Freelance Design Manager

Job description

Freelance Design Manager

Leading Principal Contractor | Department for Education Projects

Bristol | M4 Corridor | Hybrid Working

£400–£450 per day | Outside IR35 / CIS | Weekly Payments

We are working exclusively with a highly regarded principal contractor who is looking to appoint an experienced Freelance Design Manager to support the delivery of a growing portfolio of Department for Education projects across the Bristol and West M4 corridor.

Projects range from £20m to £60m and include a mixture of new build schools, major refurbishments and extension schemes, offering a varied and technically challenging workload.

• Lead and coordinate the design process from pre-construction through to project completion.
• Manage consultant teams and drive programme, design quality and technical compliance.
• Resolve technical and buildability issues whilst maintaining programme milestones.
• Work closely with operational, commercial and client teams to ensure successful project delivery.

Must have

• Proven experience as a Design Manager delivering projects for a principal contractor.
• Strong technical and design management capability.
• Ideally qualified with an Architectural or Engineering background, although other relevant technical disciplines will be considered.
• Previous experience on Department for Education, education or public sector projects is highly desirable.
• Excellent knowledge of construction detailing, design coordination and building regulations.
• Available to start at short notice.

If you're an experienced Design Manager looking for your next long-term freelance opportunity with one of the UK's leading contractors, I'd be keen to have a confidential discussion.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Greater Bristol Area

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

20-08-2026

Profession type

Technical

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