Principal Design Manager

Job description

Principal Design Manager

London (Hybrid Working)

Mission Critical Projects

I am currently partnering with a well-established, international building services consultancy that delivers technically complex projects across the technology and mission-critical sectors.

With a strong reputation for low-energy design and delivering high-performance environments, they are now looking to appoint a Principal Design Manager to join their London team.

This is a senior leadership position suited to someone who thrives in complex, multidisciplinary environments and enjoys balancing client engagement, technical oversight, and commercial responsibility.

The Opportunity

You will take ownership of high-value projects (up to £5m fees), leading design management across the full project lifecycle — from pre-contract strategy through to delivery and completion.

This role combines:

• Senior client-facing engagement
• Leadership and mentoring of multidisciplinary design teams
• Commercial and financial oversight
• Programme and risk management
• Quality assurance and governance
• You will play a key role in ensuring projects are delivered to programme, budget and quality expectations, while strengthening long-term client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design management across complex building projects
• Develop and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships
• Oversee project performance, profitability and resource planning
• Manage sub-consultants and supplier coordination
• Drive QA/QC, compliance and technical review processes
• Chair project, programme and design team meetings
• Monitor risk, programme milestones and deliverables
• Oversee invoicing, WIP tracking and cashflow forecasting
• Mentor and develop direct reports
• Contribute to wider business planning and growth initiatives
• You will be expected to operate with autonomy while contributing to broader strategic objectives.

About You:

• BEng (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline
• Chartered status (CEng or ChPP preferred)
• Professional membership (CIBSE, IET, IMechE or similar)
• 10+ years’ experience at Senior Engineer level or above
• Strong understanding of the design process and design team dynamics
• Proven experience delivering complex, high-value projects
• Excellent commercial awareness and financial management capability
• Experience developing and implementing design management procedures
• Strong working knowledge of UK Regulations, British and European Standards
• Confident communication and stakeholder management skills
• Experience within technology, mission-critical, or complex environments is advantageous.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
• Hybrid working model
• 23 days annual leave, rising to 28 with service
• Holiday buy/sell scheme
• Contributory pension
• Private healthcare (level dependent)
• Performance-related bonus (discretionary)
• Professional development and training sponsorship
• Charity volunteering leave
• Wellness initiatives

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

London Area

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

04-03-2026

Profession type

Design / Fashion

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English