Design Manager

Posted on 13 July 2026

£80,000 - £90,000/annum + package

At a glance

Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Design Manager to join a successful, family-run Design & Build, Construction and Fit-Out contractor delivering high-quality projects across Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties.

Our client has built an excellent reputation for delivering technically challenging refurbishment, fit-out and construction projects across the commercial, industrial and specialist sectors. Their portfolio includes commercial workplaces, industrial facilities, education projects, manufacturing environments and highly technical laboratory developments, with project values typically ranging from £500,000 to £10 million.

With continued growth within the Life Sciences sector, the business is currently involved in the delivery of specialist laboratory environments, where strong design coordination and technical understanding are key. They are now looking to appoint a Design Manager who can support the successful delivery of projects from pre-construction through to completion.

The ideal candidate will ideally have an M&E bias, however the business is also open to considering candidates from an M&E consultancy, architectural design, engineering consultancy or main contractor background who have strong technical design management experience and are looking for an exciting opportunity within a growing contractor.

Despite continued growth, the company has retained the values and culture of a family-run business. They pride themselves on creating a collaborative environment where employees are trusted, supported and given the opportunity to have a real impact on the success of the business.

Design Manager – The Role

As Design Manager, you will be responsible for managing and coordinating the design process across multiple projects, ensuring information is accurate, compliant, buildable and delivered in line with project requirements.

You will work closely with clients, consultants, architects, engineers, subcontractors and internal delivery teams to ensure a smooth transition from design through to construction.

Design Manager – Responsibilities

• Managing design processes from pre-construction through to completion.
• Coordinating consultants, architects, engineers and specialist subcontractors.
• Reviewing and managing design programmes and key project milestones.
• Coordinating M&E, architectural and technical design information.
• Identifying design risks and ensuring solutions are implemented effectively.
• Supporting procurement and construction teams with technical information.
• Attending and leading design meetings with key stakeholders.
• Ensuring designs are coordinated, compliant and practical for delivery.

Design Manager – About You

• Previous experience working within a Design Manager or similar technical design role.
• Strong understanding of the construction design process.
• Ideally an M&E bias or strong Mechanical & Electrical understanding.
• Experience from a main contractor, Design & Build contractor, M&E consultancy, engineering consultancy or architectural design background.
• Ability to coordinate complex projects and manage multiple stakeholders.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Experience working on commercial, industrial, laboratory, healthcare, education or other technically complex projects would be advantageous.

Design Manager – What's on Offer

• Salary up to £80,000 - £90,000 depending on experience.
• Excellent benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on technically challenging laboratory and Life Sciences projects.
• Diverse portfolio of commercial, industrial and specialist construction schemes.
• Join a successful family-run contractor with an excellent reputation.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Genuine long-term career opportunities.

If you're an experienced Design Manager looking to join a forward-thinking contractor delivering exciting and technically challenging projects, we'd love to hear from you.

Please click the apply button or contact Alex at One Way for a confidential discussion on 07442070998.

Contact

• Alex Haynes
• 02380981601
• alexhaynes@oneway.co.uk