Architectural Design Manager - DfMA Construction Innovation

Construction Innovation Design Manager (DfMA)

Location:

Technology & Innovation Group, Dartford The Technology & Innovation (T&I) Group sits at the centre of the Laing O'Rourke group of companies and is a key driver of the transformation of construction. T&I is a highly ambitious, multidisciplinary team bringing together engineering, manufacturing, digital, product development and systems thinking to create the next generation of construction products and delivery models.

The Opportunity We are seeking a Product Development Design Manager (DfMA) to join the Technology & Innovation team.

This role focuses on leading the development of industrialised construction products, configurable building systems and digitally enabled delivery workflows across a range of DfMA initiatives. You will coordinate multidisciplinary teams spanning engineering, digital, manufacturing and project delivery to transform traditional construction packages into scalable product platforms.

The role combines product development, design management, digital workflows and manufacturing integration, supporting innovation projects from concept development through prototyping, manufacturing implementation and live project  this role, you will:

Lead development of industrialised construction products and systems.

Coordinate multidisciplinary product development and technical delivery teams.

Support BIM-to-manufacturing and design automation workflows.

Help transform project-based construction into scalable platform-based delivery.

Key Responsibilities Are you an innovator who wants to help shape how buildings are designed and delivered?

This role focuses on driving DfMA-led product development—moving from one-off design to scalable, repeatable systems.

Product Development & DfMALead the development of standardised products, assemblies, and configurable building systems

Define technical requirements and guide designs from concept through to delivery

Champion DfMA principles and help embed them into everyday workflows

Support the shift toward productised, platform-based delivery

Design Management & Coordination Do you thrive in complex, multidisciplinary environments?

Coordinate across engineering, digital, and manufacturing teams

Manage design programmes, deliverables, and key technical reviews

Oversee system interfaces to ensure seamless integration

Support prototyping, testing, and real-world implementation on projects

Digital & BIM Workflows Excited by digital innovation and automation?

Support BIM-enabled workflows and digital delivery approaches

Contribute to BIM-to-CAM integration and design automation

Help develop connected workflows from design through to manufacture and installation

Manufacturing Integration Can you bridge the gap between design and production?

Collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimise designs for fabrication and assembly

Support production strategies, logistics planning, and assembly methodologies

Engage with suppliers and specialist partners to deliver practical, buildable solutions

Innovation & Continuous Improvement Contribute to innovation programmes and new delivery models

Identify opportunities for standardisation, automation, and smarter ways of working

Promote knowledge sharing and systems thinking across teams

What We're Looking For Do you have the experience and mindset to drive change?

Essential:

Background in design management, product development, or technical delivery (construction or manufacturing)
Strong understanding of DfMA and industrialised construction

Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams

Working knowledge of BIM and digital design workflows

Understanding of fabrication, manufacturing, or assembly processes

Strong communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills

Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Product Design, or similar

Desirable:

Experience with modular, off-site, MEP, façade, or precast systems

Exposure to BIM-to-CAM or digital manufacturing

Knowledge of computational or parametric design

Experience with product platforms, configurators, or automation tools

Collaboration with manufacturing or production engineering teams

About Laing O'Rourke Laing O'Rourke is an international engineering and construction business known for pushing boundaries in digital engineering, modern methods of construction and sustainable delivery. With more than 150 years of heritage, we are committed to creating environments in which diverse teams can excel and thrive.

Accessibility & Inclusion We are proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme. If you meet the essential criteria and would like to be considered through our Offer an Interview scheme, please let us know. We're also happy to provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

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