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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