An established leading Main Contractor in East Anglia is seeking an Experienced Design Manager to join their strong pre-construction team. The role will extend (depending on project type) to post-tender design development, coordination, and management of design teams.
Location & Working Arrangements: Based in their Ipswich office, covering Suffolk & Essex. The role is generally office-based, with opportunities to work onsite or from other offices where location permits. The successful candidate will join a dedicated team supported by an in-house design consultancy office (architectural, structural, and civils), working closely with an experienced Pre-Construction Manager.
About the Company: One of the largest family-run construction businesses in the region, delivering diverse and challenging projects across multiple sectors.
The Ideal Candidate: The successful applicant will be focused, knowledgeable of construction techniques, design standards and Building Regulations, self-motivated and able to work both independently and within a team. They will possess excellent communication skills (verbal and written), hold a clean driving licence, and be prepared to travel throughout the operating area.
Candidates need to be efficient and resourceful, with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills and the flexibility to adapt to fast-paced, ever-changing environments. A conscientious, organised and proactive team player who is highly motivated, committed to achieving deadlines, and always focused on the task at hand.
The role will ideally suit someone from a design background (architectural or engineering) and/or construction project management with design and build experience.
Key Responsibilities:
Pre-Construction
* Manage the design process during tender stage, from tender to commencement on site
* Understanding the design brief and chairing design development meetings during tender
* Fully investigate value engineering and value creation reviews, working closely with estimating and commercial teams
* Review enquiry documents, typically Employer's Requirements
* Manage the design process via external consultants
* Close liaison with internal departments ensuring programming and cost management align with design development
* Manage progress of design issues within strict timescales and ensure designers meet information delivery dates
* Assist in design deliverables and Information Required Schedules
* Attend design meetings and support construction teams where required
* Attend and input into risk meetings
* Review design team and sub-contractor proposals, overmarking (red penning) and commenting on design and construction issues
* Verify and control status of consultants' and subcontractors' drawings and specifications, maintaining registers
* Ensure consultant scope of services, responsibilities and fees are agreed
Construction Stages
* Ensure designer appointments are completed in accordance with procedures
* Produce and monitor design procurement programme/information release schedule
* Maintain drawing and specification registers as design develops
* Monitor design issues on project risk register
* Ensure architect leads technical coordination of all design disciplines
* Monitor information release schedule on at least a weekly basis
* Attend site progress meetings as required
* Ensure each design consultant provides regular design status reports
* Ensure designers and design subcontractors produce as-built information and O&M Manuals in sufficient time towards project completion
* Understand different client procurement routes
Essential Skills:
* Good organisational skills and work ethic
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office packages and document management systems
* Experience with Bluebeam or 4 Projects beneficial but not essential (training provided)
* Excellent spoken and written English
* Strong team player, able to work independently and collaboratively
* Good communication, presentation and diplomacy skills
* Ability to meet deadlines and work well under pressure
Benefits Package:
* Competitive salary dependent on experience
* 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays
* Free parking
* Contributory Pension Scheme
* Hours: 8:15am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday