Guildmore is seeking a proactive and experienced Design Manager to join our Construction Unit and oversee the design process across multiple projects.

This hybrid role involves working between our head office and active project sites, ensuring seamless design coordination and delivery from pre-construction through to project completion.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

Manage the Assistant Design Co-ordinator in line with internal processes and KPIs.

Strategic

Develop strategic awareness of contractual matters and ensure alignment of project outcomes with wider company objectives.

Risk

Create and manage the project technical risk register.

Flag compliance risks and report on mitigating measures.

Process

Ensure duties comply with internal processes, trackers, reports, and checklists.

Contribute to continuous review and improvement of procedures.

Pre-Construction

Lead preparation of project specifications and Contractor’s Proposals at project outset.

Programme

Establish and manage the design programme and information release schedule, ensuring alignment with the master construction programme.

Consultants

Define scope and obtain fee proposals from multi-disciplinary consultants.

Verify completeness of service delivery on incoming fee invoices.

Client

Prepare and present monthly client reports at client meetings.

Manage the process for client sign-off of design, specifications, and samples.

Value

Provide cost-conscious direction to consultant teams.

Review design to reduce waste and achieve economic, compliant solutions.

Work closely with the Commercial team to address emerging cost issues.

Buildability

Ensure designs are optimised for construction practicality, minimising complex details.

Work closely with Operations to resolve buildability issues.

Co-ordination

Review consultant and contractor design outputs, resolving clashes and inconsistencies.

Manage the design approvals process and respond to RFIs/TQs.

Compliance

Review planning, BCO, NHBC conditions, and other approvals.

Track critical timeframes and manage the discharge process.

Handover

Identify client handover requirements and assemble all necessary documentation and statutory approvals.

CDM

Liaise with the Principal Designer during the design process and assist in preparing the Safety File.

Required Experience

• Minimum 7 years PQE, including at least 3 years with a residential contractor.

• Full project lifecycle experience on at least 3 residential apartment schemes (4–10 storeys, 20–100 units).

• Strong knowledge of technical detailing and compliance requirements, including Building Regulations and NHBC.

• Demonstrable experience in façade systems, high-rise buildings (over 18m), specialist subcontractor design packages, or projects of high technical complexity.

Personal Qualities

• Excellent communication skills with a professional and personable approach.

• Comfortable liaising with clients and statutory authorities.

• Strong analytical ability, with proven decision-making skills in complex situations.

• A collaborative team player, willing to support colleagues across projects and departments.

• Proactive, accountable, and committed to a company culture that values ‘lessons learned’ over blame.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Supportive, family-owned company culture.

• Opportunities for growth and professional development.

Founded in 1988, Guildmore is a family-owned business dedicated to fostering a supportive workplace where growth and well-being take centre stage. With four specialised units—Construction, Facades & Cladding, Planned Works, and Land Development—we deliver bespoke solutions for clients and communities.

As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we are committed to inclusivity and ensuring that everyone can thrive.

Join our team and be part of something exceptional at Guildmore!