Design Manager – Contract Brighton (Falmer) Inside IR35 Negotiable Day Rate

We’re working with a leading national construction and infrastructure business who are looking for an experienced Design Manager to join their team on a contract basis in Brighton (Falmer).

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of design delivery for a portfolio of technically complex and high-profile projects.

Location: Brighton (Falmer)
Day Rate: Negotiable (Inside IR35)
Hours: 40 per week
Contract Type: Ongoing

The Role

As Design Manager, you’ll lead and manage engineering design delivery across multiple projects, ensuring designs are technically robust, commercially efficient, and aligned with project goals. You’ll be the main point of contact for all design matters, collaborating closely with engineering teams, consultants, and construction partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage design delivery across assigned projects from definition through to handover

• Ensure design teams and consultants develop safe, cost-effective, and buildable solutions

• Oversee design quality assurance and implement “right-first-time” design practices

• Coordinate with engineering and construction teams to optimise methodologies and outputs

• Support project planning, risk management, and value engineering activities

• Drive innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement across design stages

• Manage and mentor multidisciplinary design teams to achieve delivery excellence

About You

• Chartered Engineer (or working towards) with a degree-level qualification in an engineering discipline

• Proven experience managing complex, multidisciplinary design projects

• Strong background in engineering design, construction, and project management

• Experience within the water or utilities sector is highly advantageous

• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage confidently with technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Strong leadership, organisation, and influencing skills

• Full UK Driving Licence