Design Manager

Buildforce Solutions Ltd; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 72,000 - 94,000; Part time

Job summary

Buildforce Solutions Ltd in Birmingham is seeking an experienced Freelance Design Manager to lead the design process for a student accommodation refurbishment.

You will coordinate architects, consultants and subcontractors, ensuring design information aligns with the project programme and buildability. The role includes a five-day week with potential hybrid working and runs through January with possible extension.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Design Manager in a main contractor environment.
• Experience on refurbishment projects, especially existing buildings.
• Strong technical understanding of the design process and coordination across consultants.

Responsibilities

• Managing and coordinating the design process throughout the project.
• Liaising with architects, consultants and subcontractors to ensure design information is coordinated and delivered on time.
• Monitoring design programmes, deliverables and deadlines.
• Reviewing technical information and resolving design queries.
• Identifying potential design issues and working proactively to find solutions.
• Ensuring designs are coordinated with construction requirements, programme and buildability.
• Working closely with the project team to support the successful delivery of the refurbishment.

Skills

Design management

Refurbishment experience

Main contractor experience

Coordination of consultants

Programme management

Construction knowledge

Job description

Freelance Design Manager - Student Accommodation

Location: Birmingham

Rate: Up to £450 per day

Duration: Until January, with potential for extension

Working arrangements: 5 days per week, with possible hybrid working

The Opportunity

We're working with a contractor looking to appoint an experienced Freelance Design Manager to support a student accommodation project in Birmingham.

The project involves the refurbishment and conversion of an existing building into student accommodation, offering an opportunity to get involved in a technically challenging scheme.

The role will run through to January, with potential for hybrid working depending on project requirements.

The Role

You’ll be responsible for managing the design process, coordinating consultants and subcontractors, and ensuring design information is delivered in line with the project programme.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing and coordinating the design process throughout the project.
• Liaising with architects, consultants and subcontractors to ensure design information is coordinated and delivered on time.
• Monitoring design programmes, deliverables and deadlines.
• Reviewing technical information and resolving design queries.
• Identifying potential design issues and working proactively to find solutions.
• Ensuring designs are coordinated with construction requirements, programme and buildability.
• Working closely with the project team to support the successful delivery of the refurbishment.

About You

We’re looking for a Freelance Design Manager who has:

• Previous experience in a Design Manager role with a main contractor.
• Experience working on refurbishment projects, ideally involving existing buildings.
• Strong technical knowledge and an understanding of the design process.
• The ability to coordinate consultants, subcontractors and project teams effectively.
• A proactive approach to resolving design issues and keeping the programme on track.
• Availability to work five days per week, with some flexibility for hybrid working.