Design Manager

A well established main contractor is looking to appoint a Design Manager to support a growing pipeline of work across the north of Scotland. This is a genuinely interesting opportunity for somebody who enjoys the technical challenge of construction, likes being close to delivery, and wants to play a meaningful role in shaping projects from early design through to site completion.

This is not a replacement hire. It is additional headcount driven by workload. The regional team already has design resource in place, but with project demand increasing, they have reached the point where they need another experienced pair of hands. That in itself says a lot. This is a business investing ahead of demand rather than scrambling to plug a hole.

The work is strong. Education is a major part of the live pipeline, with several new build primary school projects either underway or coming forward, alongside a wider mix of commercial, healthcare and industrial schemes. The variety is there, but there is also enough repeat-sector work to build genuine expertise and momentum. These are meaningful projects with real visibility, not small fragmented packages that leave you feeling like a tiny cog in a very big machine.

They are looking for someone who knows how to manage design properly. Somebody commercially aware, technically strong and confident coordinating consultants, contractors and internal teams without needing a lot of hand holding. This role would suit an established Design Manager, but equally somebody coming from an architectural, technical or consultancy background with strong delivery experience could be a very credible fit. The key is mindset. They want someone pragmatic, organised and solutions focused who can keep projects moving.

Location is flexible. Ideally, they would like somebody based in the Highlands or within reach of the northern market, but they are realistic enough to know that the right person may be based further south, provided they are willing to travel when needed. That flexibility opens this role up considerably and reflects a sensible, grown up approach to hiring.

What stands out about this opportunity is stability and scale. This is the kind of business where there is proper infrastructure behind you, a healthy pipeline ahead of you, and genuine long term career prospects if you perform. It offers the security of a major contractor without necessarily losing the regional feel that many people value. You are not just another name on an organisation chart.

Package will reflect experience, but there is genuine flexibility for the right person, with salary, car allowance and wider package all designed to attract quality. More importantly, this is one of those roles where the opportunity itself is worth looking at. Even if you are relatively happy where you are, it may be the sort of move that broadens your experience, increases your earning potential and puts you in a stronger long term position.

Sometimes the best career moves are the ones you were not actively looking for. This may be one of them. If you have experience managing design within construction and are open to hearing about something with real substance behind it, it is worth a conversation.

Get in touch with Sarah Hobson at Peace Recruitment for more information.