Design Manager

Position: Design Manager
Location: Hybrid (1-2 days per week in London-based project offices, with the remaining time working from home)
Salary: £70,000 - £100,000 DOE (potentially higher for an exceptional candidate) | Open to Permanent or Contract Engagement

Bennett & Game are representing a leading specialist drylining, partitions and ceilings subcontractor who are seeking a Design Manager to join their growing team.

Our client has over 20 years of experience delivering high-quality interior systems packages across the UK construction sector. Working alongside many of the country's leading main contractors, they operate across commercial, residential, healthcare, education, leisure, mixed-use and data centre developments, delivering technically challenging projects and maintaining an excellent reputation for quality and delivery.

This is a key appointment within a growing business where design is seen as a critical part of project success rather than simply a support function. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving project delivery from pre-construction through to completion, managing BIM and design coordination processes, influencing programme strategy and ensuring projects are delivered in a commercially practical and buildable manner. The business offers genuine autonomy, direct exposure to senior leadership, long-term progression opportunities and the chance to work on landmark projects across a range of sectors. The role is focused on managing the design process and project delivery rather than being a hands-on drawing production position.

Salary & Benefits

* £70,000 - £100,000 DOE (potentially higher for an exceptional candidate)
* Open to permanent or contract employment, with day rate discussions available
* Hybrid working with excellent flexibility and autonomy
* 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
* Performance-related bonus scheme
* Clear progression opportunities within a growing and ambitious business
* Exposure to high-profile projects across multiple construction sectors

Design Manager Position Overview

* Manage the full design process across drylining, partitioning, ceiling and interior systems packages from pre-construction through to project completion
* Develop and maintain design programmes, BIM deliverables, information release schedules and project trackers
* Coordinate consultants, architects, main contractors, suppliers and internal teams to ensure design information is compliant, buildable and delivered on programme
* Lead design workshops, BIM coordination meetings, technical reviews and stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle
* Support estimating and commercial teams during tender and pre-construction phases, identifying risks and value engineering opportunities
* Ensure all fire performance requirements, certifications, technical submissions, as-built information and project documentation are managed effectively
* Provide technical guidance and buildability solutions to operational and site teams throughout project delivery
* Drive programme performance and resolve technical challenges to ensure successful project outcomes

Design Manager Position Requirements

* Proven experience as a Design Manager within drylining, interiors, partitions, ceilings or specialist subcontracting
* Strong technical understanding of drywall systems, interior systems, fire stopping interfaces, partitions and ceiling solutions
* Experience managing BIM coordination, design programmes and multidisciplinary design processes
* Strong understanding of construction sequencing, buildability, project delivery and technical compliance requirements
* Excellent communication, coordination and stakeholder management skills
* Commercial awareness with the ability to balance programme, design quality and budget considerations
* Experience using platforms such as AutoCAD, Revit, SharePoint, ACC Docs or similar design management software would be advantageous
* Full UK driving licence and willingness to attend project and office locations as required

Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.

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