The Role
Fortem Solutions is currently recruiting for a Design Manager to join our Technical Services department on a permanent basis.
The main purpose of the role is to be an integral part of the bidding team and process, possessing the knowledge and ability to lead the technical design function throughout the RIBA Work stages, from bidding, pre-construction, to construction. The role ensures all designs comply with relevant legislation, the main contract, and are completed in time to facilitate procurement and construction.
The Company
Fortem Solutions is a nationwide business specializing in the Social Housing sector. We provide Repairs & Maintenance, Retrofit, Capital Works, and Decarbonization services within Local Authorities and Housing Associations.
Duties & Responsibilities
* Act as the point of contact for design issues.
* Establish and ensure compliance with design management and information protocols, including Fortem Process and Procedure and the Common Data Environment (CDE) such as Viewpoint.
* Review designers' scopes of services and novation agreements against project requirements.
* Ensure staff from consultants, specialists, and subcontractors are competent and follow the Fortem competency framework.
* Establish additional design or specialist consultants as needed, and agree on scope and fees.
* Ensure all design roles incorporate CDM responsibilities, including input from PD advisors.
* Review all design information to identify opportunities for value addition, such as decarbonization, smart buildings, and design efficiencies.
* Assist estimating and commercial teams with technical reviews of specialist design tenders.
* Deliver fully coordinated and detailed design proposals.
* Coordinate and oversee the design process to ensure seamless collaboration among disciplines.
* Obtain fee quotes and commission surveys, tests, and reports.
* Liaise with the Commercial Team to ensure designs meet budgets.
* Lead client design/review meetings during bid and construction phases.
* Monitor and manage design changes and change control processes.
* Coordinate BREEAM or sustainability requirements, including embodied carbon considerations.
* Lead the use of BIM tools to improve design coordination and clash detection if required.
What You Will Need
Essential Criteria:
* Excellent technical knowledge of construction design.
* Strong management skills to lead multi-disciplinary design teams.
* Understanding of project delivery methodology and sequencing, including design and pre-construction activities.
* Ability to interpret employer requirements for design, procurement, and construction.
* Proven ability to drive issues to completion with clear targets.
* Experience working on social housing and retrofit projects, including funding schemes like ECO4 and Cladding Safety.
* Knowledge of retrofit specifications and building pathology.
* Experience with complex projects and design control impacts.
* Knowledge of contractual requirements for design and build contracts, including Two-Stage and PCSA contracts.
* Ability to communicate complex technical issues effectively.
* Understanding of procurement and construction design requirements.
* Technical knowledge of substructures, M&E services, and finishes solutions.
Desirable Criteria:
* Bachelor's degree (Hons) in Architecture, Building Surveying, Construction Management, or Architectural Technology.
* Chartered membership with CIOB or RIBA.
Benefits
* Annual bonus up to 10% of salary.
* 29 days annual leave plus your birthday off.
* Annual pay review.
* 26 weeks full pay maternity leave.
* 8 weeks full pay paternity leave.
* £1,500 towards home electric vehicle setup.
* Discounted gym memberships.
* Up to £3,000 referral bonus.
* Access to extensive training via our Learning Management System.
* Additional benefits: private pension, life insurance, dental care, private healthcare, cycle-to-work scheme, mobile discounts, and more.
Who We Are
Part of the Willmott Dixon group, Fortem has been providing specialist property solutions since 2002. We focus on keeping homes and buildings operational through repairs, maintenance, and high-quality installations, with a strong emphasis on decarbonization and energy efficiency. Our commitment to excellence and sustainability drives us to deliver outstanding outcomes for our partners and communities. We are an Investors in People - Gold employer, committed to equality, diversity, and respect for all.
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