Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: United Infrastructure Ltd

Location: Glastonbury, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design Management / Construction Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-19

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and lead all design and technical aspects of critical infrastructure projects, ensuring successful delivery within budget and program timelines.

• Manage external consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams to ensure design coordination, compliance, and buildability.

• Fulfill statutory responsibilities as CDM Principal Designer and Building Regulations Principal Design role, ensuring adherence to all relevant legislation.

• Drive value engineering and cost-effectiveness in design solutions while maintaining high standards of quality and buildability.

• Act as a key liaison between design teams, commercial, operations, and clients to facilitate seamless information flow and project progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Design Manager," the extensive responsibilities related to project delivery, budget, program, and compliance with CDM and Building Regulations indicate a strong overlap with operations management, particularly in the pre-construction and early construction phases of infrastructure projects. The role requires deep technical understanding coupled with robust project and people management skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage technical and design processes for infrastructure projects, from initial bids through to construction, ensuring alignment with program and company targets.

• Conduct thorough technical appraisals of design information, assess design requirements, consultant fees, and develop comprehensive design programs.

• Manage the procurement and performance of consultant and subcontractor designers, assessing their competency and ensuring compliance with project specifications.

• Oversee and manage consultant fees and invoicing, ensuring cost control and financial accountability.

• Fulfill the legal duties and responsibilities of the CDM Principal Designer and Building Regulations Principal Design role, ensuring all projects meet statutory requirements.

• Critically review and interrogate consultant and subcontractor designs to ensure compliance with legislation, planning consent, buildability, completeness, and best value.

• Identify and assess opportunities for value engineering, alternative build methods, and process improvements.

• Organize and chair technical coordination workshops, package reviews, and design team meetings to ensure seamless integration and problem-solving.

• Ensure full coordination of all building design elements, including fire safety, structures, M&E, façades, internal specifications, and service/maintenance strategies.

• Manage the flow of design information to Commercial, Operations, and Client teams, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination.

• Oversee the change control process for variations, managing revisions to drawings, construction programs, and costs.

• Liaise with Planning Authorities and Building Control to secure necessary submissions and approvals in accordance with project timelines.

• Manage document control processes, including registration, distribution, and workflow management on the document management system.

• Conduct site visits and attend project meetings to monitor work execution against design benchmarks and specifications.

• Manage, investigate, and respond promptly to Requests for Information (RFIs) from site teams and subcontractors, ensuring timely resolution of design issues.

• Oversee and participate in the collation of handover information, including golden thread data, H&S files, O&M manuals, and resident packs.

• Ensure compliance with company values, policies, procedures, and health, safety, and environmental standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The detailed responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to design management, extending into site execution and compliance. This role requires not just oversight but active participation in ensuring design integrity and constructability. The emphasis on CDM and Building Regulations underscores the critical safety and compliance aspect of the role, which is paramount in infrastructure projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree in a relevant construction or engineering discipline (e.g., Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management) is highly preferred.

• Professional qualifications or certifications in relevant areas (e.g., RICS, CIOB, IStructE) are advantageous. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in the construction industry, with a significant portion focused on design management, technical management, or a similar leadership role.

• Proven track record of successfully managing all aspects of the design and technical process for residential buildings and high-rise developments.

• Demonstrable experience in pre-construction activities, including bid appraisals and design scoping.

• Experience in fulfilling the duties of a CDM Principal Designer and Building Regulations Principal Design role. Required Skills:

• Technical Design Management: Expertise in managing the full lifecycle of design for infrastructure projects.

• CDM Principal Designer: In-depth knowledge and practical application of CDM regulations.

• Building Regulations: Comprehensive understanding of UK Building Regulations and compliance requirements.

• Value Engineering: Ability to identify and implement cost-effective design solutions without compromising quality or safety.

• Project Programming: Skill in developing, managing, and reporting on design project timelines.

• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with internal teams, external consultants, clients, and regulatory bodies.

• Procurement: Experience in procuring design services from consultants and subcontractors.

• Risk Management: Capability to identify, assess, and mitigate design-related risks.

• Buildability Analysis: Ability to review designs from a practical construction perspective.

• People Management: Effective leadership and management of direct reports and design teams.

• Budget Control: Strong financial acumen to manage consultant fees and influence project budgets.

• Document Control: Proficiency in managing design documentation and information flow.

• High Rise Development Experience: Specific experience in designing and overseeing complex high-rise structures.

• Building Safety Act: Up-to-date knowledge of the Building Safety Act, its implications, and duty holder responsibilities.

• Contractor Management: Experience in managing subcontractor designers and their deliverables.

• Technical Appraisals: Skill in critically assessing design information for bids and project planning.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with document management systems and workflow processes.

• Knowledge of specific software relevant to infrastructure design and project management (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, BIM software).

• Experience in utility infrastructure or social infrastructure sectors.

• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+" years of experience and the emphasis on specific legislative frameworks like CDM and the Building Safety Act indicate that this is a senior-level role requiring substantial practical experience and a deep understanding of regulatory compliance within the construction and infrastructure sectors.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Design Leadership: Demonstrable examples of leading design processes for significant infrastructure or residential projects from inception to completion.

• Technical Coordination Examples: Evidence of successfully coordinating complex design packages involving multiple disciplines (structural, M&E, façade, etc.) to achieve integrated solutions.

• Risk Mitigation Examples: Documentation showcasing how design risks were identified, assessed, and effectively mitigated, with measurable outcomes.

• Value Engineering Proposals: Examples of value engineering initiatives proposed and implemented, detailing cost savings and impact on buildability or performance.

• CDM/Building Regulations Compliance: Examples of projects where the candidate fulfilled Principal Designer duties, including documentation of compliance strategies and successful regulatory approvals.

Process Documentation:

• Design Program Management: Showcase examples of creating, managing, and reporting on detailed design programs, including how deviations were handled and resolved.

• Consultant/Subcontractor Management Frameworks: Illustrate the process for procuring, onboarding, and managing external design partners, including performance monitoring and fee management.

• Information Flow and Document Control Procedures: Provide an overview of established processes for managing the flow of design information, document registration, and distribution, potentially referencing specific systems used.

• Change Control Process: Detail the methodology used for managing design variations, including assessment of impact on cost, program, and technical specifications.

• Site Issue Resolution (RFI Management): Demonstrate a systematic approach to managing RFIs from site, including investigation, response generation, and close-out, with examples of prompt resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but clearly articulate the candidate's role, the challenges faced, their specific contributions to process optimization, risk mitigation, and successful project outcomes, especially concerning design integrity and compliance.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in the UK construction sector, particularly in London or surrounding areas (Glastonbury is in Somerset, a generally lower cost-of-living area than London but still a significant regional hub), a competitive salary range would typically be between £65,000 and £85,000 per annum. This range accounts for the extensive responsibilities, statutory duties (CDM, Building Safety Act), and the need for proven leadership in complex infrastructure projects.

Benefits:

• Pension Scheme: Generous company pension contribution scheme.

• Life Assurance: Comprehensive life assurance coverage.

• Health and Wellbeing: Access to health and wellbeing programs, potentially including private medical insurance or health cash plans.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, professional development, and support for relevant certifications.

• Company Vehicle/Allowance: A company car or car allowance may be provided due to the need for site visits.

• Holiday Entitlement: Generous annual leave allowance, potentially with options to buy or sell leave.

• Performance-Related Bonus: Potential for a discretionary bonus based on individual and company performance.

• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential support services for employees.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be an expectation for flexibility to attend critical meetings or address urgent site issues outside of standard hours, particularly during peak project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on research of similar Senior Design Manager roles in the UK construction industry, considering the location (Somerset, England) and the extensive responsibilities including statutory roles. Benefits are typical for senior positions within the construction sector in the UK.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: United Infrastructure operates within the Construction, Utilities, and Social Infrastructure sectors. This means the company is involved in building and maintaining essential services and community assets, requiring a strong focus on safety, reliability, and long-term value. The dual focus on Utility Infrastructure (water, energy, telecoms) and Social Infrastructure (housing retrofit, refurbishment, maintenance) suggests a diverse project portfolio.

Company Size: United Infrastructure is described as a "dynamic and rapidly expanding business." While specific numbers aren't provided, "rapidly expanding" often implies a company that is growing significantly, possibly from a medium-sized enterprise to a larger one, or experiencing substantial project wins. This can mean a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth but also potential for rapid change.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's active presence in delivering critical infrastructure suggests established expertise. The emphasis on "United Living" in the job URL might indicate a specific division or a legacy name.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role sits within the Social Infrastructure business area, suggesting a focus on projects related to community development and housing.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The Senior Design Manager will work closely with Commercial, Operations, Construction, and Client teams, requiring strong collaborative skills.

• Reporting: While not explicitly stated, a Senior Design Manager typically reports to a Head of Design, Director of Operations, or a Project Director, and manages a team of design professionals, coordinators, and potentially external consultants.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Approach: The role emphasizes technical appraisals, buildability analysis, and compliance, suggesting a data-informed approach to design decision-making.

• Process Optimization: Responsibilities include identifying value engineering opportunities and improving workflows, indicating a focus on efficiency and continuous improvement.

• Safety & Compliance: A significant emphasis is placed on CDM regulations, Building Safety Act, and Building Regulations, pointing to a methodology deeply rooted in safety and regulatory adherence.

Company Website: https://www.unitedinfrastructure.com/ (Inferred from URL structure and company description)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's dual focus on Utility and Social Infrastructure highlights its broad impact on society. The "rapidly expanding" nature suggests a potentially fast-paced environment with opportunities for individuals who can adapt and contribute to growth. The core values of "Doing the right thing," "Raising the bar," and "Positive attitude" are key cultural indicators.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is clearly at a Senior Management level within the design and technical function. It demands significant experience, leadership capability, and responsibility for statutory duties. Individuals in this role are expected to be subject matter experts, capable of independently managing complex design processes and leading teams.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a higher-level executive such as a Director of Design, Director of Operations, or a Project Director. They will, in turn, manage a team of design coordinators, technicians, and potentially junior designers, as well as oversee the work of external consultants.

Operations Impact: The Senior Design Manager has a profound impact on the operational success of projects. Their ability to ensure designs are compliant, buildable, cost-effective, and delivered on time directly influences:

• Project Profitability: By controlling design costs and identifying value engineering opportunities.

• Construction Efficiency: By providing clear, coordinated, and buildable design information.

• Safety and Compliance: By fulfilling Principal Designer roles and ensuring adherence to all regulations, thus mitigating legal and reputational risks.

• Client Satisfaction: By delivering projects that meet requirements and are completed to high standards.

• Risk Mitigation: By proactively identifying and addressing potential design issues before they impact construction or operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into roles such as Head of Design, Director of Technical Services, or a broader Project Director role overseeing multiple projects.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like high-rise construction, advanced building technologies, or complex utility infrastructure design.

• Strategic Contribution: Contribute to the development of company-wide design standards, processes, and innovation strategies.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor and develop junior members of the design and technical teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical juncture for experienced design professionals looking to step into significant leadership and statutory responsibility within the construction industry, directly impacting project outcomes and company strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at "Glastonbury House," suggesting a dedicated office location. This environment is likely to be a professional office setting where design coordination, meetings, and administrative tasks are conducted.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Glastonbury, Somerset, United Kingdom. This is a specific office-based role, requiring the candidate to be present on-site. The company also operates across the UK in Utility and Social Infrastructure sectors, implying potential travel to project sites or other company offices as needed.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires extensive collaboration with internal teams (Commercial, Operations, Construction) and external consultants. The office space likely facilitates these interactions through meeting rooms and open-plan areas.

• Technology Enabled: Access to necessary design software, document management systems, and communication tools is essential for managing design processes and information flow.

• Project-Focused Interaction: Interaction will be driven by project needs, including regular technical coordination meetings, package reviews, and site progress discussions.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, on-site. However, given the critical nature of project deadlines and site coordination, some flexibility may be required to attend early morning site meetings or late-day coordination sessions. The role demands a proactive and responsive approach that may extend beyond strict office hours during intense project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is key, emphasizing the need for physical presence for site visits, client meetings, and direct team collaboration. The Glastonbury location suggests a regional hub, with potential for travel to project sites across the UK.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and application by HR or a recruitment team to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Director or Senior Manager) focusing on experience, technical skills, leadership style, and understanding of the role's responsibilities, including CDM and Building Safety Act knowledge.

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage may involve meeting with key stakeholders from the Commercial, Operations, or Construction teams to assess collaboration compatibility and understanding of cross-functional needs. A technical assessment or case study might be presented here.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss key projects from the candidate's portfolio, focusing on their specific contributions, problem-solving approaches, and outcomes.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive for final approval, focusing on cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio by project type or key responsibility area (e.g., High-Rise Residential, CDM Principal Designer Duties, Value Engineering Initiatives).

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state your role, the project's scale, key challenges, your specific actions, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, program acceleration, risk reduction, compliance success).

• Highlight Design Process: Showcase your understanding of the design lifecycle, from pre-construction appraisals to construction issue resolution.

• Demonstrate Technical Acumen: Be prepared to discuss technical details, buildability issues, and compliance challenges with confidence.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively managed consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams to achieve project goals.

• Showcase CDM/Building Safety Expertise: Include specific examples of how you fulfilled Principal Designer duties, managed site safety aspects related to design, and navigated regulatory approvals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Coordination Scenario: Be prepared for a scenario where you are given a set of partially coordinated drawings and asked to identify potential clashes, risks, and required next steps.

• Problem-Solving Case Study: You might be presented with a common construction or design issue (e.g., a significant design delay, a major site query, a value engineering challenge) and asked to outline your approach to resolution.

• CDM/Building Safety Application: Expect questions about how you would implement specific aspects of the Building Safety Act or CDM regulations on a current project.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare to explain how you would communicate complex technical information or difficult decisions to non-technical stakeholders (e.g., clients, site teams).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and practical application of regulatory knowledge. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates tangible results and a clear understanding of the candidate's role in ensuring project success is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar tools for program management and tracking.

• Design Software: Proficiency in viewing and understanding drawings from various platforms, including AutoCAD, Revit, or BIM 360. While not necessarily a CAD user, the ability to interpret and coordinate designs is critical.

• Document Management Systems (DMS): Experience with systems used for registering, distributing, and managing design and technical information. Examples include Aconex, Procore, or bespoke company systems.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and interpret progress reports, cost analyses, and risk assessments.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, fee tracking, and basic reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design information feeds into commercial and operational systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation within document management or project management systems.

• Integration Tool: Understanding how different project systems (design, procurement, site reporting) integrate is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on document control and information flow suggests that proficiency with a robust Document Management System is a core requirement. The ability to interpret BIM models (Revit, BIM 360) is increasingly important in modern construction, though the primary need is to manage and coordinate designs produced by others.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: United Infrastructure emphasizes:

• Doing the Right Thing: This translates to ethical conduct, prioritizing safety, and maintaining integrity in all design and project decisions. For operations, this means ensuring compliance and quality above all else.

• Raising the Bar: A commitment to continuous improvement, seeking higher standards in design quality, efficiency, and project delivery. This encourages proactive problem-solving and innovation.

• Positive Attitude and Energetic Pace: A proactive, solution-oriented mindset is expected, driving progress and maintaining momentum, especially in a rapidly expanding business.

• Integrity: Honesty and transparency in all dealings, crucial for building trust with clients, partners, and internal teams.

• Ability to Make Things Happen (Starter/Finisher): A bias for action and a commitment to seeing tasks through to completion, essential for driving design processes forward.

• Tact and Ability to Deal with Difficult Situations: The capacity to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and resolve conflicts constructively.

• Proactive: Taking initiative, anticipating issues, and acting before problems arise, a key trait for managing design risks.

• Ability to Challenge the Norm (Positive Deviance): Encouraging innovative thinking and the exploration of alternative, often more effective, solutions.

• Ability to Work Under Pressure and Multi-task: Resilience and organizational skills to manage multiple demands effectively.

• Excellent Organizational Skills and Attention to Detail: Crucial for managing complex design documentation and ensuring accuracy.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands strong collaboration with Commercial, Operations, and Construction teams to ensure design is aligned with business objectives and site realities.

• Proactive Communication: Open and frequent communication is key to managing expectations, resolving issues, and ensuring all parties are informed.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture that encourages the exchange of feedback to refine designs and processes, fostering continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across design and project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are heavily focused on proactive engagement, integrity, and a drive for excellence, which are critical for a role managing complex projects with significant stakeholder involvement and regulatory oversight.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Quality with Project Constraints: The constant tension between achieving optimal design solutions and meeting strict budget, program, and buildability requirements.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively navigating the diverse needs and expectations of clients, internal departments, consultants, and regulatory bodies.

• Keeping Abreast of Evolving Legislation: The dynamic nature of construction legislation, particularly regarding building safety, requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Coordinating Complex Designs: Ensuring seamless integration of numerous design elements from various disciplines in large-scale projects.

• Site-to-Design Feedback Loop: Effectively translating site feedback and issues back into design improvements and managing RFI responses efficiently.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Building Safety Training: Deepening expertise in the Building Safety Act, fire safety engineering, and related compliance frameworks.

• BIM and Digital Construction: Further developing skills in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and other digital construction technologies.

• Leadership and Management Skills: Opportunities to enhance people management, strategic planning, and executive communication skills.

• Sector-Specific Knowledge: Gaining deeper insights into Utility Infrastructure or specialized Social Infrastructure projects.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional body memberships and certifications relevant to design management, construction, or safety.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to managing complexity and compliance, but also offers substantial growth potential within a growing organization committed to professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe how you would ensure that design strategies align with the company's broader operational and commercial objectives for a new social infrastructure project." (Prepare with examples showing how design impacts buildability, cost, and long-term maintenance).

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Walk me through a time you had to manage a difficult stakeholder or resolve a conflict between design requirements and operational constraints. What was your approach?" (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills).

• Problem Solving & Efficiency: "Imagine a critical design element for a high-rise project is found to be non-compliant with new Building Regulations discovered late in the process. What are your immediate steps, and how would you ensure minimal impact on the program and budget?" (Focus on your structured approach to problem-solving, risk assessment, and alternative solution generation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Values: "How do you embody 'Raising the Bar' and 'Doing the Right Thing' in your day-to-day management of design processes?" (Connect your past experiences to the company's stated values).

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your leadership style when managing a design team and external consultants. How do you foster a positive and productive working environment?" (Discuss your approach to motivation, delegation, performance management, and feedback).

• Operations Impact: "Provide an example of a design decision you influenced that had a significant positive impact on site operations or project profitability." (Use a case study format to demonstrate your understanding of design's commercial and operational implications).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, decisions, and leadership within each project. Avoid general team achievements.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, describe the challenge, your proposed solution (design, process, management approach), the actions taken, and the measurable outcome.

• Highlight Key Metrics: Quantify your successes wherever possible – cost savings, time reductions, risk mitigation percentages, compliance success rates, etc.

• Demonstrate Technical and Regulatory Understanding: Be prepared to discuss technical details and how you ensured compliance with CDM, Building Regulations, and the Building Safety Act.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals (diagrams, timelines, before/after examples) to illustrate complex points.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience in the context of United Infrastructure's specific sectors (Utility/Social Infrastructure) and demonstrate a deep understanding of UK construction regulations, particularly CDM and the Building Safety Act, as these are critical to the role's statutory responsibilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link: https://unitedliving.wd502.myworkdayjobs.com/United-Infrastructure-Careers/job/Social_Infrastructure_Glastonbury_House/Senior-Design-Manager_JR100787

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight your experience in managing design processes for residential buildings and high-rise developments, specifically mentioning your roles in CDM Principal Designer and Building Regulations compliance. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best showcase your leadership in design management, technical coordination, value engineering, and statutory compliance. Be ready to present them with a focus on your specific contributions and quantifiable results.

• Research United Infrastructure: Understand their work in Utility and Social Infrastructure, their company values, and recent projects to tailor your application and interview responses.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare for questions related to technical design management, leadership, problem-solving, and your understanding of the Building Safety Act and CDM regulations.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.