Design Manager

The FR Group; Chandler's Ford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent regional contractor in Chandler's Ford is seeking an experienced Design Manager to oversee multiple projects in Hampshire and Wiltshire. The role includes leading design management for school projects, managing consultant design teams, and ensuring smooth project delivery. Ideal candidates will possess a degree in Engineering or Architecture and have a strong track record with Tier 1 or 2 contractors. Competitive salary, benefits, and career progression opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent benefits package

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven track record in Design Management with a Tier 1 or 2 Main Contractor.
• Experience as a Contract Administrator or Project Architect is beneficial.
• Ability to work within a large team dynamic.

Responsibilities

• Lead Management of design development for schemes.
• Chair design team meetings and manage consultant design teams.
• Liaise regularly with clients, architects, and the construction team.

Skills

Excellent technical and commercial knowledge

Strong planning and problem-solving ability

Excellent communication and negotiation skills

Understanding of construction methodology

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Engineering or Architecture

Job description

Ambitious/experienced Design Manager required by the Southampton office of this busy regional main contractor to work on several projects in the Hampshire and Wiltshire areas. Initially this will be preconstruction for 3 smaller school projects near Swindon. Ideally situated within easy commute of the Southampton office, you will take the lead for Design Management on 2-3 projects through second stage preconstruction and then supporting construction whilst the projects are live on site visiting on a weekly basis as required. Work is secured via a mixture of competitive tenders, negotiated work for repeat clients plus regional and national frameworks. Reporting to the Head of Design and working with preconstruction and project delivery teams, as Design Manager you will be responsible for:

• Management of the design development for your schemes;
• Chairing regular design team meetings;
• Management of consultant design teams;
• Regular liaison with client, architect, consultants and the construction team;
• Agreement of information required schedule; Ensuring key dates achieved;
• Review of construction design information for buildability, compliance with contractors proposals, employers requirements, budget, current building legislation, etc;
• Identifying opportunities for value engineering opportunities where appropriate;
• Proactive issue resolution;
• Managing specialist sub-contractor design teams;
• Overall managing the smooth and timely delivery of detailed design information for procurement and construction throughout the build process.

The role is typically 3 days in the Southampton office plus visits to your sites. About the Company/Client/Project: The company is a busy main contractor, with experience and a proven track record in the delivery of schemes ranging £8m to £15m in value across the patch in the following sectors - local authority schools and colleges, care and retirement homes, affordable housing, healthcare, leisure, offices etc. Turnover is circa £45m for the region.

Either from an Engineering/Construction delivery or Architectural background, you will possess excellent technical and commercial knowledge, a keen understanding of construction methodology, materials and systems, procurement lead in times, building regulations, etc. You will have excellent communication and negotiations skills, strong planning and problem solving ability, initiative and a positive approach. In terms of character, you will be a self-motivated, positive and ambitious individual able to work well within a large team dynamic. You will ideally have a proven track record of successful project delivery with a recognised Tier1 or 2 Main Contractor in a Design Management role. This role could also suit an experienced architect looking to make the move across into Design Management, as long as you have had some experience in the Contract Administrator role or Project Architect working closely with main contractors. High standards, attention to detail and the drive to deliver on programme, specification and budget will be very well rewarded with excellent salary, benefits, promotional and development prospects.