Design Manager

Location: Exeter, Devon
Employment Type: Permanent
Salary: £60,000 – £65,000 per annum

About the Company
Sphere Solutions are working with the refurbishment division of a leading Tier 1 contractor, specialising in delivering internal and external refurbishment projects across the South West. This is an excellent opportunity for a Design Manager to join a prestigious company, working on a diverse range of projects and benefiting from long-term career development within a high-profile contractor.

About the Role

As Design Manager, you will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth coordination and management of the design process across multiple refurbishment projects. From pre-construction through to project completion, you will be responsible for managing design risks, ensuring compliance, and making sure designs are practical, cost-effective, and aligned with the project brief.

Key Responsibilities

As a Design Manager, your duties will include:

• Managing and leading the design process for internal and external refurbishment projects.
• Collaborating with clients, consultants, architects, and internal teams to develop coordinated design solutions.
• Reviewing and managing design documentation, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and buildability.
• Overseeing design programme timelines, ensuring design information is available when required to support construction delivery.
• Identifying and mitigating design risks, proactively resolving issues before they impact the project.
• Ensuring designs remain within project budgets, working closely with the commercial team to identify value engineering opportunities.
• Attending and contributing to design team meetings, progress reviews, and client presentations.
• Ensuring all designs comply with building regulations, industry standards, and client requirements.

Key Requirements (Skills & Experience)

We are looking for a highly organised, detail-focused Design Manager with:

• Proven experience managing design processes on refurbishment, fit-out, or construction projects.
• Experience working for a main contractor (essential).
• Strong knowledge of building regulations, planning, and construction legislation.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and influence decisions.
• Relevant construction or design qualification (Degree/HNC/HND).
• Strong understanding of technical design packages, including AutoCAD, Revit (desirable).
• A proactive, problem-solving approach, with the ability to manage design risk effectively.
• Full UK driving licence.

Benefits & Perks

• Salary: £60,000 – £65,000 per annum.
• Car or car allowance package included.
• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Company pension scheme.
• Access to ongoing training and development programmes.
• ️ Opportunity to work on prestigious refurbishment projects for a Tier 1 contractor.
• Clear career progression within a supportive and forward-thinking business.

How to Apply

To apply for this Design Manager role, contact Abbie Evans at Sphere Solutions:
07736 455560
[email protected]