Design Manager

Austin Fraser; Chipping Barnet; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Design Manager for a 6-month contract to oversee high-quality refurbishment projects in Healthcare and Education. This role is pivotal in ensuring project success from design to handover, focusing on coordination, compliance, and client satisfaction. You'll engage with client-side design teams, manage design deliverables, and lead design meetings, all while fostering a collaborative environment. If you're passionate about delivering exceptional results and thrive in a dynamic setting, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in design management within refurbishment projects.
• Strong understanding of compliance and building regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage design progression from RIBA Stages 2/3 to 4/5/6.
• Coordinate closely with teams to ensure smooth project execution.
• Review and validate trade packages against project specifications.

Skills

Design Management

Value Engineering

Client Engagement

Compliance Review

Project Coordination

Commercial Awareness

Education

Degree in Architecture or Engineering

Tools

CAD

REVIT

3D Modelling Tools

Job description

Position: Design Manager ( 6 Month Contract )
Sector: Fit-Out & Refurbishment (Healthcare, Education & More)
Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire
Agency: ITS Construction Professionals

Key Responsibilities

Tender Stage:

1. Review incoming tender drawings to identify discrepancies and design gaps.
2. Support pre-construction and estimating teams by identifying commercial advantages that can strengthen bid submissions.
3. Engage with client-side design teams early to gather information and build relationships.
4. Identify and propose value engineering (VE) opportunities.
5. Work with internal teams to develop and agree on the design and information release schedule.
6. Assist with interpreting design intent and liaising with specialist subcontractors for accurate costing.
7. Produce bespoke “Architectural Appreciation” documents for tender submissions.
8. Read and understand Employers Requirements and Design Specifications to ensure subcontractor returns are accurate and fully compliant.
9. Attend mid-bid and post-tender interviews as a key contributor to successful project acquisition.

Post-Award / Pre-Construction:

1. Collaborate with the pre-construction team to prepare all design deliverables for the build phase.
2. Review all construction drawings for completeness, compliance, and any deviations from tender sets.
3. Prepare Information Required Schedules (IRS) and coordinate the drawing information release programme.
4. Work with client design teams to produce and manage sample approval schedules.
5. Identify and manage all required mock-ups and benchmarks in coordination with the delivery team.
6. Support procurement by reviewing and validating trade packages against project specifications and Employers Requirements.
7. Ensure smooth and compliant information flow across consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams.
8. Review design against Building Control and fire strategy requirements to ensure full compliance.

Construction Phase:

1. Manage the progression of design from RIBA Stages 2/3 through to 4/5/6.
2. Organise, chair, and document all Design Team Meetings (DTMs) with subcontractors and clients.
3. Monitor site works for quality, compliance, and coordination with design specifications.
4. Identify buildability improvements and commercial efficiencies through alternative materials or contractor proposals.
5. Maintain timely release and distribution of design information across all teams.
6. Coordinate closely with Technical Services Managers and the site team to support programme adherence.
7. Comfortable working independently or within a team, from site or office as needed.
8. Competent in CAD; experience with REVIT or other 3D modelling tools is highly advantageous.
9. Commercially aware with the ability to manage and prioritise multiple projects.

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a progressive and professional team delivering high-quality refurbishment projects across Healthcare, Education, and other specialist sectors. You'll be key to ensuring projects run smoothly from design through to handover, with a strong focus on coordination, quality, and client satisfaction.