Design Manager

GRAHAM Group (Building Division) • London / SoutheastEmployment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

GRAHAM is seeking a seasoned Design Manager to lead design and technical teams across their London and Southeast building projects. This is a high-impact role within the Building Division, where you will act as a bridge between the design process, technical execution, and project delivery. You will work on both live projects and high-stakes tender bids, ensuring that design solutions are buildable, efficient, and aligned with client expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Design Oversight: Manage both permanent and temporary works designs throughout the project lifecycle.
Tender & Bid Support: Provide technical design input for tender submissions and align design strategies with project bidding requirements.
Programme Integration: Manage and integrate design programmes into the main project construction schedule.
CDM Compliance: Fulfill the Designer duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 during pre-construction phases.
Team Collaboration: Facilitate seamless information flow between project delivery teams, consultants, and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Academic Background: Degree in Architecture or Construction Management.
Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated experience with design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) and modern project management tools.
Operational Expertise: Proven experience in a similar role with a main contractor.
Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Soft Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities; proactive, detail-oriented problem-solving.

Benefits Package

Competitive salary with a Car Allowance.
35 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays).
Subsidised Private Medical Cover.
Life Assurance Scheme and Contributory Pension.
Living away from home allowance (where applicable).

Why GRAHAM?

GRAHAM is a leading firm in the construction industry, known for its focus on sustainable growth and professional development. They emphasize a “people-first” approach, valuing individual merit and contribution above artificial barriers.

Interview Preparation Insights

The “Buildability” Lens: A successful Design Manager doesn’t just manage the “look” of a project—they manage the “buildability.” Be prepared to discuss how you have proactively identified design flaws before they hit the construction site to save time and budget.
CDM Regulations: Given the explicit mention of CDM Regulations, expect questions on your experience as a “Designer” in pre-construction. Know your responsibilities regarding health and safety design risk management.
Collaborative Bidding: Be ready to share a case study from a tender process. How did you work with a bid team to ensure the design solution was both technically sound and commercially competitive?
Problem-Solving: When design changes inevitably occur mid-project, how do you manage the “information flow” to ensure the site team remains productive without compromising design quality?

Compliance & Equal Opportunity

Right to Work: You must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Vetting: Depending on the client, you may be subject to a basic criminal record disclosure.

Equal Opportunity: GRAHAM is committed to diversity and promotes respect for individuals, treating all employees based on their personal merit and contribution.

This summary table outlines the core responsibilities, professional requirements, and benefits for the Design Manager position at GRAHAM Group within their Building Division.

Core Role Summary: Design Manager

Category	Details & Specifications
Institution	GRAHAM Group
Division	Build (Construction)
Location	London / Southeast
Reporting To	Regional Design Manager
Contract Type	Full-time, Permanent
Focus	Design management for projects and tenders

Key Operational & Strategic Responsibilities

Technical Oversight: Managing both permanent and temporary works designs throughout the project lifecycle, from tender stage to live project delivery.
Programme Integration: Coordinating design programmes to ensure they align with the master construction schedule.
Regulatory Compliance: Serving as the lead for Designer duties under CDM (Construction Design and Management) Regulations during the pre-construction phase.
Tender Support: Providing critical design input, technical guidance, and constructability assessments for bid submissions.
Information Flow: Facilitating seamless communication between external consultants, internal project teams, and clients to ensure design efficiency.

Candidate Requirements & Qualifications

Education: A degree in Architecture or Construction Management.
Technical Proficiency: Hands-on experience with design and BIM software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) and standard project management tools.
Industry Experience: Proven track record in a similar role with a main contractor.
Soft Skills: Exceptional multitasking, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to thrive in a high-pressure, collaborative team environment.

Benefits & Company Commitment

GRAHAM Group offers a competitive compensation package designed to support a long-term career:

Financial: Competitive salary, car allowance, and a contributory pension scheme.
Well-being: Subsidised private medical cover, life assurance, and a generous 35 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays).
Support: Living away from home allowance (where applicable).
Culture: A self-described “Equal Opportunities Employer” that emphasizes merit-based progression and rejects artificial barriers to employment.

Important Things to Know

Eligibility: Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the UK.
Vetting: Depending on the project client, a basic disclosure or security clearance may be required.
Validation: GRAHAM reserves the right to verify all applicant experience and qualifications.

To apply for this job please visit www.graham.co.uk.