Head of Design Management

Your new company
You will be joining a highly respected Tier 1 main contractor operating within the East of England, delivering complex projects across the education, healthcare, public sector and civic markets.The business has a strong regional presence, an excellent forward order book and a collaborative reputation built on long‑standing client and supply‑chain relationships. With a growing workload secured through key frameworks and negotiated opportunities, the company is investing in strengthening its senior leadership team.

Your new role
As Head of Design Management, you will lead the Design Management function for a well‑established regional business. Reporting directly to the Area Director, you will take full responsibility for the day‑to‑day leadership, performance and development of the design team.
Your role will span pre‑construction and delivery, with key responsibilities including:

Leading and line‑managing Design Managers across multiple projects
Resource planning, recruitment and capability development of the design function
Shaping design strategy and approach during bids, PCSAs and second‑stage procurements
Managing consultant engagement and design programmes through all relevant RIBA stages
Promoting strong collaboration between design, commercial, operations and SHEQ teams
Ensuring design governance, compliance, quality and risk management standards are met
Representing the design function at senior leadership and business reviewsThis is a leadership position, combining strategic oversight with hands‑on input where required. The role is office‑based with regular site visits across the region.

What you'll need to succeed
You will be an experienced Senior or Principal Design Manager ready to step into a head‑of‑function role, or an existing Head of Design seeking a strong regional remit.
Key requirements include:

Significant experience working for a Tier 1 / major main contractor
Proven delivery across education, healthcare and public sector schemes (£10m-£50m+)
Strong background in two‑stage (PCSA) design & build procurement
Demonstrable leadership and line‑management capability
Confidence managing consultant teams and stakeholder relationships
Sound knowledge of BIM, digital design processes and sustainability, including BREEAM and embodied carbon considerations
Ability to operate effectively in both work‑winning and delivery environments
Degree‑level qualification (or equivalent) and professional membership desirableYou will be a clear communicator, comfortable operating at senior management level, and able to influence outcomes across multiple disciplines.

What you'll get in return
In return, you will receive:

A competitive salary in line with a senior leadership role
Car allowance, bonus scheme and comprehensive benefits package
The opportunity to sit within the Senior Management Team, influencing regional strategy
A stable, growing business with a strong pipeline and repeat work
A collaborative, inclusive culture that genuinely invests in its people
The chance to shape and develop the design function as the region continues to growThis role offers genuine long-term career progression within a high‑performing regional business.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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