Design Manager

Design Manager

Location: Hatfield & Project Sites
Sector: Refurbishment, Fire Remediation & Re-Cladding
Industry: Building and Construction
Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 Per Annum

Overview

Our client is a leading construction and refurbishment contractor delivering complex residential, refurbishment, fire remediation and re-cladding projects across the UK.

Due to continued growth, they are looking to recruit an experienced Design Manager to join their team.

The Role

The Design Manager will be responsible for managing and coordinating all design activities throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring information is delivered on programme, within budget, and fully compliant with statutory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Technical Management

Lead consultant and survey tendering and procurement activities
Undertake detailed design risk appraisals to support tender submissions
Review Employer's Requirements and contribute to Contractor's Proposals
Develop and manage robust design and pre-construction programmes
Coordinate consultant design teams throughout project delivery
Manage consultant and surveyor appointments and associated fee budgets
Integrate consultant programmes into comprehensive design delivery programmes
Monitor design progress and report against key milestones
Chair design team meetings and drive performance across project teams
Review design information for compliance, buildability, cost-effectiveness and regulatory requirements
Manage design changes and maintain effective change control procedures

Pre-Construction & Project Delivery

Support single-stage and two-stage tendering processes
Provide technical support throughout pre-construction and project delivery phases
Lead design reviews and client presentations
Resolve technical and design-related issues efficiently
Ensure information is issued in line with project programmes and construction requirements
Support procurement activities through detailed design coordination

Stakeholder & Client Management

Build and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants and project stakeholders
Lead client meetings during tender and pre-construction stages
Work closely with commercial teams to validate design solutions against project budgets
Liaise with statutory authorities and approval bodies where required
Ensure client requirements and project objectives are achieved throughout delivery
Communicate effectively with project teams and senior management

Compliance & Building Safety

Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, Planning Conditions and Warranty requirements
Work closely with the Principal Designer to satisfy Building Safety Act requirements
Manage statutory approvals, permissions, licences and third-party agreements
Ensure all design information meets health, safety and environmental obligations
Support project compliance across Higher Risk Buildings and fire remediation schemes where applicable

Team Leadership & Development

Provide support, mentoring and guidance to Design Coordinators
Assist with the professional development of junior team members
Promote collaboration and continuous improvement within the design team
Support digital transformation initiatives and BIM implementation
Stay current with industry developments, legislation changes and product innovations

Requirements

Proven experience in a Design Manager position within the construction industry
Strong background in refurbishment, residential, remediation or cladding projects
Experience managing design from pre-construction through to project completion
Detailed understanding of construction methods and building structures including RC frames, timber, structural steel and load-bearing masonry
Experience supporting tendering and pre-construction activities
Strong understanding of design management processes and project sequencing
Experience reviewing technical design information and resolving design issues
Working knowledge of JCT, NEC and PPC forms of contract
Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Proven ability to work under pressure and deliver to deadlines
Experience using Common Data Environments (CDEs)
Strong attention to detail and problem-solving capabilities

Desirable:

Experience working on Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs)
Fire remediation and façade replacement project experience
BIM knowledge and digital design management experience
Experience using Asta Powerproject or Microsoft Project
Experience with Viewpoint for Projects, Fieldview or similar platforms
Membership of a professional body such as CIOB, RICS, RIBA or ICE
Additional qualifications in BIM, Project Management or Health & Safety

Education & Qualifications

Relevant qualification in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Building Surveying, or a related construction discipline
Professional membership (CIOB, RICS, RIBA, ICE or equivalent)
Additional qualifications in BIM, Project Management, Sustainability, Environment or Health & Safety