Design Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunity for professional development

Social and networking events

Job summary

An engineering consultancy in Bristol is seeking a Design Manager to lead a team of engineers in developing Building Services designs. The role involves project management, client interactions, and delivering high-quality technical outputs. Candidates should have extensive experience in MEP stage-4 detailed design and strong leadership skills. This full-time position offers a dynamic and supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Experience as a proactive building services design manager.
• Extensive experience in producing and delivering stage-4 detailed design directly for an MEP installer.
• Strong technical knowledge in the primary engineering discipline (mechanical).

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers to develop Building Services designs.
• Manage projects and client relationships.
• Ensure quality standards and technical accuracy.

Skills

Proactive building services design management

Extensive experience in MEP stage-4 detailed design

Demonstrable experience with clients and contractors

Strong technical knowledge in mechanical engineering

Excellent communication skills

IT literate with relevant packages

Excellent organisational skills

Tools

Revit

Job description

About Us

Hoare Lea is a human‑centric and planet‑conscious engineering consultancy. We offer intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment throughout the United Kingdom and further afield. We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, security and sustainability, among others. Our highly‑skilled teams use technical expertise and problem‑solving skills to bring buildings to life. We ensure that whatever the building, its design is outstanding and its operations meet the needs of the communities it serves. We are committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. As a result, you will experience a business that enriches your knowledge, supports your wellbeing and welcomes your individuality. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in a 9‑day fortnight scheme, thrive in community groups and social and networking events, and take part in extensive professional and technical development schemes. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical cover, electric‑vehicle salary‑sacrifice scheme, stock options and up to 30 days of annual leave. Whatever your ambitions or circumstances, our aim is to enable everyone to develop their knowledge, give their best and enjoy what they do.

About the Role

We have a brand‑new opportunity for a Design Manager to join our Bristol office. It is an exciting time to join our Design team. Working alongside a range of specialist engineers and consultants, you will be part of a collaborative, knowledgeable, highly engaged team that loves what they do and offers a supportive, flexible, and high‑performing work culture.

In this key and varied role you can expect to:

• Lead a team of mechanical, electrical and public health engineers to develop a Building Services design to BSRIA stages 4a‑4c output.
• Lead a team of Revit technicians in the production of MEP service models to level 4a‑c detail.
• Deal successfully with clients and other professionals to build and maintain relationships and create future opportunities.
• Attend interviews and contribute to bid preparation.
• Understand consulting appointment conditions.
• Define and agree scope with client.
• Apply knowledge of construction procurement and associated risks to the business.
• Lead large‑scale schemes and coordinate all disciplines, acting as the main client point of contact throughout the project.
• Take ownership and consistently deliver profitable schemes.
• Competently 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.
• Delegate, manage and verify work undertaken by others.
• Monitor project expenditure and report to directors.
• Ensure quality standards and technical accuracy.
• Mitigate risks to the business.
• Communicate effectively and openly at all internal and external levels.
• Enhance technical experience.
• Contribute to the development of our methods of working to improve our efficiency.
• Develop the firm’s overall capability in delivering this service.
• Produce order of fees required for detailed design duties.

About You

To be successful in this role you’ll need:

• 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, architects in a design‑oriented / consultant role.
• Strong technical knowledge in the primary engineering discipline (mechanical) and work to relevant regulations, design guides, etc.
• Good understanding of other disciplines.
• IT literate with technical understanding of relevant IT packages.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills to meet timescales and deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Lead a role in an integrated project design team with other construction professionals.
• Conversant with the use of Revit for review and comment purposes.
• Good understanding of stage‑4 building services design requirements.
• Knowledge of buildability and commissioning requirements.
• Able to interpret BIM requirements and ensure full compliance.
• Self‑awareness, an open mind, and a spirit of generosity.
• Experience of supporting others to develop knowledge, skills, and confidence.

How to Apply

To apply simply complete a CV profile and submit your application, or for further information please contact [e-mail].

If shortlisted, a recruitment team member will contact you to arrange an introductory call (about 30 minutes) to discuss the role and your experience in more detail. From there, successful candidates will be invited to a panel interview, either via Microsoft Teams or in person at one of our offices.

Adjustments and Accommodations

We welcome requests for adjustments or accommodations to help you participate and give your best at any stage of the recruitment process, whether relating to disability, neurodivergence or anything else. Please let us know.

Data Privacy

We have updated our terms and conditions for candidates; click here to find out more.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners who assist us when required. We do not acknowledge speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

Industry

Construction