Design Manager – Job Description
Overview
As Design Manager, you will report to the Head of Design and be based within the Design Department. Your primary responsibility is to manage individual schemes, ensuring effective coordination of all technical information between external consultants and internal teams.
The Design Team supports multiple operational areas, including Structural & Civil Engineering, Construction, Building Services, and Facilities Management. The team provides expertise in structural steel detailing, design coordination, architectural support, and quality assurance.
Core Values
Integrity
Acting with honesty and strong ethical standards while fostering positive working relationships.
Respect
Trusting colleagues’ abilities, taking accountability, and contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Pride & Passion
Valuing individual contributions and maintaining a strong commitment to delivering excellence.
Quality
Delivering services aligned with quality, environmental, and safety standards, as well as best practices.
Innovation
Embracing new methods of working to improve efficiency and drive continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Manage the overall design process across projects
Secure approvals from stakeholders and local authorities, including relevant agreements and service applications
Provide technical support during feasibility and construction phases
Ensure timely distribution of design information to internal and external teams
Coordinate legal and contractual design-related requirements (e.g. agreements, warranties, insurances)
Appoint and manage external consultants, including scope, fees, and deliverables
Oversee building regulations and warranty submissions
Develop and manage detailed design programmes, including critical path tracking
Lead, support, and develop the internal design team
Conduct quality reviews to ensure compliance with design specifications
Coordinate planning, building control approvals, and discharge of conditions
Continuous Improvement
Contribute to business improvement and development of technical functions
Identify issues and propose effective solutions
Ensure compliance with quality, environmental, and safety procedures
Promote teamwork across internal and external stakeholders
Maintain a strong understanding of company systems and standards
Person Specification
Qualifications
HNC/HND in Construction & Engineering or equivalent
Experience & Skills
Essential:
Experience with a main contractor, architecture practice, or in design coordination / architectural technology
Strong communication skills with the ability to manage a small team
Ability to identify potential issues and implement solutions
Proven experience managing consultants and warranty providers
Ability to monitor and track design processes effectively
Experience with drawing portals or project information systems
Ability to manage RFIs and liaise with design teams, engineers, and architects
Desirable:
Experience in value engineering
Familiarity with design management processes and team leadership
Experience working with 3D models
Proficiency in AutoCAD
Knowledge of BIM processes
Experience hosting design team meetings
Proactive and solutions-focused approach
Experience with Revit and/or Tekla
Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIOB, RICS, RIBA)