Design Manager
| Posting date: | 13 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £60,000 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 12 February 2026 |
| Location: | WR14 1GQ |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Thorn Baker Recruitment |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 217495-1121 |
Summary
Location: Malvern, Midlands (Office/Hybrid with Site Involvement)
Are you an experienced construction design professional with the ability to lead the design process from pre‑construction through to project delivery? We're seeking a proactive Design Manager to play a key role in coordinating design activities, driving technical solutions, and supporting successful project outcomes. You'll be part of a culture that genuinely values career progression, diversity, inclusion, and work/life balance. Support, mentoring, and opportunities to grow your skills at every stage are central to the way we operate. Whether you're building on established experience or aiming for senior leadership, you'll find opportunities to develop and thrive.
About the RoleAs Design Manager, you will be responsible for managing design deliverables across multiple projects, ensuring the timely release of high‑quality information that aligns with the programme, procurement needs, and stakeholder expectations. Your focus will be on effective coordination between design consultants, site teams, and clients throughout pre‑construction, construction, and handover phases.
Key responsibilities include:
• Lead and manage design across project stages from early brief to construction handover.
• Prepare and manage designers' appointments, design responsibility matrices, and design schedules.
• Chair design coordination meetings and drive clear communication between all stakeholders.
• Ensure the design information release schedule is integrated with the overall programme and procurement.
• Manage the flow of design information through the Common Data Environment and support document control processes.
• Provide technical advice, encourage innovative and cost‑effective solutions, and review designs for value and compliance.
• Coordinate statutory submissions such as planning conditions, building control approvals, and environmental compliance.
• Work with specialist consultants (e.g., ecologists, arboriculturists) to determine project design requirements.
• Ensure design compliance with CDM regulations and support BIM workflows where applicable.
You are a collaborative leader with strong technical knowledge and commercial awareness. To be successful in this role, you will bring:
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a construction or design‑related role, ideally with exposure to design management.
• A relevant degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, or equivalent industry experience.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive mindset with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver against deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high‑quality design outcomes.
Benefits & Perks
A competitive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, work/life balance, and career progression:
• Health Cash Plan
• Health & wellbeing support
• Private medical insurance options
• Company car scheme or allowance
• Enhanced parental leave
• Professional membership support
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Death in Service benefit
How to Apply
If this sounds like your next challenge, please email your CV to rhian@thornbaker.co.uk or click on apply
Note: Even if you don't meet every criterion but feel you could bring value and enthusiasm, we'd still love to hear from you.
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