Job Title: Design Manager – Pre Construction
Location: Leeds (Office based)
Salary: Upon Application
Employment Type: Full time, Permanent
Join the Disruption!
Domis Construction is a leading main contractor delivering high profile residential and commercial developments across the North West and beyond. Design.Deliver.Disrupt. We’re known for pace, quality and a practical, solutions led approach, bringing together design, delivery and commercial expertise to build with confidence. We are now seeking a Design Manager to strengthen our pre construction function and lead design management on allocated projects from early stages through to construction set up.
Key Responsibilities:
* Manage the design process during pre construction and, where required, the early set up of the construction phase
* Own design input into the 1000 point checklists, pre construction journey and other Monday app management tools for allocated projects
* Fully investigate value engineering and value creation opportunities, driving best value outcomes
* Interrogate enquiry documents, including Employer’s Requirements, to identify risks, gaps and opportunities
* Produce Contractor’s Proposal documentation in liaison with internal departments
* Manage Domis’ design process via external consultants, ensuring coordinated and timely outputs
* Drive innovative and cost effective technical solutions into the design
* Progress design issues within strict timescales and ensure designers meet information delivery dates
* Review subcontractor design proposals for compliance, buildability and alignment with design intent
* Verify and control the status of consultant and subcontractor drawings and specifications, maintaining registers and document control
* Ensure consultant scopes of services, responsibilities and fees are agreed and clearly defined
* Attend tender launch, tender adjudication and design launch meetings as required
* Provide support and management to the pre construction administrator
* Provide technical and buildability input from RIBA Stages 2–5 prior to works commencing on site
* Provide input and demonstrate working knowledge of the Building Safety Act
* Provide technical guidance as required (for example fire regulation compliance and related standards)
* Act as a facilitator of Domis supply chain expertise throughout the pre construction phase to strengthen solutions and reduce risk
Requirements:
* Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance quality, programme and cost certainty
* Architectural background is advantageous (but not essential)
* Understanding of client procurement routes and contract strategies
* Sound knowledge of regulations and planning permission procedures
* Experience of site and contract procedures is beneficial
* Proven ability to organise, plan, programme and manage workloads across multiple projects
* Knowledge of operational/project delivery, with site experience on major schemes advantageous
* Confident relationship builder, able to influence and coordinate a wide stakeholder group
* Effective presenter, comfortable leading group meetings and workshops
* Vision, commitment and enthusiasm for change, with a continuous improvement mindset
Personal Attributes & Desired Behaviours
* Integrity: Acts ethically and transparently in all commercial dealings.
* Ownership: Takes accountability for outcomes and drives work through to completion.
* Collaboration: Works effectively with site, commercial, and supply chain teams to achieve shared goals.
* Trust: Builds strong, professional relationships internally and externally.
* Adaptability: Responds positively to change in a fast-paced project environment.
* Commercial Mindset: Proactively identifies risks, opportunities, and value enhancements.
* Professionalism: Leads by example and supports the development of others.
Why Join Us?
* Lead design management on major schemes with genuine influence from early stage onward
* Join a driven, collaborative pre construction team focused on practical delivery and high standards
* Strong opportunities to shape processes, drive innovation and develop your career
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.