Pre Construction Design

Job Description:

Job Title: Pre-Construction Framework Design Manager

(Architectural Technologist Background Considered)

Location: Derby (Flexible / Hybrid Working)
Salary: Up to £70,000 + Full Package
Sector: Education, Residential, Justice (MoJ)
Employer: Leading UK Main Contractor
Framework Value: £1.2bn+

The Opportunity

We’re recruiting on behalf of a leading UK main contractor for a Pre-Construction Framework Design Manager to join their central frameworks team in Derby.

This role is ideally suited to an Architectural Technologist (or Senior Technologist / Architectural Designer) who is looking to transition into a main contractor design management role, gaining exposure to large-scale frameworks and complex, multi-sector projects.

You’ll sit at the heart of pre-construction, helping shape design strategy across £1.2bn of secured and upcoming work, while playing a key role in innovation, R&D, and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).

The Role

As Pre-Construction Framework Design Manager, you will:

• Lead and coordinate design activity during bid and pre-construction stages
• Translate architectural and technical design into buildable, cost-effective solutions
• Manage and challenge external architectural and engineering consultants
• Drive standardisation and repeatable design solutions across multiple frameworks
• Support the development of MMC, off-site, and platform-based designs
• Review drawings, specifications, and technical information for compliance and buildability
• Work closely with pre-construction, estimating, commercial, and delivery teams
• Contribute to design strategy, innovation initiatives, and continuous improvement

About You

This role would suit someone with:

• A background as an Architectural Technologist / Senior Architectural Technologist or currently working with a main contractor in a design role
• Strong technical design knowledge and understanding of construction detailing
• Experience working through RIBA Stages 2–4 (and ideally into delivery stages)
• An interest in moving into a main contractor / Design Manager role
• Awareness or hands-on experience of MMC, DfMA, or standardised design (desirable, not essential)
• Confidence coordinating multiple stakeholders and design disciplines
• A practical, problem-solving mindset focused on buildability

What’s on Offer

• Up to £70,000 salary + full benefits package
• Flexible / hybrid working, office base in Derby
• Clear pathway from technical design into senior design management
• Opportunity to influence design across a £1.2bn framework portfolio
• Exposure to innovation, R&D, and modern construction methodologies
• Long-term career progression within a leading, stable contractor