Senior Design Manager

Exciting new opportunity to work for a leading principal contractor on a £50m high rise commercial and residential development in the North West.

About the role of Senior Design Manager

Due to a new contract award, there is a brand new job opportunity for an experienced Senior Design Manager to lead the technical design delivery of a flagship, high-rise Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme. As a Higher-Risk Building (HRB) under the Building Safety Act, this project is entering a critical phase. You will take full ownership of the design management process, steering the external consultant team and supply chain through the Building Safety Regulator (BSR)

Key Responsibilities

BSR & Gateway 2 Leadership: Lead the coordination, compilation, and submission of the Gateway 2 application to the Building Safety Regulator. Ensure all design information meets the strict statutory requirements prior to construction starting on site. Design Team Management: Manage and chair design team meetings with architects, structural engineers, MEP consultants, and specialist fire engineers to ensure a coordinated, clash-free RIBA Stage 4 design. Golden Thread & Compliance: Establish and maintain the digital "Golden Thread" of building information. Ensure robust change-control procedures are enforced so any post-Gateway 2 design changes are properly assessed and approved. PBSA Technical Optimisation: Drive value engineering and buildability across repetitive student cluster flats, amenity spaces, and high-rise core/facade interfaces without compromising fire safety or acoustic performance. Stakeholder & Client Liaison: Act as the primary technical point of contact for the client, funders, Principal Designer, and Principal Contractor, providing clear reporting on design progress, risks, and statutory sign-offs.

Requirements for Senior Design Manager

Background and proven track record as a Senior Design Manager working for a principal contractor on high value complex build projects Proven HRB Experience: Demonstrable track record leading design management on high-rise residential, BTR, or PBSA projects (18m+ / 7+ storeys) in the UK. Building Safety Act Expertise: Strong working knowledge of the Building Safety Act 2022, the Dutyholder regime, and the practical realities of preparing and managing a BSR Gateway 2 submission. Technical & Commercial Acumen: Background in architecture, structural/civil engineering, or construction management, with a sharp eye for buildability Software & Information Management: Familiar with Common Data Environments (e.g., Viewpoint, Procore, Aconex) and BIM workflows (ISO 19650) to support Golden Thread compliance. Excellent interpersonal, planning and time management skills with the ability to engage varying stakeholders effectivelySalary & Package on offer

Base Salary £80,000 - £90,000 Car Allowance Contributory Pension Scheme Private Healthcare 26 days holiday + bank holidays Comprehensive additional benefits & perks. Annual career reviews, progression plansHow to apply:

If you are ready to take the lead on a landmark PBSA scheme and have the technical rigour to navigate the Gateway 2 landscape, we want to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a brief summary of your relevant high-rise project experience to (url removed)