Senior Design Manager Attractive Salary, Benefits, Car Allowance and Bonus 36.5 Hour week (Hybrid) Newtownabbey Who are we? Henderson Group are proud to be Northern Irelands leading foodservice provider. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property. We employ over 5,000 staff and have been placed 5th in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2024. We're an Investors in People accredited, family-owned group, and our culture is lived out through our four core values- Ambition, Customer First, Teamwork and Integrity. Henderson Group Property are award-winning specialists in the acquisition and development of retail outlets and have a proven track record in developing state-of-the-art sites. The team are an in-house collective of project managers, architects, engineers, consultants, and technicians and are focused on delivering best in class, sustainable projects. We delivered over 300 projects over the past year, ranging in scale and complexity, and with values between £50k to £3m. A look into the role Due to continued company growth, the newly created position of Senior Design Manager will be responsible for leading design related activities within the group, playing a key role in delivering our overall property strategy. The successful candidate will lead the internal and external Design teams to ensure that schemes are delivered according to briefs, from feasibility to business case, planning, sign off, pre and post Construction. This position will be suited to a candidate with strong leadership skills, and extensive construction design experience. As Senior Design Manager you will: Successfully lead the Design Management teams within Henderson Group Property to ensure delivery of the strategic objectives, overseeing a mix of projects, all varying in value, simultaneously, ensuring effective time management and prioritisation. Provide clear direction to design teams and consultants for information delivery dates, monitoring progress and ensuring that designs are co-ordinated and approved effectively in advance of the construction programme. Review all design information to ensure compliance, buildability, and financial viability. Liaise directly with the Retail Stakeholders, Proposition team, Commercial Team and other key stakeholders, providing a technical review of issues. Lead the resolution of technical problems and design issues that may emerge. Lead Reduction of risk via appropriate design to ensure delivery of project objectives. Maintain protocol and procedures for formalised workflows and key stakeholder reviews. Liaise with tender and project teams to ensure design is developed in line with expectations. Ensure Principal Designer duties are fulfilled for pre-construction operations under the CDM Regulations. Ensure that a design programme is prepared and agreed with each design manager. Represent the company as a key ambassador for the Design brand to lead the roll out of innovation across the group. Influence others to ensure the optimum return from projects. Ensure accurate and timely preparation and submission of Planning and Building Control Applications, monitoring and reporting on Planning Application progress Interpret reports and surveys and convey / manage risks. Appoint External and Sub consultants as required. Present regularly at key events on Design and Strategic objectives. A customer first ethic and an ability to influence key stakeholders Skills for Success Joining us as Senior Design Manager the minimum criteria youll need is: GCSE English & Mathematics or equivalent. Degree/ HND or equivalent in Architecture or relevant Engineering Qualification. Minimum of 5 years relevant experience in Design Management, including proven experience of executing multiple projects and programmes of work. Experience leading a team of Design Managers and Professionals. Strong technical skills to include advanced proficiency with AutoCAD. Proficiency in using MS Office packages, particularly PowerPoint and Excel. Current valid UK driving license and ability to travel throughout Northern Ireland The person attributes youll need include: A strong leader, able to encourage and develop others and deliver high team performance. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build excellent relationships at all levels internally and externally. Highly organised, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. It is Desirable if you had: Postgraduate qualification in Design Management Full membership of an appropriate professional body. E.g. RIBA, CIOB, other Chartered, or Incorporated Membership Experience in sustainability with respect to buildings. Working knowledge of the Carbon Trust and other agencies. Experience in implementation and roll out of BIM Knowledge of BIM and 3D Design Knowledge of Net Carbon and Low Carbon design Are we right for you? As part of this role, it will be important that you feel aligned with the values that we live and work by. Ambition We always strive to be better. We seek new challenges and look for ways to do things better. Customer First We provide exceptional service. We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities. Teamwork We succeed together. We help colleagues to succeed, and we share our knowledge and skills. Integrity We are fair, honest and ethical. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are inclusive and champion diversity. The Reward The impact you can make with Henderson Group goes far beyond your day-to-day role. We are an Investors in People accredited employer, and value employee development, with great opportunities to progress your career. Our customers and our people are at the heart of what we do, and our teams are encouraged to give back, and make a difference in the communities we serve. Benefits include attractive salary, company car or allowance, bonus, contributory pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, employee assistance programme, social club, Perks Offers/Discount scheme throughout UK/Ireland, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company-owned stores and many more. This is a full-time position working 36.5 hours per week. Working hours will be 8:45am-4:45pm Monday to Thursday and 8:45am-3:45pm Friday. Hybrid working arrangement available. Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on Monday 15th September 2025 We are an equal opportunities employer. Skills: Design Management Autocad Project Management Engineering Architecture Construction Management