Design Manager

Construction; Exeter; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Construction in Exeter seeks an experienced Design Manager to lead the design process from bid through to project delivery on a diverse Southwest portfolio. You will coordinate architects, engineers and external design consultants, driving buildability, value, and compliant, well-coordinated designs that meet programme and budget expectations.

You will manage design development, ensure coordination across disciplines, and mentor the design team while working with a well-established contractor on

Qualifications

• Strong communication, coordination and negotiation skills are required.
• Construction-related degree or equivalent (HNC/HND) preferred.
• Experience with design management in main contracting environments is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead design processes from bid/pre-construction to delivery and completion.
• Coordinate architects, engineers, consultants and supply chain partners.
• Manage design development within cost parameters and ensure buildability and compliance.
• Drive design reviews, identify risks and resolve issues.
• Ensure designs comply with legislation, building regs and fire standards.
• Coordinate with project team and statutory bodies to align with programme dates.
• Mentor and develop the wider design team.

Skills

Communication skills

Coordination

Negotiation

Education

Construction-related degree/HNC/HND

Tools

Microsoft Project

Asta

Primavera

Bluebeam

Job description

Design Manager

Exeter

We are working with an established and highly regarded main contractor who is looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager to join their team in Exeter.

This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive and commercially aware Design Manager with a strong understanding of construction techniques to take the lead on a diverse range of projects across the Southwest.

The contractor delivers projects across a range of sectors including Education, Healthcare, Leisure, Commercial and Student Accommodation, with project values up to £20m.

As Design Manager, you will play a key role in leading and coordinating the design process from pre-construction and bid stage through to project delivery. You will work closely with clients, consultants, supply chain partners and project teams to ensure designs are practical, coordinated, commercially viable and fully compliant.

You will be responsible for the development and control of the design on one or more projects, identifying opportunities to add value while maintaining a strong focus on buildability, quality, programme and statutory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design process from bid and pre-construction through to project delivery and completion, ensuring designs are coordinated, practical and delivered to programme.
• Establish and lead effective design teams, coordinating architects, engineers, consultants, supply chain partners and other key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage and coordinate external design consultants, ensuring design quality, consistency and compliance with the agreed brief and project requirements.
• Lead design reviews to monitor progress, identify risks and resolve design issues, while driving innovation, buildability and opportunities for added value.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant legislation, building regulations, planning requirements, fire regulations, standards and statutory requirements.
• Work closely with the wider project team and statutory bodies to coordinate design activities in line with programme-critical dates and project objectives.
• Manage design development within agreed cost parameters, supporting the selection of appropriate materials, construction methods and sustainable design solutions.
• Manage design change control and contribute to the overall design strategy, while supporting and mentoring colleagues within the wider design team.

About You

We are looking to speak with experienced Design Managers who have a strong understanding of construction techniques and design management within the main contracting environment.

• A construction-related degree, HNC or HND.
• Membership of a relevant professional body, such as the CIOB, would be advantageous.
• Strong technical knowledge across construction design principles, practices and systems, including architectural, structural and M&E disciplines.
• Excellent communication, coordination and negotiation skills, with the confidence to build strong relationships with clients, consultants and project teams.
• A proactive approach with the ability to identify risks, challenge design solutions and drive projects forward.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and Outlook, with knowledge of programmes such as Microsoft Project, Asta, Primavera or Bluebeam also beneficial.
• This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Design Manager looking to join a well-established contractor with a strong pipeline of work and the opportunity to work on a varied and interesting portfolio of projects across the Southwest.