Design Manager - Construction

Design Manager - Job Description

As Design Manager, you will report to the Head of Design and be based within the Design Department. Your primary responsibility is to manage individual schemes, ensuring effective coordination of all technical information between external consultants and internal teams.

The Design Team supports multiple operational areas, including Structural & Civil Engineering, Construction, Building Services, and Facilities Management. The team provides expertise in structural steel detailing, design coordination, architectural support, and quality assurance.

• Integrity – Acting with honesty and strong ethical standards while fostering positive working relationships.
• Respect – Trusting colleagues' abilities, taking accountability, and contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Pride & Passion – Valuing individual contributions and maintaining a strong commitment to delivering excellence.
• Quality – Delivering services aligned with quality, environmental, and safety standards, as well as best practices.
• Innovation – Embracing new methods of working to improve efficiency and drive continuous improvement.

• Manage the overall design process across projects.
• Secure approvals from stakeholders and local authorities, including relevant agreements and service applications.
• Provide technical support during feasibility and construction phases.
• Ensure timely distribution of design information to internal and external teams.
• Coordinate legal and contractual design-related requirements (e.g., agreements, warranties, insurances).
• Appoint and manage external consultants, including scope, fees, and deliverables.
• Oversee building regulations and warranty submissions.
• Develop and manage detailed design programmes, including critical path tracking.
• Lead, support, and develop the internal design team.
• Conduct quality reviews to ensure compliance with design specifications.
• Coordinate planning, building control approvals, and discharge of conditions.

• Contribute to business improvement and development of technical functions.
• Identify issues and propose effective solutions.
• Ensure compliance with quality, environmental, and safety procedures.
• Promote teamwork across internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain a strong understanding of company systems and standards.

• HNC/HND in Construction & Engineering or equivalent.

• Experience with a main contractor, architecture practice, or in design coordination / architectural technology.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to manage a small team.
• Ability to identify potential issues and implement solutions.
• Proven experience managing consultants and warranty providers.
• Ability to monitor and track design processes effectively.
• Experience with drawing portals or project information systems.
• Ability to manage RFIs and liaise with design teams, engineers, and architects.

• Experience in value engineering.
• Familiarity with design management processes and team leadership.
• Experience working with 3D models.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Knowledge of BIM processes.
• Experience hosting design team meetings.
• Proactive and solutions-focused approach.
• Experience with Revit and/or Tekla.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIOB, RICS, RIBA).