Design and Compliance Manager

Manchester, Lancashire
Michael Page Property and Construction

A leading UK contractor is seeking an exceptional Design & Compliance Manager to lead regulatory assurance, Gateway compliance, and design excellence across complex refurbishment projects. This is an opportunity to influence major schemes from feasibility to handover, driving quality, safety, and innovation across the business.

Client Details

Our client is a well-established, multi-disciplinary construction and refurbishment contractor with a reputation for enhancing communities, regenerating neighbourhoods, and delivering high-quality, safety-led projects. With strong values, a people-first culture, and a commitment to social impact, they deliver refurbishment, housing, civil engineering, environmental projects, and community-focused improvements across the UK.

Description

• • Provide expert Design & Compliance leadership across procurement, construction, and handover phases.
  • Review tender and design documentation to identify compliance, buildability, regulatory and contractual risks.
  • Lead Gateway 2 & Gateway 3 submissions, ensuring robust evidence and regulatory alignment.
  • Oversee design integrity and compliance from feasibility through to completion.
  • Ensure adherence to the Building Safety Act, PAS 2035/2038 and all statutory regulations.
  • Coordinate designers, architects, engineers, and specialist consultants.
  • Facilitate risk workshops, design reviews, and technical approvals.
  • Support safe systems of work and temporary works considerations at design stage.
  • Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to operational teams.
  • Develop standardised internal design/compliance procedures tailored to complex refurbishment.
  • Build positive client relationships to support future work opportunities.

Profile

• Level 3 Registered Building Inspector (essential).
• Extensive experience in refurbishment, including:
  • High-rise
  • Retrofit
  • Listed / heritage buildings
• Strong knowledge of Building Regulations, Building Safety Act & PAS 2035/2038.
• Ability to interpret complex legislation, contracts, and technical specifications.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and mentor-style approach.
• Proven ability to manage risk and influence project outcomes.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of design liability.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook.

Job Offer

• • Generous pension scheme, employer contributes up to 7.5%
  • Life Assurance – 3x salary
  • Benefits portal with discounts on retail, leisure, gym, travel, etc.
  • 26 days annual leave + bank holidays
  • 2-week paid Christmas shutdown
  • Loyalty scheme – extra day each year of service
  • Hybrid & flexible working options
  • Bi-annual company wellbeing day
  • Bupa Private Healthcare
  • Employee Assistance Programme (24/7)
  • Eye care support