Design Manager (Sponsorship Available) At West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

Employer: West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Job Title: Design Manager
Location: United Kingdom
Salary: £47,810 – £54,710 per year
Job Type: Full-time
Closing Date: 07 April 2026

About the Role

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is looking for an experienced Design Manager to support the Head of Development and Pre-Construction and the Compliance Manager with delegated responsibility for Capital Projects.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and maintaining strong relationships and communication with Project Delivery PMs, stakeholders, Estate colleagues, clinicians, Directorate Managers, Senior Managers, and any appointed consultants or contractors.
• Acting as Client representative under statutory regulations, managing design teams, contractors, and consultants to deliver compliant, high-quality outcomes.
• Translating clinical and operational needs into compliant design briefs and technical specifications for safe, functional, and patient-centred environments.
• Ensuring compliance with UK construction legislation, including CDM Regulations, Building Safety Act, and Health & Safety legislation.
• Applying specialist knowledge of healthcare construction, NHS guidance, Health Building Notes (HBNs), Health Technical Memoranda (HTMs), and infection prevention and control standards.
• Leading teams, influencing senior stakeholders, resolving compliance challenges, and embedding best practice in construction safety and estate development.

This role is suited to a senior estates and capital projects professional with a proven track record of delivering high-value construction projects (up to £20m) in regulated environments.

Main Duties

• Plan, manage, and deliver complex construction projects within healthcare settings.
• Provide expert advice on project compliance, risk management, and governance frameworks.
• Ensure projects meet legal obligations and organisational standards.
• Support and mentor teams, fostering professional development and best practices.
• Maintain strong communication channels with all project stakeholders.

About West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is a busy, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care to over a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. The Trust delivers services in hospitals, at home, and in community settings.

West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds:

• Acute and secondary care including emergency, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit, and children’s ward.
• 500+ beds, partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.

Community Services:

• Adult and paediatric services in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, covering nursing, therapy, specialist care, rehabilitation, and temporary care, including Newmarket Community Hospital.

The Trust employs nearly 5,000 staff from around the world, promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace where every voice counts. The values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety, and teamwork guide their work.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

Essential:

• Registered Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or equivalent experience, working towards Chartered status (CEng)
• Intermediate membership of relevant professional body (LCIBSE, ACIBSE, etc.) or equivalent experience, working towards full membership (MCIBSE, MIHEEM, MIET, etc.)
• Degree or equivalent experience in Building Services Engineering
• Evidence of Continuous Professional Development

Desirable:

• Chartered in relevant organisation (CEng)
• Full membership of professional body (MCIBSE, MIHEEM, MIET, etc.)
• HM Treasury Better Business Cases Foundation or similar Project/Programme Management qualification

Experience & Knowledge

Essential:

• Successful track record in Property Investment and Improvement roles at comparable scale and complexity
• Extensive specialist knowledge in managing clients, contractors, and consultants
• Experience leading a team of professionals
• Experience delivering value for money and efficiency improvements
• Proven ability to deliver results in high-performing teams
• Knowledge across Estates and Facilities Portfolio

Desirable:

• Familiarity with Government Soft Landings (GSL)
• Experience in health service environment
• Knowledge of HTMs, HBNs, Building Regulations, and industry guidance

Legal & Sponsorship Requirements

• Disclosure & Barring Service Check: Required under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
• Certificate of Sponsorship: Candidates requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside other applicants.
• Skilled worker applicants must provide criminal record certificates from any country where they have lived 12+ months in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (18+) are also required.
• UK Registration: Applicants must hold current UK professional registration.

Further guidance can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website and NHS Careers.

How to Apply

If this opportunity interests you, head to the company’s official website for full details — click here to submit your application.