Associate Director - Design Manager

Ready to shape the future of iconic developments? Your passion for design excellence might make you our next Associate Director – Design Management.

Here at Buro Happold, expect the exceptional.

From the projects you will work on to the clients we work with. From career-defining opportunities to an inclusive and diverse practice where we all contribute to a more equitable world. From our reputation to our relationships. Wherever your Buro Happold career takes you, it’ll be anything but ordinary.

Buro Happold has a clear strategic plan, strong learning culture and entrepreneurial mindset that will allow you to thrive.

You’ll be part of something bigger than us all where sustainability, equity, social and performance outcomes matter. All of Buro Happold is committed to doing the right thing, even when that’s the hardest thing. This is a genuine opportunity to make impact - and leave real legacy.

The Associate Director – Design Manager is responsible for leading the design direction, ensuring alignment with project and client objectives, and managing multidisciplinary coordination throughout all project phases. This role oversees the production, accuracy, and compliance of design deliverables while supporting site execution, resolving technical issues, and ensuring high-quality outcomes. The position requires strong design management expertise, hands‑on construction coordination experience, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.

• Establish and guide the design direction to ensure consistency with project and client goals.
• Lead and support the design team, ensuring timely and quality delivery of design outputs.
• Coordinate effectively with architectural, interior, MEP, and specialist consultants to ensure integrated, clash‑free designs.
• Provide design clarifications in coordination with designers, specialists, site teams, and clients.
• Review, comment, and approve architectural shop drawings, material submittals, and mockups.
• Ensure all design documents meet accuracy, compliance, and project standards.
• Issue technical instructions for design changes and assess contractor variation claims.
• Conduct regular site inspections to verify that construction aligns with approved drawings and specifications.
• Monitor construction quality and intervene as needed to resolve issues.
• Continuously track contractor architectural schedules and progress.
• Manage the snagging process and lead final inspections to ensure quality completion.
• Oversee handover documentation including as‑built drawings, compliance reports, and client sign‑offs.
• Coordinate with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless and timely project handover

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture (Required).
• 16+ years of experience in architectural design, coordination, and construction delivery.
• Proven experience managing complex multidisciplinary design teams.
• Strong technical expertise in shop drawing reviews, material approvals, and construction supervision.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent coordination and stakeholder communication skills.
• Deep understanding of construction processes, detailing, and quality standards.
• Ability to assess and manage risks, changes, and technical issues.
• High attention to detail and commitment to design integrity.

Bring your knowledge and expertise to one of the world’s most respected consultancies.

• Hybrid working arrangements
• Attractive salary and benefits package
• A strong commitment to your continuous development. Whatever stage in your career, we have a learning and development programme that will enable and empower you
• Entitlement to two memberships to professional bodies or subscriptions
• An international culture that wherever your career takes you at Buro Happold, you won’t be far from the exceptional.

At Buro Happold, everyone else’s extraordinary is just our everyday.

Buro Happold values individual’s flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of the way you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking…