Role Overview
The Design Manager is responsible for supporting project teams in the efficient delivery of technical design services, ensuring timely procurement and alignment with client expectations and contractual obligations. The role may involve direct ownership of design delivery for specific projects or supporting multiple teams with flexible, ad hoc technical input. This position includes overseeing design programme coordination, managing technical risk and external consultants, monitoring design budgets, and ensuring consistent collaboration with project delivery functions to create a repeatable, high-quality client experience.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead or support project design delivery in line with contracted requirements, coordinating with external consultants (e.g., structural engineers, architects, façade consultants, acousticians, thermal and sustainability specialists).
* Manage external design resources alongside internal teams to meet programme milestones and deliverables.
* Oversee the end-to-end design process—from receipt of instruction through drawing approvals—ensuring alignment with programme goals.
* Request and manage the minimum required design information at project outset; escalate delays or missing details as necessary.
* Maintain accountability for delivery of design tasks within programme timelines.
* Assess and mitigate technical risks, ensuring compliance with contracts, specifications, standards, and health & safety regulations.
* Prepare or consolidate technical reports and calculations as per scope, ensuring completeness and technical accuracy of drawings.
* Monitor and control project design budgets; manage and communicate design-related variations with internal teams and clients.
* Review and authorise design payment applications in line with project progress and value assessments.
* Participate in or lead client and consultant design meetings.
* Proactively resolve project challenges involving conflicting information, technical performance, and procurement timelines.
* Issue weekly progress updates and risk reports, ensuring visibility for the Design Team Manager and senior leadership.
* Manage external design consultants’ performance, including quality, timeliness, dispute resolution, and contract adherence.
* Ensure accurate documentation of all technical and design materials for handover and O&M manuals.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential:
* 3+ years of experience in the façade, fenestration, or window systems sector.
* Strong knowledge of construction detailing and sequencing.
* Proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office.
* Proven project management capabilities across multiple workstreams.
* Ability to communicate technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
* Experience with external consultant management and risk mitigation.
* Valid driving license.
Desirable:
* Working knowledge of façade-related calculations and standards.
* Experience in BIM/Revit or other 3D modelling platforms.
* Familiarity with project planning tools such as Microsoft Project.
* Experience in managing cross-disciplinary design teams.
Core Competencies
* Vision and Strategic Thinking
* Results-Oriented and Performance-Driven
* Collaborative Mindset
* Strong Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
* Adaptability and Embracing Change
* Ethics, Integrity, and Professionalism
* Effective Problem-Solving and Conflict Management