Senior Design Manager

Location Warrington
Discipline: Commercial and Residential
Job type: Permanent
Salary: £80000 - £95000 per annum
Contact name: Sophie Wilson

Contact email: sophie@monroe-international.com
Job ref: BH-2202
Published: about 11 hours ago
Startdate: 2026-03-10
Senior Design Manager – Life Sciences & Technology

Location: Warrington (Office) | Macclesfield (Primary Project Site)
Sector: Life Science & Technology
Level: Senior / Step‑up Opportunity

Are you an experienced Senior Design Manager, or a proven Design Manager ready for your next step up? This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing team operating at the forefront of the Life Sciences & Technology sector—working on complex, high‑compliance facilities that make a real impact.
We’re looking for a dynamic, driven individual who can lead multi‑disciplinary design delivery across multiple projects or a major flagship scheme, acting as a central link between clients, vendors, design partners, and in‑house teams.
 
The Role

As a Senior Design Manager, you will take ownership of the design strategy and delivery across pre‑construction and construction phases. You’ll provide leadership, technical insight, and a collaborative approach to ensure high‑quality, compliant, and efficient design outcomes.
You’ll be responsible for:
  • Leading pre‑construction and construction design processes across one large or multiple projects.
  • Acting as the key interface with clients, vendors, design partners, and internal operational teams.
  • Overseeing the development of facilities, equipment integration, and processes aligned with Life Science & Technology requirements.
  • Ensuring adherence to sector regulations, standards, and client governance.
  • Managing and mentoring design teams, ensuring capability, clarity, and successful delivery.
  • Identifying and resolving technical challenges throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Driving opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and improved design workflows.
  • Providing critical links between commercial, construction, digital, and design functions.
  • Implementing collaborative processes to ensure effective design interrogation and decision‑making.
 
What We’re Looking For
  • 10+ years’ experience in a Design Manager role, including major project delivery.
  • Strong background in Life Sciences, or comparable complexity from Healthcare or similarly regulated sectors.
  • Proven experience leading multi‑disciplinary design teams.
  • Strong understanding of contractual frameworks including D&B, EPCM, EPC, JCT and NEC.
  • Detailed knowledge of Life Science technologies, equipment, vendor integration, and workflows.
  • Excellent understanding of design work‑stages such as RIBA, FEL, and wider AEC processes.
  • Confident stakeholder management across scientists, engineers, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
 
Why Join?
You’ll be part of a growing team shaping cutting‑edge facilities in a fast‑expanding sector. This role offers the autonomy to lead impactful work, the support of a collaborative organisation, and clear progression for the right candidate.