Job Description

Leda Associates are working with a respected

regional main contractor

delivering high-quality projects across Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties. The business has secured a significant

university scheme in Oxford

and is now seeking an experienced

Design Manager

to oversee all design coordination activities from pre-construction through delivery.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Design Manager who has worked for a main contractor and enjoys technically challenging projects, heritage constraints, stakeholder coordination and academic-sector environments.

Key Responsibilities

Lead design coordination for a major university project, ensuring buildability, compliance and technical clarity Manage the flow of design information between consultants, supply chain and site teams Review drawings, specifications and design packages to identify risks, clashes and value-engineering opportunities Chair design team meetings and maintain clear documentation and action logs Support the pre-construction team with tender reviews, design programmes and technical submissions Work closely with project, commercial and site management teams to ensure design aligns with cost, quality and programme objectives Coordinate with university stakeholders, planning officers, heritage bodies and external consultants Ensure all design information meets regulatory, safety and environmental standards

About You

Proven Design Manager (or Senior Design Coordinator) with experience in a

main contractor environment

Strong background in education, university, commercial, healthcare or similarly complex projects Excellent understanding of construction processes, sequencing and buildability Ability to manage multiple consultants and interpret technical information across disciplines Confident communicator with strong organisational and problem-solving skills A proactive, collaborative and detail-focused professional Experience working on live / operational sites or heritage buildings is highly desirable

What's on Offer

Competitive day rate Opportunity to work on a prestigious Oxford university scheme Supportive contractor with strong regional reputation and repeat-business relationships Exposure to high-quality, design-led projects in a collaborative environment Possibility of the role going permanent for the right candidate.
If you're an experienced Design Manager looking to join a respected main contractor with a strong pipeline of Oxford-based projects, we'd love to hear from you.

Job Types: Temporary, Freelance
Contract length: 3 months

Work Location: In person