Design Manager

Getting the design right is crucial to the success of all of our projects and we are looking to expand our Design team due to continued growth of projects throughout Wales. The successful candidate will work in a hybrid way from our office in Cardiff, home and on our live projects.

The main role of a Design Manager at Willmott Dixon is to manage the design process, promote integration of disciplines and select, manage, and appoint consultants to ensure that they perform in line with their deed and agreed scope of services.
You will therefore be able to overview, monitor and report on design programmes, and provide technical support to the bid process. In addition, you will be developing designs that utilise innovative techniques on multiple/complex projects.

The key responsibilities are:

• Lead the design process to produce accurate information in line with the agreed specification and cost plan / estimate.


• It is also equally important to manage the appointment of consultants and ensure that they perform in line with their deed and agreed scope of services.


• Develop a design programme with the consultants to meet the agreed whole life programme dates.


• Provide cost effective technical solutions.


• Chair design team meetings and issue actions.


• Produce designs that meet all necessary statutory and regulatory approvals and record on appropriate tracking logs.

The ideal candidate:

• Will have managed design on projects between 10 and 40 million pounds across multiple sectors.


• Have an understanding of CAD, Microsoft Office and various other construction technology.


• Be able to read and interpret drawings and technical specifications.


• Able to mange specialist designers/ subcontractors and supply chain partners.


• Hold a valid driving license and a CSCS card.

In return we offer:

We reward our people generously with a competitive package that gives you flexible benefits to fit your lifestyle and priorities. This includes but is not limited to, an enhanced pension scheme, discounted or full private medical, life assurance, incentive bonus and a car scheme which will make us a market leader in sustainable company travel. Applicable roles will benefit from a motoring expenditure allowance (MEA) and everyone can access a new generation of low carbon and electric cars via the Willmott Dixon run car leasing scheme.

Additional Information

At Willmott Dixon we provide an inclusive and flexible working environment for people to thrive in and we are happy to support agile working wherever possible.

We are a proud member of the Disability Confident Scheme.

About Us

With over 170 years of rich history, Willmott Dixon’s purpose is beyond profit; delivering brilliant buildings, transforming lives, strengthening communities and enhancing the environment so our world is fit for future generations. Ensuring that we add lasting value to the neighbourhoods we work in; our values, people, innovation, partnerships and focus on sustainability has allowed us to build a successful and solid privately owned business where our people can thrive. Willmott Dixon was awarded No 1 in the Best "big" Companies (2022) to work for and the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2024 and is the first major contractor and developer to win a King’s Award for Enterprise in the category of sustainable development.