator able to operate at senior stakeholder level
* Not suited to architectural backgrounds — this is a contractor-led role
The Reward
Highly competitive salary (£60k–£70k, with flexibility for the right person)
* Car allowance
* Private healthcare
* Comprehensive benefits package
* Guaranteed pipeline of work with no tendering exposure
* In-house client environment with zero payment risk
* High-quality, design-led projects delivered to exceptional standards
* Long-term career opportunity within a growing construction entity