Freelance Design Manager

Company: Nadson Consulting Limited
Apply for the Freelance Design Manager
Location: Bristol
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.

Posted: August 1st, 2026