Design Manager

• Act as the primary point of contact for the appointed design organisation/design house
• Lead oversight and governance of design deliverables across all RIBA stages (0–7)
• Review, challenge, and validate design outputs to ensure compliance with scope, standards, and programme requirements
• Ensure design intent is fully aligned with operational, technical, commercial, and security expectations
• Actively challenge assumptions, specifications, and design decisions where necessary
• Collaborate closely with senior programme stakeholders including: Programme leadership, Commercial and procurement teams, Delivery and construction partners, Technical and operational stakeholders
• Participate in design reviews, partner meetings, and site-based engagements as required
• Support smooth transition from design phase into delivery and handover

• Strong, demonstrable experience working across RIBA stages 0–7 (mandatory)
• Background in one or more of the following disciplines: Architecture, Engineering, Construction / Project Management
• Proven experience in a design governance role, either: Within a design consultancy/design house, or Client-side acting as a Design Manager interfacing with design organisations
• Experience on large-scale infrastructure or complex capital programmes (preferred but flexible by sector)
• Strong understanding of design assurance, review processes, and delivery integration
• Confident communicator with the ability to challenge senior designers and stakeholders constructively
• Strong stakeholder management skills in complex, matrixed environments
• Highly proactive, delivery-focused, and solution-oriented mindset
• Comfortable operating in high-pressure, fast-moving programme environments
• Strong presence with the ability to influence (“visible and vocal” role)
• Pragmatic, decisive, and able to balance governance with delivery pace

Existing clearance is advantageous and transferable where applicable

Flexible working patterns supported (including compressed hours where appropriate)