Job summary
- Main area
- Design Manager
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 7
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Flexible working
- Job ref
- 179-7881201-F
- Employer
- West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- West Suffolk Hospital
- Town
- Bury St Edmunds
- Salary
- £47,810 - £54,710 Per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 07/04/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Design Manager
NHS AfC: Band 7
Job overview
The post holder will support the Head of Development and Pre-Construction and Compliance Manager with delegated responsibility for Capital Projects.
The post holder will develop and maintain good relationships and clear lines of communication with Project Delivery PM, Project Stakeholders, Estate colleagues, Clinicians, Directorate Managers, Senior Managers, together with any appointed Consultants and Contractors in connection with any project work.
Main duties of the job
Senior Estates and Capital Projects professional with extensive experience delivering complex, high-value construction projects (up to £20m) within highly regulated environments. Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of UK construction legislation, including the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, Building Safety Act, and Health & Safety legislation, with a strong track record of ensuring full compliance across all project stages.
Specialist expertise in healthcare construction requirements, including application of NHS guidance, Health Building Notes (HBNs), Health Technical Memoranda (HTMs), and infection prevention and control standards. Experienced in translating clinical and operational needs into compliant design briefs and technical specifications, ensuring safe, functional, and patient-centred environments.
Proven ability to act as Client representative under statutory regulations, managing design teams, contractors, and consultants to deliver compliant, high-quality outcomes. Strong understanding of risk management, governance frameworks, and regulatory reporting, ensuring projects meet both legal obligations and organisational standards.
A confident leader and communicator, skilled in influencing senior stakeholders, resolving complex compliance challenges, and embedding best practice in construction safety and estate development within healthcare settings.
Working for our organisation
#BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community
We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings.
The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500+ beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.
Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.
We do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we work and behave as a team.
With nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be.
We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are.
Join us. What will you #BeKnown for?
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the full job description and person specification attached for more details on the job role.
Person specification
Education & Qualification
Essential criteria
- Registered Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or equivalent demonstrable experience and working towards chartered status (CEng)
- Registered intermediate level membership of relevant Professional body (LCIBSE, ACIBSE etc) or demonstrable equivalent experience, working towards full member status of relevant professional body (MCIBSE, MIHEEM, MIET etc)
- Educated to or experience equivalent to Degree level in Building Services Engineering or comparable demonstrable experience
- Evidence of Continuous Professional Development
Desirable criteria
- Chartered in relevant organisation (CEng)
- Full member status of relevant professional body (MCIBSE, MIHEEM, MIET etc)
- HM Treasury Better Business Cases Foundation or similar Project/ Programme Management Qualification
Experience & Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Successful track record of working in Property Investment and Improvement role within an environment of comparable scale and complexity
- Extensive specialist knowledge in managing clients, contractors and consultants
- Experience of leading a team of professionals
- Experience of delivering value for money / efficiency related changes
- Successful track record of working in high performing teams, delivering challenging targets and achieving results.
- The ability to demonstrate knowledge across the Estates and Facilities Portfolio
Desirable criteria
- Be conversant with Government Soft Landings (GSL)
- Experience/knowledge of working in a health service environment
- Be conversant with HTMs, HBNs, Building Regulations and other relevant industry legislation and guidance documents.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Nicola Booth
- Job title
- Head of Estates and Development
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 07866251296
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