Explore and Apply for Design Manager jobs in Birmingham, United Kingdom

Your new company

You’ll be joining a leading Tier 1 main contractor renowned for delivering complex, high-value construction projects across the UK. With a strong reputation in the education and science sectors, this organisation is currently undertaking a flagship £100m university laboratory new build, part of a wider £200m programme. Known for its collaborative culture and commitment to innovation, the business is expanding its team to meet immediate project demands. You’ll be part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment where excellence, safety, and sustainability are at the heart of everything they do.

Your new role

As Senior Design Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in the delivery of a landmark £100m university laboratory new build, part of a wider £200m programme spanning three years. Working within a large, multidisciplinary team, you’ll lead the design process from pre-construction through to delivery, ensuring solutions meet client expectations while driving innovation, quality, and value engineering. You’ll be responsible for managing external consultants, coordinating design reviews, and supporting the integration of design with procurement and construction. This is an immediate freelance opportunity with a minimum three-month commitment, and for the right candidate, the potential to remain for the full duration of the project.

What you'll need to succeed

You’ll be an experienced Senior Design Manager with a strong track record of delivering complex, large-scale construction projects, ideally within the education, science, or healthcare sectors. A deep understanding of design coordination, value engineering, and consultant management is essential, along with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment. You’ll be confident navigating the pre-construction and delivery phases, with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Immediate availability and the flexibility to commit to a freelance role with potential long-term extension will be key to success in this position.

What you'll get in return

This is a high-impact freelance opportunity offering a competitive day rate of £400–£450 via umbrella payments. You’ll be joining a major, long-term project with the potential to extend your contract up to three years, depending on performance and project needs. You’ll work within a collaborative and forward-thinking team, contributing to a landmark development in the education and science sector, all while gaining exposure to cutting-edge design and delivery practices.

What you need to do now

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