Design Manager

Hoare Lea; Bristol; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical cover

Electric-vehicle salary-sacrifice scheme

Stock options

Up to 30 days of annual leave

Job summary

A forward-thinking engineering consultancy in Bristol is seeking a Design Manager to lead a team of engineers in delivering high-quality building services design. The ideal candidate will have extensive MEP experience, exceptional communication skills, and a proactive approach to managing design projects. Join a collaborative team that values professional growth and personal well-being. Competitive benefits include private medical cover and a 9-day fortnight working scheme.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing a team of engineers.
• Demonstrable experience with clients, contractors, and architects.
• IT literate with relevant technical package understanding.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of engineers for Building Services design.
• Deal with clients and professionals to create opportunities.
• Monitor project expenditure and report to directors.

Skills

Proactive building services design

Strong technical knowledge in mechanical engineering

Excellent communication skills

Organizational and planning skills

Experience with Revit

Education

Extensive experience in delivering stage 4 detailed design

Tools

Revit

Job description

Design Manager – Bristol

Hoare Lea is a human‑centric and planet‑conscious engineering consultancy offering intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment across the UK and beyond. We provide services in acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, security and sustainability. Our highly skilled teams use technical expertise and problem‑solving skills to bring buildings to life, ensuring outstanding design and operations that meet community needs.

What we offer

We are committed to an inclusive environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. You’ll experience professional growth, wellbeing support and an 9‑day fortnight working scheme. Thriving community groups, social and networking events, and extensive professional and technical development are part of our culture. Benefits include private medical cover, an electric‑vehicle salary‑sacrifice scheme, stock options and up to 30 days of annual leave.

About the role

We have a brand‑new opportunity for a Design Manager to join our Bristol office. Join a collaborative, knowledgeable, highly engaged team who love what they do and benefit from a supportive, flexible, high‑performing culture.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of mechanical, electrical and public health engineers to develop Building Services design to BSRIA stages 4a‑4c level of output.
• Manage a team of Revit technicians in the production of MEP services models to stage 4a‑c level of detail.
• Deal successfully with clients and other professionals to foster relationships and create new opportunities.
• Attend interviews and contribute to bid preparation.
• Be aware of consultant appointment conditions.
• Define and agree brief with client.
• Understand construction procurement and associated risks to the business.
• Lead larger scale schemes and co‑ordinate all disciplines, acting as the main client point of contact throughout a project.
• Takes ownership and consistently delivers profitable schemes.
• Represent all disciplines of Hoare Lea at project meetings.
• Manage and prioritise the workload of a project team, including specialist groups.
• Host and chair team management meetings.
• Effectively delegate, manage and check work undertaken by others.
• Monitor project expenditure and report to directors.
• Ensure quality standards and technical accuracy are delivered.
• Manage and mitigate risks to the business.
• Report and openly communicate at all levels, internally and externally.
• Enhance technical experience.
• Contribute to developing our methods of working to improve efficiency.
• Develop the firm’s overall capability in delivering this service.
• Produce order of fees required to undertake specific detailed design duties.

About you

• Experience as a proactive building services design manager.
• Extensive experience in producing and delivering stage 4 detailed design directly for an MEP installer.
• Demonstrable experience working with clients, contractors and architects in a design‑oriented / consultant role.
• Strong technical knowledge in primary engineering discipline (mechanical preferred) and ability to work within relevant regulations and design guides.
• Good understanding of other disciplines.
• IT literate with technical understanding of relevant IT packages.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills to work to timescales and deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Lead an integrated project design team with construction professionals.
• Conversant with Revit for review and comment purposes.
• Good knowledge of stage 4 building services design requirements.
• Knowledge of buildability and commissioning requirements.
• Able to interpret BIM requirements to ensure firm compliance.
• Self‑awareness, open mind and generosity.
• Experience supporting others to develop knowledge, skills and confidence.

How to apply

Complete a CV profile and submit an application, or email [e-mail] for further information. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an introductory call (about 30 minutes) to discuss the role, followed by a panel interview via Microsoft Teams or in person.

Adjustments and accommodations

If there are adjustments or accommodations that could support your participation and performance at any stage of the recruitment process (including for disability, neurodivergence or other needs), please let us know.

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