Design Manager – Hertfordshire
Main Contractor – Design & Build | Strong Site‑Delivery Focus
Salary:
£60,000–£70,000 + £6,000 car allowance
Benefits:
- £6,000 car allowance
- Fuel card + mileage
- 25 days holiday + Christmas shutdown
- Additional holiday at 5, 7 and 10 years (up to 28 days)
- Enhanced pension
- Private medical cover
- Fully funded professional memberships and training
- Annual health checks and flu jabs
- Eye tests and glasses for screen users
- EV salary sacrifice scheme
- Regular pay reviews
- Hybrid working pattern
- Modern working environment with long‑term progression
Overview
A regional Main Contractor in Hertfordshire is looking to appoint a Design Manager to strengthen their delivery team. The business delivers a balanced mix of education, healthcare and commercial projects, split evenly between new‑build and refurbishment, typically valued between £5m–£15m. You’ll usually support 2–3 live projects at once, working closely with site teams to maintain information flow and resolve technical challenges quickly.
The company is known for its technical capability, collaborative culture and long‑standing client relationships. With steady growth across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and surrounding counties, they offer long‑term stability, modern working practices and clear progression.
Role Overview – Design Manager (Site‑Focused)
This role suits someone who enjoys being embedded in live projects, supporting site teams and ensuring design information is coordinated, buildable and delivered on time. You’ll work across pre‑construction and delivery, with a strong emphasis on site‑based technical coordination and problem‑solving.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the design process on Design & Build projects
- Coordinate drawings and technical information between architects, engineers and specialist subcontractors
- Attend site regularly to resolve design queries and technical issues
- Oversee buildability reviews and technical checks
- Track design deliverables against programme requirements
- Ensure timely approvals and information flow to site
- Work collaboratively with pre‑construction, commercial and project teams
Working Pattern
- 1 day from home
- 1–2 days in the office
- 2 days on site (typical)
- Hours: 8.30am – 5.00pm (1‑hour lunch)
Ideal Candidate
- Experience as a Design Manager, Senior Design Coordinator, Architect or similar
- Strong understanding of construction drawings, detailing and design processes
- Confident managing multiple stakeholders and deadlines
- Enjoys being on site and solving real‑time technical challenges
- Suitable backgrounds include Architecture, Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, M&E Engineering, Consultancy, Main Contractor and Design & Build
How to Apply
To apply for this Design Manager role, please submit your application and a member of the ADS team will be in touch.