Design Manager

Cambridge
£50,000 - £65,000 + £4,000 Car Allowance + Benefits
Permanent

ARC is working in partnership with a long-established and highly respected Building Services contractor to recruit an experienced Design Manager for their growing Cambridge team.

With decades of success delivering Mechanical & Electrical projects across both the public and private sectors, our client has built an outstanding reputation for quality, repeat business and technical excellence. Due to continued growth and a strong project pipeline, they are now looking to strengthen their design function with the appointment of an experienced Design Manager.

The Role

As Design Manager, you will take ownership of the MEP design process across multiple projects, ensuring designs are delivered on programme, within budget and to the highest technical standards. You'll work closely with clients, consultants, architects, subcontractors and internal delivery teams to coordinate and manage the design process from pre-construction through to project delivery.

Projects typically range up to £12 million in value across a diverse portfolio of commercial and public sector developments.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full MEP design process across multiple live projects.
• Coordinate and manage external design consultants and specialist subcontractors.
• Develop and monitor design programmes to ensure key milestones are achieved.
• Review and challenge MEP design information, ensuring compliance with project requirements and current regulations.
• Chair and attend design coordination meetings, driving actions through to completion.
• Manage RFIs and technical queries throughout the project lifecycle.
• Work alongside pre-construction teams to ensure designs remain commercially viable.
• Support project delivery teams with technical guidance and coordinated construction information.
• Prepare reports and maintain clear communication with clients and project stakeholders.
• Promote and maintain high standards of health & safety throughout the design process.

About You

We're looking for an experienced Building Services professional who can confidently lead the design process while maintaining excellent relationships with clients and project teams.

You will ideally have:

• Minimum 5 years' experience within an MEP design role.
• Strong understanding of the Building Services design process.
• Experience designing either mechanical or electrical building services systems, including public health services.
• Degree qualified in Building Services Engineering (or working towards a recognised qualification).
• Strong knowledge of BIM Level 2 and BIM Execution Plans.
• Understanding of low and zero carbon technologies.
• Experience working with both traditional and Design & Build procurement routes.
• Excellent organisational and project coordination skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively under pressure.
• A proactive approach with excellent problem-solving skills.

What's On Offer

• £50,000 - £65,000 basic salary
• £4,000 car allowance
• Competitive benefits package
• Permanent position
• Opportunity to join a financially secure, well-established Building Services contractor with an excellent reputation
• Varied, technically challenging projects
• Genuine long-term career development within a growing business

Apply Now

If you're an experienced Design Manager looking for your next opportunity with a respected Building Services contractor, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact the ARC team for a confidential discussion and further information.