Senior Design Manager
Listed on 2026-10-19
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Design & Architecture
Architect / Sr. Architect, Regulatory Compliance Specialist
This Senior Design Manager is responsible for delivering design management on projects from pre-bid to handover with a high degree of independence, working with the senior project team.
Key ResponsibilitiesDeliver Design Management on projects with a high degree of independence using experience and judgement
Oversee the design performance of multiple projects, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and client requirements.
Monitor design programme, resource allocation, and delivery milestones across the portfolio.
Integrate and work alongside senior project team; e.g. Project Director, Commercial Director, Construction Director etc.
Represent the business at a senior level with clients, consultants and supply chain partners
Manage high value complex projects in a variety of different sectors, client types and procurement contexts
Bid for new work collaboratively with project teams, quickly establish external relationships and secure work through reports and presentations
Manage consultant design through pre-construction period with the integration of specialist designers
Manage consultant relationships at portfolio level.
Manage process of design review and approval through documentation, documents management systems and inspections
Manage third party interfaces such as Planning and Building Control (RBCA)
Report to the Head of Design Management:
Private/Public at regular intervals and key milestones on delivery of projectsManage design through internal project governance e.g.:
Bid and conversion commitment reviews
Monthly Project in Conversion / Project in Delivery Reviews
Internal and external audits
Appropriate CSCS card for the role
Professional Construction Qualifications relevant to the role (BSc or MSc in construction project management, building studies or architecture)
Ability to Plan, Manage and Monitor Design in line with the duties of the Building Act Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD)
Strong written and verbal communication skills both technical and non-technical to client, supply chain, peers and stakeholders
Able to use robust judgement in weighing up multiple, complex, sources of information and clearly communicate direction
Able to direct and negotiate with consultants at a senior level e.g. business owners
Able to present technical and procedural material to audiences
Competent IT skills and experience in relevant types of programmes;
Microsoft Office, PDF Editing, Presentation software e.g. Adobe InDesign, BIM Model software e.g. Autodesk Construction Cloud.
Thorough knowledge of the design and construction process
Knowledge of relevant legislation, construction laws, the regulatory framework, industry standards and technical guides
Thorough knowledge of Construction Design Management 2015 Regulations and the roles of CDM Principal Designer and CDM Principal Contractor
Through knowledge of the Building Safety Act and roles of Principal Designer and Principal Contractor
Detailed knowledge of the RIBA Work Stages and their deliverables
Thorough knowledge of design and construction technical details
Detailed knowledge of standard forms of construction contracts e.g. JCT Design and Build, Construction Management, Management Contracting and NEC
Detailed understanding of Professional Services Agreements
Thorough knowledge of Sustainability including the delivery of relevant accreditations
Thorough knowledge of Digital project integration delivery including, digital design (BIM), common data environments and project delivery programmes.
Robust commercial awareness including contract conditions, deliverables, liability and responsibility
Thorough understanding of construction methodologies and their influencing factors, e.g. safety, fabrication, assembly, logistics, availability.
Essential Experience
Experience managing consultants to ensure design and quality assurance deliverables are achieved and recorded.
Experience of dealing with clients, contractors and construction activities.
Previous experience as a design manager/architect on a significant new build project.
Trained in all safety matters
Experience in the selection and procurement of designers on a competitive basis.
Experience in the creation and use of project control mechanisms.
Previous experience of leading a design team
Experience of negotiating Novated Appointments with Deeds of Variation
Must lead in the Incident and Injury Free (IIF) vision and prioritise safety in every aspect of the…
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