Freelance Design Manager – Education Sector 

• Pulborough, West Sussex

• £ Neg per day DOE

• Start: September 2026

• Long-term project-based freelance opportunity

The Opportunity

A leading Tier 1 main contractor is looking for an experienced Design Manager to join their project team on a major education scheme in West Sussex.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Design Manager with strong education-sector experience to join an established team and play a key role in driving the project through design development and delivery.

The Role

You'll take ownership of the design management process, working closely with the client, DfE, consultants, subcontractors and site team to ensure the design is coordinated, compliant, buildable and delivered to programme.

You'll be responsible for:

• Managing the design process from pre-construction through to delivery.
• Leading design coordination across Architectural, Structural and MEPH packages.
• Managing consultants, subcontractors and Contractor Design Portions (CDPs).
• Developing and managing the Design Programme, TIDP and MIDP.
• Chairing design workshops and Client Engagement Meetings (CEMs).
• Reviewing designs for technical compliance, completeness and buildability.
• Managing the Design Responsibility Matrix and consultant scopes.
• Identifying and driving value engineering opportunities.
• Managing design risk and ensuring compliance with Building Regulations, planning and statutory requirements.
• Supporting digital construction, BIM and sustainability requirements.
• Providing technical leadership and working closely with the site delivery team.
• Reporting design progress, risks and key issues to the wider project team.

We're looking for

An experienced Design Manager with:

• Proven education-sector experience.
• Tier 1 main contractor experience.
• Strong knowledge of DfE projects/frameworks.
• Excellent design coordination and technical management skills.
• Experience managing consultants, subcontractors and CDPs.
• Good understanding of TIDP/MIDP and BIM Level 2.
• Knowledge of Revit and AutoCAD.
• Strong understanding of buildability and technical compliance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• The confidence to take ownership, make decisions and drive the design forward.

Why this role?

?? Major education project
??? Tier 1 main contractor
?? West Sussex location
?? Long-term freelance opportunity
?? Competitive day rate
?? Established project team
?? Opportunity to make a real impact

If you're an experienced Design Manager with a strong education background and you're available for a September 2026 start, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply now for a confidential conversation.