Design manager

As a Design Manager, you will play a pivotal role in assessing multiple factors to ensure that projects are delivered successfully within agreed parameters of time, budget, and quality. You will lead, prepare, and complete feasibility documentation, providing expert advice on all design and architectural aspects with the support of an experienced team.

The Role

Reporting to the Senior Design Manager, your key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the Regional and Senior Design Managers in delivering tender-stage tasks and responsibilities.
• Agreeing, in collaboration with the site team, the procurement strategy for specialist subcontractors.
• Producing and agreeing the Project Stage Design Programme and associated Design Deliverables with primary, secondary, and specialist subcontract designers.
• Monitoring and reporting on progress, including examining the physical characteristics of the site and evaluating proposed designs.
• Managing the on-site design process through RIBA Stages 4 and 5.
• Ensuring all aspects of the project meet regulatory and statutory requirements.
• Supporting the cost estimation process to provide clients with accurate financial guidance.
• Assisting with funding evaluations and ensuring the return on investment meets project viability standards.
• Establishing and maintaining the Common Data Environment (CDE), including project file structures, access rights, workflows, and communication protocols.
• Defining the frequency and content of design coordination workshops and progress meetings to maintain effective collaboration.
• Producing the Design Management Plan (DMP) and BIM Execution Plan (BEP) for each project and monitoring compliance throughout delivery.

Essential and Desirable Criteria

Essential:

• Qualified Architect or Design Manager (or equivalent relevant qualification).
• Proven experience working on construction projects across a range of sectors such as education, healthcare, and commercial.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively.
• Previous experience managing mid- to large-scale new build and refurbishment projects within the construction sector.
• Excellent team player with strong organisational and stakeholder management abilities.



Desirable:

• Familiarity with BIM standards and digital collaboration platforms.
• Experience contributing to design quality reviews, value engineering, and sustainability initiatives.
• Strong understanding of current building regulations, planning processes, and technical design stages.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple design interfaces within