Design Manager

The Role

Key Responsibilities

You will be part of the Management team and play a pivotal role in ensuring designs are coordinated, compliant, and delivered on time and within budget.

Your responsibilities will include:

Pre-Construction / Estimating

• Lead the technical and design aspects of tender submissions, ensuring alignment with client briefs and programme requirements.
• Collaborate with Estimators / Bid Manager to develop robust cost plans, detailed estimates, and pricing strategies, incorporating design development risk and scope clarity.
• Prepare and coordinate comprehensive Contractors’ Proposals, ensuring alignment with Employer’s Requirements and capturing value-engineered alternatives.
• Produce and monitor preliminaries and design-related risk allowances in line with programme durations and procurement strategies.
• Work closely with procurement and commercial teams to develop early supply chain engagement strategies and prelim schedules.
• Review tender documentation and prepare RFI schedules, tracking responses and coordinating clarification responses to ensure informed bid decisions.
• Attend site visits to support the Bid team in understanding project constraints and opportunities.

Design Management

• Take ownership of the full design management process from tender stage through to construction and as-built.
• Coordinate and oversee the development of the Design Responsibility Matrix (DRM) and the Information Release Schedule (IRS).
• Appoint, brief, and manage external design consultants and specialists as required during tender and construction stages.
• Lead regular design team meetings, manage design deliverables, and track progress against the programme and cost plan.
• Ensure strict compliance with current Building Regulations, Planning Conditions, CDM 2015 regulations, British Standards, fire safety requirements, accessibility standards, and any other relevant statutory obligations.
• Manage the timely review and approval of design information, drawings, and submittals.
• Drive the production and coordination of as-built documentation, O&M manuals, and handover information.
• Ensuring a design programme is prepared and agreed with each designer.
• Completing and maintaining the Design Responsibilities Matrix

Programme & Planning

• Develop and maintain design, procurement and Construction programmes aligned with construction delivery commitments.
• Produce, Input into and review master construction programmes, ensuring realistic design lead times are incorporated.
• Work with planning and site teams to de-risk delivery by sequencing design decisions and long-lead procurement milestones.
• Track design-related dependencies and identify critical path risks throughout the project lifecycle.

Client & Stakeholder Liaison

• Act as the principal design point of contact for the client, consultants, and supply chain throughout the pre-construction phase.
• Attend client meetings, presenting design progress, value engineering options, and risk mitigation measures.
• Manage the interface between client-supplied information and contractor design obligations.
• Ensure that client and statutory approvals are obtained in a timely manner.
• Chairing design team meetings and ensuring all parties are aligned on design strategy and deliverables
• Ensuring all contractual obligations are clearly understood and communicated

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date design documentation, schedules, registers, and logs (including RFI, submittal, and drawing registers) .
• Produce regular design and technical progress reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to post-tender reviews and handover to delivery teams, including the preparation of Design Handover Packs.

General

• Carrying out ad hoc duties as needed to support project and business success

Requirements

• • Proven experience in Design management within the fit out or refurbishment sector.
  • Strong understanding of construction methodologies, procurement routes, and tender processes.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to write persuasive content.
  • Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Effective leadership and team management skills, capable of driving a collaborative environment.
  • Proficiency in document management software
  • Sound commercial and financial acumen.
  • In-depth knowledge of UK construction legislation, Building Regulations, CDM 2015, and statutory approval processes.
  • Ability to work to tight deadlines and remain calm under pressure.