Design Manager

Design Manager | Heritage & Commercial Refurbishments | Central London | Nov 2025 An opportunity for a Design Manager to join a well-established main contractor with a long-standing reputation for delivering complex refurbishments, heritage restorations, and high-profile London projects. Based full-time in Central London, you'll take ownership of design coordination across several architecturally-led schemes ensuring design intent, quality, and technical detail are carried through from pre-construction to delivery. The Role • Manage and coordinate design delivery across multiple live refurbishment projects • Work closely with architects, consultants, and subcontractors to resolve design queries and approvals • Ensure buildability, quality, and client design intent are maintained throughout delivery • Oversee design workshops, interface management, and technical coordination on complex heritage schemes • Collaborate with pre-construction and site teams to manage design programmes and deadlines • Office-based role in with some site visits What they're looking for • 3+ years' experience as a Design Manager with a main contractor • Background in refurbishment, heritage, or complex architecturally-led projects • Strong technical understanding and appreciation for quality design and detailing • Ability to manage subcontractor design packages and approvals independently • Confident communicator who can liaise between design consultants, clients, and delivery teams The Company This is a £35m turnover main contractor with over 40 years' experience delivering complex refurbishment and heritage projects for prestigious clients including the National Gallery, Royal Household, and British Museum. They're known for exceptional build quality, repeat business and a collaborative in-house team culture that values integrity, craft, and long-term development. It's a close-knit environment where technical excellence and design coordination are central to project success. Package • Competitive salary (based on experience) • Annual bonus and pension scheme • 25 days holiday + bank holidays + Christmas shutdown • Office-based in Central London with regular site visits • Long-term career progression in a stable and respected business Also known as: Design Coordinator, Project Design Manager, Assistant Design Manager Interested? Michael Ogunyankin (phone number removed) michael @ borneltd . com If you're a Design Manager who enjoys working on architecturally significant refurbishments and want a stable, long-term role with a respected London contractor, get in touch for a chat