Design Manager

Who Is Walter Lilly?

Walter Lilly is a premier provider of high quality construction services for London and the South East’s finest landmark and heritage buildings, alongside state-of-the-art science and higher education facilities. With over 100 years experience, we bring bold, complex projects to life. Our clients come to us for the best, expecting results that stand out on a global stage.

Boasting an impressive track record of unique projects, we work with industry-leading architects, engineers, interior designers, and highly skilled tradespeople on a portfolio ranging from the UK’s most recognisable listed attractions to cutting-edge contemporary structures.

This opportunity is perfect for an experienced Design Manager with experience of heritage conservation, refurbishment and reservicing, to join our dynamic and collaborative team on a full-time basis, contributing to some of the most prestigious construction projects in the region.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary

• 26 days' annual leave

• Private medical insurance

• Critical illness cover

• Automatic enrolment to the company pension scheme ('opt out' available)

• Travel expenses for site based staff

Our Culture

At Walter Lilly, we work with each other and our clients in the spirit of collaboration. We recognise the expertise of those who have been with us for many years whilst investing in the next generation of rising industry stars, combining invaluable experience with fresh, innovative thinking.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to reach their full potential. We strive to create a culture where employees can bring themselves to work in line with our core values of integrity, honesty, and fairness.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Design Manager to join our Landmark & Heritage division, supporting the delivery of some of Central London's most prestigious and architecturally significant projects.

Working across both preconstruction and live project phases, you will play a key role in managing and coordinating the design process from tender through to project completion. This will include supporting bid submissions, design development, stakeholder engagement and the successful integration of design information into project delivery.

The successful candidate will work closely with clients, consultants, architects, specialist subcontractors and internal project teams to ensure designs are coordinated, buildable, compliant and aligned with project objectives. With a portfolio including heritage refurbishments, conservation works and complex new-build interventions within historic settings, this role offers exposure to a diverse range of technically challenging projects.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Design Manager who enjoys working within collaborative project environments and is passionate about delivering exceptional construction projects that preserve and enhance some of London's most iconic buildings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and coordinate the design process across multiple projects from tender stage through to completion.

• Support preconstruction activities, including tender reviews, design strategy development and bid submissions.

• Review employer's requirements, tender documentation and consultant information to identify design risks and opportunities.

• Coordinate architects, consultants, specialist subcontractors and project teams to ensure design information is fully integrated and delivered on programme.

• Monitor and manage design deliverables, ensuring information is issued in line with project requirements and construction programmes.

• Lead design team meetings and facilitate collaboration between all project stakeholders.

• Drive design coordination to ensure buildability, compliance and value are considered throughout the project lifecycle.

• Manage design change processes, tracking revisions and mitigating associated risks.

• Work closely with project delivery teams to resolve technical queries and design challenges during construction.

• Review proposals to ensure compliance with statutory requirements, planning conditions, conservation requirements and client expectations.

• Support the development and implementation of design management best practices across the business.

• Contribute to lessons learned reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.

About You

To be considered for this opportunity, you will demonstrate:

• Proven experience in a Design Manager role within the construction industry.

• Demonstrative experience delivering refurbishment, heritage, conservation, cultural or complex building projects.

• Strong understanding of design management processes across both preconstruction and construction phases.

• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and managing stakeholder relationships.

• Excellent technical and construction knowledge, with a strong appreciation of buildability and construction methodologies.

• Ability to identify and proactively manage design risks, constraints and opportunities.

• Strong communication and organisational skills, with the confidence to engage with clients, consultants and project teams at all levels.

• Experience reviewing technical information, specifications and consultant deliverables.

• A collaborative and solutions-focused approach to problem solving.

• Proficiency in common construction and design management software platforms, namely Revit and AutoCad.

• A relevant construction, architectural or engineering qualification is essential.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel regularly to project sites across London as required.

• Experience working on listed buildings, heritage projects or projects within sensitive historic environments is essential.

• Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

How to Apply

If your skill set matches the above, and the prospect of helping deliver some of the country’s finest projects appeals to you, please reach out via the button shown.

Your application will be processed by Walter Lilly and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis as suitable candidates apply. We therefore encourage you to submit ASAP to avoid missing out.