Design Manager - Sports Ground Construction, Portishead

Design Manager – Sports Ground Construction

Location: South Wales

Company: South Wales Sports Grounds

Employment Type: Full-time

Salary: Competitive, based on experience

About Us

South Wales Sports Grounds is a leading specialist in the design, construction, and maintenance of high-quality natural and synthetic sports surfaces. We deliver outstanding sports facilities for schools, clubs, local authorities, and national sporting bodies. As we continue to expand, we are developing our in-house design service with the long-term ambition of establishing it as a self-sustaining division of the business. We are now seeking a skilled and motivated Design Manager to help shape and lead this growth.

Role Overview

The Design Manager will oversee the complete design process from tender to project delivery, ensuring high-quality, accurate, and compliant technical outputs. Client liaison and design presentation are key aspects of this role, including presenting proposals, refining concepts, and ensuring client requirements are fully understood and delivered. The role also includes involvement in planning processes, such as SAB (Sustainable Drainage Approval Body) applications and ensuring SuDS drainage compliance under Schedule 3. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to contribute to—and eventually help lead—the development of a dedicated design division.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design workflow for sports ground and sports facility projects.
• Produce detailed design drawings, technical packs, 3D visualisations, and specifications.
• Prepare earthworks models to support cut-and-fill analysis, drainage layouts, and construction methodology.
• Create 3D SketchUp models or similar rendered visuals to support client presentations and planning submissions.
• Present design concepts and technical solutions directly to clients and stakeholders.
• Maintain strong client communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage planning-related design tasks, including SAB submissions and SuDS drainage compliance.
• Liaise with civil engineers, planners, drainage specialists, and SAB teams.
• Review and approve design information from internal and external contributors.
• Support estimating and project management teams during tender and delivery stages.
• Ensure all designs meet governing body standards (FA, FIFA, World Rugby, SAPCA, etc.).
• Conduct site visits to verify design assumptions and provide construction-phase support.
• Contribute to shaping the design function into a self-sustaining division of the business.
• Manage design risks, technical compliance, and change control processes.

Skills & Experience Required

• Experience as a Design Manager, Design Coordinator, or similar role in construction, civil engineering, landscaping, or sports facility development.
• Strong understanding of natural and synthetic sports pitch construction.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD (essential).
• Experience in earthworks modelling (e.g., cut-and-fill analysis, terrain modelling).
• Competence with 3D modelling and rendering tools such as SketchUp (or similar).
• Strong client-facing skills, including confidence in presenting designs to varied audiences.
• Knowledge of SuDS principles and experience with drainage design or SAB processes.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work to deadlines.
• A proactive, ambitious mindset aligned with helping grow an emerging design division.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• A supportive environment within an established and respected business.
• A key role in shaping and growing an expanding design division.
• Involvement in diverse and high-profile sports facility projects across the region.
• Company Pension
• Discretionary Annual Bonus
• 30 days annual leave (inc. bank holidays) rising with length of service.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and cover letter to with the subject line “Design Manager Application – South Wales Sports Grounds.”

Interviews to be held week commencing 26th January 2026.

Due to the nature of the role the successful applicant will live within daily commutable distance of the office.

Please note there will be a company shutdown between 23rd December 2025 and 5th January 2026.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Company pension
• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• Do you have experience in earthworks modelling?

Experience:

• Design Manager: 5 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• AutoCAD proficiency (required)

Work Location: In person