Design Manager
| Posting date: | 05 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £55,000 to £70,000 per year |
| Additional salary information: | plus package |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 19 January 2026 |
| Location: | Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JQ |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Fawkes & Reece |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | MO05012026_1767630315 |
Summary
About this Role:
Experienced / ambitious Design Manager required to work with a leading Tier 1 main contractor to help manage the preconstruction design process and then construction phase for a large new build defence project near Salisbury, Wiltshire.
Working with the Senior Design Manager for the project, you will be based in the Southampton office throughout the PCSA phase, then move on to site with the delivery team when works commence for a 24 month construction phase. Work is due to commence on site at the end of the year.
Reporting to the Preconstruction Manager and working closely with the Senior Design Manager and with the wider preconstruction team, you will help to manage the detailed design development for the scheme through second stage, engaging with client, stakeholders, supply chain and end users.
Thereafter you will take full responsibility for design management through the construction phase, based on site and working closely with the project delivery team throughout the construction.
Duties will include:
- Management of design development for your project,
- Chairing regular design team meetings;
- Management of consultant design team;
- Regular liaison with clients, stakeholders and end users;
- Engagement with and managing specialist sub-contractor design teams;
- Agreement of information required schedule; Ensuring key dates achieved;
- Review of construction design information for buildability, compliance with contractors proposals, employers requirements, budget, current building legislation, etc;
- Identifying opportunities for value engineering where appropriate.
- Proactive issue resolution;
- Overall managing the smooth and timely delivery of detailed design information for procurement and construction throughout the preconstruction and build process.
This is a progressive role intended to develop an ambitious Design Manager or high performing Assistant Design Manager into the SDM role over the duration of the project, establishing the positive client relationship and knowledge of this specific defence sector.
About the Company:
This role is to work with the regional office of a busy Tier 1 national main contractor, with experience and a proven track record in the delivery of new build and refurbishment schemes in defence, primary and secondary education, healthcare, higher education faculty buildings, student accommodation, blue light, etc.
Turnover is circa £100m for the region primarily in the Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset areas.
This project is one of several for a repeat client in a secure location, so in addition to this initial 3 years of work on the scheme as described, there is a further pipeline of work pursue in the same location.
Requirements including certificates and qualifications:
Either from an Engineering/Construction delivery or Architectural background, you will possess excellent technical and commercial knowledge, a keen understanding of construction methodology, materials and systems, procurement lead in times, etc.
You will have excellent communication and negotiations skills, strong planning and problem-solving ability, initiative and a positive approach. In terms of character, you will be a driven, positive, thorough and detail focused. You will be an ambitious individual able to work well within a larger team dynamic.
You will ideally have a proven track record of successful project delivery with a recognised Main Contractor in a Design Management role, plus previous experience of defence projects and working in a live MOD environment would be advantageous.
High standards, attention to detail and the drive to deliver on programme, specification and budget will be very well rewarded with excellent salary, benefits, promotional and development prospects.
Due to the project being situated within a secure defence location, it is a requirement for this position that the successful candidate holds a full UK passport.
For more information on this contract please contact Martin Olney on 07984 174040 or send your CV to molney@fr-group.co.uk
Candidates must be able to prove their eligibility to work in the UK