Design Manager

Design Manager Job purpose

Key member of the senior project team responsible for the design function and team (both internally and externally) for Southwest Water.

To manage and co-ordinate the design of projects (£5m plus) from tender stage through to the completion of construction stage design information. To utilise construction knowledge and experience to develop innovative and cost effective design solutions in conjunction with the design team, apply value engineering principles to ensure best value for all parties, and ensure an effective construction phase by applying an understanding of site management practices, interface management, risks, costs and co-ordination.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of undertaking design management activities at both tender and construction stages. This experience will include working on single stage, two stage and negotiated contracts across a range of sectors including education (schools, further and higher), health, custodial, public sector, commercial and industrial.

• Manage the development and implementation of design proposals ensuring they meet customer requirements including budget constraints, presenting proposals for approval to the customer. The design should deliver:
• Safety in construction and use
• Quality within affordable parameters
• Ease of maintenance, energy efficiency with minimum environmental impact
• Innovation to meet customer goals and positive impact on the local community.
• Maintain records of all inputs and outputs including tracking formal submissions and approvals
• Develop innovative design solutions to clients briefs with input from the professional team and subcontractors;
• Develop relationships with clients during early concept stages; manage expectations of the project through regular communication and discussions regarding requirements and specifications;
• Contribute to or complete the project design responsibilities matrix
• Chair and minute design team meetings and design workshops to arrive at solutions which are cost effective and meet the requirements of the procurement and construction activities.
• Manage the relationship for the whole project team - with the client, subcontractors and professional team resolve any queries;
• Understand the process and risks/opportunities related to managing the design with regard to Employer’s Requirements, Contractors’ Proposals.
• Identify and check contents of Contractors Proposals, qualifications list, design information and marketing documentation for the tender and then be able to deliver compliant design within these parameters.
• Provide advice and guidance on the “buildability” of the design proposals to the design and construction teams on all packages.
• Adopt a proactive approach to value engineering throughout the design phase, by keeping up to date with latest construction techniques and legislation;
• Develop and utilise scope sheets for each package in conjunction with Project and Commercial Managers to align with duties schedule and utilise these to feed design and procurement programmes and direct design team;
• Develop and manage the programmes for the production of information for both procurement and construction purposes. Be able to control information flow to suit these parameters from consultants and sub-contractors alike and be able to identify and report when problems are occurring and deal with no-performing parties in a robust fashion;
• Ensure there is a clear schedule of design deliverables
• Lead gateway reviews activities to ensure that they are timely and appropriate sign off is achieved at each project gate to include appropriate communication to the project team and other Design/Work Winning/Project Delivery team members as required,
• Lead the co-ordination and production of design data, bid deliverables, reports and documentation essential to the project and contractual requirements and report progress against the design deliverables programme
• Produce, monitor and drive production through appropriate use of KPIs for the design process;
• Review the design on an ongoing basis, identify potential interface problems & practicalities in construction, and resolve…