Design Manager

At Sweet Project Construction Limited, (SPCL), we work with the data, defence, and energy sectors. We are a comprehensive design, construction and engineering provider, offering services spanning site acquisition, architecture, and refurbishment to client occupancy. In our world, there are no simple projects, only specialist needs and clever solutions.

We are a general contracting business, drawing on over forty years of specialised industry experience to provide excellent service, sustain long-term partnerships and achieve the highest quality outcome for key clients, whilst maintaining financial commitments.

After successfully completing phase 1, the construction of the 16.8MW data centre, Sweet Projects is now working on phase 2. The project is due to start in Q4 2026 / Q1 2027.

The following tasks were executed during this phase 1:

• Stage 4 and 5 Design (including Architectural, Structural, Civils, Acoustic, Fire Engineering, Landscape Design, Building Control, Bim Management, Breeam and Services Co-ordination)
• Construction of the Energy Centre, Ancillary Block, Services Gantry
• External works including, below ground services distribution, roads, footpaths, fencing, security gates and barriers
• Internal CAT A fit out of office spaces
• Co-ordination with client direct security, IT and AV Contractors

The Design Manager leads design delivery from bid stage through project completion.

The role is responsible for ensuring designs are compliant, buildable, cost-effective and aligned to client requirements, programme, quality, sustainability and health and safety standards.

Sweet Projects is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that our success is built on the success of our employees. We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment that helps our employees to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Our policy is clear: there shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation.

We are an inclusive organisation and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

Experience required

• Proven experience managing design delivery through pre-construction and construction phases
• Strong technical knowledge of construction design and engineering principles
• Experience managing design programmes, reviews and approvals
• Strong understanding of Building Regulations and CDM requirements
• Experience managing value engineering and design optimisation opportunities

Qualifications

• Relevant industry qualification (RIBA, CIOB, ICE or equivalent)
• Degree qualified or equivalent professional experience
• CSCS Card

Design Leadership & Governance

• Lead design delivery from bid stage through completion
• Ensure compliance with Employer's Requirements, Contractor's Proposals and statutory obligations
• Manage design risks, opportunities and change control processes

Design Programme & Coordination

• Develop and manage design programmes aligned to procurement and construction activities
• Coordinate consultants, designers and subcontractors to ensure timely delivery of design information
• Manage design interfaces and resolve design conflicts

Design Quality & Technical Assurance

• Ensure designs are compliant, buildable, cost effective and aligned to project requirements
• Lead design reviews and approvals through all project stages
• Promote Safety in Design and technical excellence

Commercial & Risk Management

• Support cost certainty through robust design management
• Identify and implement value engineering opportunities
• Minimise design-related project risk and abortive work

Construction & Handover Support

• Ensure approved information is available to support construction activities
• Manage design queries and technical support during delivery
• Oversee production of as-built information and O&M documentation

Stakeholder & Team Management

• Build strong relationships with clients, consultants and delivery teams
• Support and mentor Design Coordinators and Assistant Design Managers

Success Measures

• Design deliverables achieved against programme
• Reduction in design-related construction issues
• Value engineering outcomes
• Client satisfaction
• Compliance with design governance requirements
• Quality of handover documentation

The duties listed are not…