Overview
Design Manager – WaterCardiffPermanent salary + benefits package. Reports to: Framework Director. The Principal Design Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating both internal and external design teams to ensure projects are delivered on time and in line with client expectations. This role involves managing the design process from concept to completion, ensuring the seamless integration of technical and commercial requirements. Acting as the central point of communication and decision-making for design activities, the Principal Design Manager ensures effective collaboration among stakeholders, including clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams. Key responsibilities include setting clear objectives, efficiently allocating resources, and fostering a motivated and high-performing environment for design teams. With a focus on technical excellence, the Principal Design Manager oversees the creation of designs, ensuring they are accurate, clear, and aligned with relevant legislation and safety standards.
They ensure designs are practical, innovative, and meet project-specific requirements while minimising errors and mitigating risks during construction. Commercial requirements form a core aspect of the role. The Principal Design Manager collaborates closely with the commercial team to ensure that designs align with budget constraints and financial objectives. This includes managing subcontract design costs, identifying value engineering opportunities, and proactively addressing any budgetary impacts arising from design decisions. The Principal Design Manager is also responsible for maintaining thorough documentation of the design process, ensuring that commercial implications are accurately recorded and communicated.
They regularly review and update design deliverables to ensure alignment with commercial agreements, client expectations, and project timelines. By balancing technical expertise, team leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and commercial acumen, the Principal Design Manager ensures the successful delivery of projects that meet high standards of quality, are financially viable, and align with the company’s strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities
* Collaborate with clients to understand expectations and align designs with their vision and budget; maintain transparent communication and provide regular progress and cost updates.
* Manage subcontract design teams, establish clear scopes of work, review and approve subcontractor designs for quality and compliance, and address technical or commercial challenges.
* ensure timely delivery of designs by overseeing production, monitoring progress, addressing delays, and implementing process improvements to maintain momentum.
* Apply technical expertise to drive innovative, safe, and cost-efficient design solutions; focus on value engineering to optimise designs and reduce material usage.
* Review designs for health, safety, and cost implications while ensuring compliance with standards; evaluate commercial impact of designs.
* Identify ways to simplify construction, reduce material waste, and minimise costs without compromising safety or quality.
* Maintain comprehensive documentation of the design process, decisions, cost implications, and adjustments for accountability and financial analysis.
* Stay informed on industry best practices and legislation to identify cost-saving opportunities and ensure designs remain competitive and compliant.
* Balance office and site work, coordinating cost tracking, budgeting, and on-site implementation to ensure designs are feasible and commercially efficient.
If you are interested and would like further details, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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