Design Manager

McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd WorkSpace division is seeking a Design Manager to lead design coordination on construction and fit-out projects across the UK and Ireland. You will oversee internal and external design teams, manage information release, and ensure delivery in line with programme and regulatory requirements.

Join a forward-thinking company committed to collaboration and high standards, with opportunities to develop BIM processes and liaise with clients and authorities to drive safe,

Qualifications

• Relevant design/construction qualification.
• Construction industry experience.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• IT literate.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Good understanding of Construction processes and buildability.
• Knowledge of Building Regulations and related legislation.

Responsibilities

• Manage design process with commercial and programme awareness.
• Coordinate external consultant and sub-contractor design teams.
• Prepare and monitor design information release schedules.
• Ensure designs comply with current legislation and codes.
• Develop drawing and document control systems.
• Assist in developing construction programme with design.
• Lead design team meetings and coordination workshops.
• Review scope of variations and change requests.
• Implement and manage the RFI process.
• Liaise with clients, contractors and authorities to build relationships.
• Manage client expectations and engagement.
• Provide design advice to clients on requirements.
• Ensure design info keeps pace with project timescales.
• Assist BIM implementation when required.

Skills

Attention to detail

IT literate

Excellent communication skills

Understanding of construction

Buildability knowledge

Education

Relevant design/construction qualification

Job description

Build Your Future with WorkSpace >> Build. Fit. Care.

WorkSpace – a division of McLaughlin & Harvey - delivers specialist construction, fit-out and hard facilities management services. We collaborate to provide lasting solutions that enhance our clients’ spaces.

We design, plan, construct and maintain our clients’ portfolios of built assets, managing every step of the process from brief creation to project completion. We help our clients focus on what they do best while we apply our experience and expertise to optimise their spaces.

Supporting the creation, transformation and repurposing of built assets, WorkSpace delivers coordinated construction and fit-out solutions across diverse properties. We provide refurbishment, retrofit and reconfiguration projects using in-house design and technical expertise to optimise spaces for efficiency, adaptability and long-term value. From project conception to completion, we collaborate with clients and partners to deliver safe, compliant, high-quality solutions that meet evolving operational needs.

As our business continues to grow, we are looking for people who take pride in what they do, bring expertise to their role and want to contribute to projects that make a difference to the spaces our clients use every day. We are currently seeking a Design Manager to join our team.

We are a forward-thinking Company with an established presence across the UK and Ireland. Our values We Commit, We Care, We Collaborate shape how we work with our clients, partners, and each other.

Whether you are developing your career or bringing established experience to the team, you will be part of a collaborative environment where your knowledge, ideas and contribution are valued.

Why join WorkSpace?

• Meaningful work – Contribute to projects and programmes that enhance, transform and maintain real working environments.
• Varied experience – Work across different sectors, properties and operational environments, with no two projects necessarily the same.
• Technical expertise – Develop your knowledge alongside experienced teams working across construction, fit-out and hard FM.
• Career development – Access opportunities for professional development, learning and progression.
• Collaborative culture – Work alongside colleagues, clients, partners who value commitment, care and collaboration.
• Competitive Package – Enjoy great benefits includingvolunteering daysand a competitive salary. Salary offered will be subject to experience and suitability for the role. Check out our full list of benefits here: Employee Benefits | McLaughlin & Harvey

What you will be doing

The Design Manager has a critical role to play within all aspects of constructionencompassing overseeing internal and external design consultant teams, controlling the development of the design concept into manufacturing and managing the installation information. This can be a challenging and highly satisfying role with the Design Manager playing a key part in the overall success of a project.

• Manage the design process using commercial, contractual, programme awareness and expertise
• Engage with and manage the external consultant and sub-contractor design teams.
• Prepare, manage, monitor and report on the Design Information Release Schedule, Design Programme and Design Responsibility Matrix.
• Ensure the design process recognises current legislation, standards and codes of practice where appropriate.
• Develop and implement the drawing and document control system and protocols.
• Review and assist the Project Management team and Project Planner in developing the construction programme in conjunction with the design programme.
• Lead and chair the project design team meetings and design coordination workshops.
• Assist the Project Manager and Project QS in reviewing scope of all variation and change control requests.
• Implement and manage the RFI process and register.
• Laise with clients, contractors, subcontractors, statutory authorities and stakeholders as required to build key project relationships.
• Manage client expectations and requirements and promote and manage client engagement within the team.
• Provide support and advice to clients as to their requirements and obligations in the development of building design.
• Ensure design information is of the right quality and keeps pace with project timescales.
• Strive to eliminate health and safety risks in the design risks during construction.
• Assist in BIM implementation on projects when required.

What we're looking for

• Relevant design/construction related qualification.
• Construction industry experience.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• IT literate.
• Excellent Communication Skills.
• Good understanding of Construction processes and all aspects of Buildability.
• Working knowledge of Building Regulations and associated legislation.

Desirable

• Experience in the use of full MS Office suite.
• Experience in working with Document Control.
• Experience of Viewpoint or equivalent.
• Knowledge of BIM processes, procedures and software.

Join us on our journey to #BuildingTogetherUnlockingPotential

McLaughlin and Harvey are an equal opportunities employer who are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us deliver better outcomes for our people, our clients, and the communities in which we work.

We take responsibility for always striving to create a collaborative and inclusive environment that makes every employee and candidate feel welcome. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment where we will provide all reasonable adjustments at interview stage and beyond and commit to extending an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum job role requirements.