Design Manager (Architect)

AA Euro Recruitment Group has been retained by one of our clients to recruit a Design Manager to work in Design Office based in Belfast.

This role presents a fantastic opportunity for the successful candidate to progress their career with a highly respected employer.

Our Client is a leading international technical engineering and construction partner operating across the UK, Ireland, and Mainland Europe focusing on design and build contracts for end user clients, specialising in the Food, Pharmaceutical, Logistics, Data Centre and Advanced Manufacturing sectors.

The Role

* The Design Manager / Design Architect is responsible for leading, coordinating, and controlling the design process across all project stages—from concept through construction and handover—for technically complex projects including hyperscale data centres, GMP pharmaceutical facilities, and large-scale logistics hubs.

* This role ensures that design outputs meet client requirements, statutory compliance, budget constraints, program milestones, and constructability standards while maintaining design integrity and technical excellence.

* The position operates at the interface between client, consultants, specialist designers, supply chain, and construction teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Design Leadership & Coordination

* Lead multidisciplinary design teams (architectural, structural, civil, MEP, process).

* Manage design deliverables across RIBA or equivalent stage gates.

* Coordinate specialist designers (e.g., CSA, MEP, process, cleanroom, ICT, BMS).

* Ensure integration of mission-critical systems in data centre projects.

* Oversee pharmaceutical layouts ensuring GMP zoning and process flow integrity.

* Coordinate large-span structural and yard design for logistics facilities.

2. Technical Governance & Compliance

* Ensure compliance with:

- Building regulations and local planning authority requirements

- Client design standards

- Environmental and sustainability targets (LEED/BREEAM where applicable)

- Pharmaceutical regulatory frameworks (e.g., GMP, ISPE guidelines)

- Data centre redundancy standards (e.g., Tier III/IV principles)

* Manage design risk registers and technical assurance processes.

* Chair design review meetings and technical workshops.

3. Commercial & Programme Management

* Align design development with procurement strategy.

* Control design change management and mitigate scope creep.

* Support value engineering initiatives without compromising compliance or performance.

* Ensure design information is issued in line with construction programme.

4. Stakeholder & Client Management

* Act as primary design interface with client representatives.

* Present design solutions and resolve technical queries.

* Manage consultant performance and deliverable quality.

5. Construction Phase Support

* Ensure design intent is maintained during construction.

* Review contractor submittals and shop drawings.

* Resolve site technical queries (RFIs).

* Participate in commissioning planning for data centre and pharma systems.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

* Degree in Architecture or Engineering (RIBA/ ARB / RIAI or equivalent preferred for architects)

* 8+ years' experience in design management or senior architectural role

* Proven delivery of large-scale industrial projects, data centres and/or mission-critical projects

* Experience in contractor-led design (Design & Build environment preferred)

* Strong knowledge of BIM coordination (Revit/Navisworks proficiency)

* Familiarity with digital collaboration platforms

For further information on this role, please contact Rafal Kantyka or to apply, click ‘Apply Now