Design Manager

Location: City

My client is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join their team

This is a key role within the business, responsible for managing and coordinating the design process across specialist drylining, partition and ceiling packages from pre-construction through to project completion.
Working closely with the commercial, operational and pre-construction teams, you will ensure all design information is coordinated, compliant, buildable, commercially aligned and delivered to programme.
This role would suit someone with strong technical knowledge of drywall and interior systems, excellent coordination skills, and a proactive, solutions-led approach to project delivery.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the design process across live and pre-construction projects.
• Author and manage detailed drawings, GA drawings and reflected ceiling plans (RCPs) for project packages.
• Coordinate and manage all design deliverables including drawings, technical submissions, sample sheets and as-built information.
• Develop and maintain design programmes, information release schedules and project trackers.
• Ensure all design information is coordinated between consultants, subcontractors, suppliers and internal teams.
• Work closely with estimating and commercial teams during pre-construction to review tender information, identify risks and support value engineering opportunities.
• Attend and lead design workshops, trade coordination meetings and internal design review meetings.
• Resolve design comments and technical queries within agreed timescales.
• Carry out site surveys and provide set-out information where required.
• Ensure all fire ratings, certifications and technical compliance requirements are current and fully coordinated.
• Assist site teams with technical guidance, QA support and practical buildability solutions.
• Develop pragmatic and commercially viable solutions to technical and construction challenges.
• Coordinate and manage project documentation through SharePoint, ACC Docs and associated platforms.
• Produce and manage O&M manuals and as-built drawing submissions.
• Support the Quantity Surveying team with the assessment and pricing of variations where required.
• Support continuous improvement within the design department, including mentoring junior team members and contributing to internal CPD sessions.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience as a Design Manager within drylining, interiors or specialist subcontracting
• Strong technical understanding of drywall systems, partitions, ceilings and associated construction details.
• Experience producing and coordinating technical drawings and design information.
• Strong understanding of construction sequencing, buildability and project delivery.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent coordination, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to balance design, programme and budget requirements.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to resolving technical challenges.
• High level of attention to detail and organisational ability.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Revit and document management platforms such as SharePoint or ACC Docs (Navisworks also a bonus).
• Understanding of fire performance requirements, certifications and technical compliance standards preferred.

If this position sounds of interest, get in touch! Contact me at (url removed) / (phone number removed)