Design Manager (intermediate level)

Chatham, Kent
Skilled Careers

Design Manager Leading Main Contractor (Kent)

• Job level: Intermediate
• Location: Central Kent
• Permanent £60,000 – £70,000 + package
• Posted: 24th October 2025
• Contact: Mark Dixon Skilled Careers, Maidstone Branch

About the Company

Join one of Kent s leading main contractors, renowned for delivering high-quality new build and refurbishment projects across the region.
With project values typically ranging from £2.5m to £16m, the company has an exceptional reputation for technical excellence, collaboration, and continued growth.

The Opportunity

Due to a strong pipeline of secured work, we re seeking a intermediate level Design Manager to join an established and growing design team.
You ll play a key role in supporting both tendering and delivery across a mix of Design & Build and Traditional contracts, many with significant contractor s design portions.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make an impact in a business that truly values innovation, teamwork, and professional development.

Your Role

• Analyse enquiry and tender documents to support bid preparation.
• Lead and coordinate the design process during pre-construction and throughout project delivery.
• Produce and manage design programmes, scopes, responsibility matrices, and schedules.
• Coordinate and manage external design consultants.
• Drive innovation and value engineering to optimise project performance and client satisfaction.
• Monitor design progress to ensure timely information delivery.
• Attend tender reviews, pre-start meetings, and ongoing project performance reviews.

About You

• Proven track record delivering new build and refurbishment schemes for a main or principal contractor.
• Strong ability to plan, organise, and manage workloads effectively.
• Solid understanding of site procedures, Building Regulations, and planning processes.
• Commercially aware with excellent communication and coordination skills.
• Experience of client procurement routes.
• Background in site operations prior to design management would be advantageous but not essential.

What s in It for You

• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience).
• Car allowance, private healthcare, and company pension.
• A supportive, collaborative working environment within a forward-thinking, agile contractor.
• Genuine opportunities for career progression as part of a growing regional team.

Interested

If you re looking to take the next step in your career as a Design Manager, and want to work with a respected contractor delivering exciting Kent-based projects we d love to hear from you.

Click Apply Now or contact Mark Dixon at Skilled Careers (Maidstone branch) for a confidential discussion.