Design Mananger

Cobalt RecruitmentLeatherheadreedpublished 10/05/2026

Design Manager - Major Mixed-Use Development Location: Leatherhead, Surrey Salary: Circa £60,000 + £5000 Car Allowance + Benefits Contract: Permanent

The Opportunity An established UK Main Contractor is looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager to join the team delivering a significant new development in Leatherhead, Surrey. The project is a technically interesting mixed-use scheme comprising a new purpose-built Police divisional headquarters alongside affordable residential development. This is an excellent opportunity for a Design Manager with a strong main contracting background to take ownership of the design process on a high-profile project, working closely with the client, consultants, supply chain and internal construction team from design development through to delivery. Candidates with previous blue-light, police, justice, defence, healthcare, secure environment or other complex public-sector project experience would be particularly attractive.

The Role As Design Manager, you will take responsibility for coordinating and managing the multidisciplinary design process, ensuring information is delivered accurately, efficiently and in line with programme, commercial and construction requirements. Key responsibilities will include: Managing the design process from preconstruction through to project delivery Developing and managing the project design programme Coordinating architects, consultants, subcontractors and specialist designers Leading design coordination meetings and driving resolution of technical issues Managing design deliverables, interfaces, dependencies and approvals Reviewing Employer's Requirements and ensuring compliant design solutions Working closely with planning, commercial and operational teams Managing consultant performance and design responsibilities Coordinating technical submissions and approvals Overseeing BIM / Digital Engineering coordination and CDE processes Supporting model federation, clash detection and design issue resolution Managing design risk and ensuring compliance with CDM 2015 Coordinating Building Control, planning, utilities and statutory approvals Supporting Building Safety Act / Gateway requirements where applicable Reviewing designs for buildability, programme and commercial efficiency Supporting value engineering and identifying opportunities to reduce cost and improve delivery Coordinating temporary and permanent works design interfaces Supporting project sustainability and carbon objectives

About You We are looking for an established Design Manager who can independently manage the design function on a complex construction project. You will ideally have: Proven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Coordinator A strong background working for a UK Main Contractor Experience managing multidisciplinary design teams Strong understanding of construction methodology and buildability Experience managing design programmes and technical information Knowledge of BIM, Digital Engineering and ISO 19650 Good understanding of CDM, Building Regulations and the Building Safety Act Strong consultant and subcontractor management skills Excellent communication and stakeholder management ability Previous experience delivering blue-light, police, justice, defence or secure public-sector projects would be particularly advantageous. Experience across other technically demanding sectors including healthcare, education, commercial, residential and mixed-use development will also be considered.