Design Manager Construction

Design Manager – Major Student Accommodation Project

Location: Bath
Salary: Up to £75,000 + package

If you're a Design Manager who enjoys being involved in a project where design, buildability and sustainability genuinely matter, this is worth a look.

I'm working with a leading main contractor that's looking to appoint a Design Manager for a major student accommodation development.

The scheme will deliver 1050 student bedspaces across a multi-building development, with a mix of en-suite cluster flats and townhouse-style accommodation, alongside communal kitchens, study areas and social spaces.

It's a substantial project with a strong focus on quality and energy efficiency, designed to Passivhaus standards. You'll be joining a project team working to deliver a high-quality development for a major university client, with the programme running through to 2028.

For the right person, it's an opportunity to work on something substantial, broaden your experience and add a high-profile, sustainability-led project to your portfolio.

What will you be doing?

You'll take responsibility for coordinating the design process and making sure the design team, consultants, subcontractors and site team are working together effectively.

You'll be involved in resolving design challenges, managing information flow and ensuring the design develops in a way that meets the project's requirements without losing sight of programme, cost, quality or buildability.

Your responsibilities will include:

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Managing and coordinating the design process from design development through to construction and completion.

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Working closely with consultants, architects, engineers, specialist subcontractors and the site team.

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Monitoring design deliverables and ensuring information is issued in line with the construction programme.

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Reviewing designs for buildability, identifying potential issues early and helping the team find practical solutions.

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Coordinating technical submissions, design reviews, approvals and design changes.

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Working alongside the commercial team to understand the impact of design decisions on cost and procurement.

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Supporting quality, compliance and sustainability objectives throughout the project.

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Maintaining clear communication between all parties and ensuring design issues are resolved before they affect progress on site.

What are we looking for?

You'll have experience as a Design Manager within a main contractor environment, ideally on a substantial building project.

Experience across residential, student accommodation, education, hotels or other multi-unit developments would be particularly relevant.

You'll understand how to coordinate a multidisciplinary design team, manage competing priorities and keep information flowing between the design office and the construction team.

Just as importantly, you'll be practical and collaborative. This isn't about managing drawings in isolation; it's about helping the wider project team deliver a building that works, both on paper and on site.

Experience of low-carbon construction or high-performance building standards would be an advantage, particularly given the sustainability ambitions of this development.

What's in it for you?

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Salary up to £75,000, depending on experience.

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Car allowance.

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Bonus.

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Private healthcare.

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Pension.

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26 days' annual holiday.

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The opportunity to work on a major, multi-building development for a prominent university client.

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Exposure to sustainability-led design and Passivhaus standards.

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The chance to build experience with a respected main contractor that delivers complex projects across a range of sectors.

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A strong addition to your project portfolio and the opportunity to continue progressing your career.

Interested?

If you're a Design Manager looking for a project with real scale, a collaborative team and the opportunity to work on a development with high standards of design and sustainability, let's have a conversation.

Get in touch for a confidential discussion and I'll share more about the project, the team and the opportunity
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed