Design Manager

Daniel Owen Ltd; Hatfield; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Daniel Owen Ltd in Hatfield is seeking a Design Manager to lead design activities for refurbishment, fire remediation and re-cladding projects across the UK. You will coordinate consultants, manage design programmes and ensure timely, compliant delivery.

The role requires proven Design Manager experience in construction, strong leadership, and familiarity with contract forms (JCT, NEC). Salary £70k-£80k per annum; on-site with project sites.

Qualifications

• Experience as Design Manager on refurbishment and complex projects.
• Proficient in coordinating design for compliance and buildability.
• Experience with tendering and pre-construction activities.
• Knowledge of Building Regulations and Fire remediation/HRB topics.
• Ability to lead design reviews and client presentations.

Responsibilities

• Lead design teams and coordinate consultants across the project lifecycle.
• Manage design programmes, budgets and fee approvals.
• Ensure design information aligns with programmes and regulations.
• Support tendering and pre-construction with technical input.
• Drive design change control and risk reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

BIM knowledge

Design coordination

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Architecture/Engineering/Construction Management degree

Professional membership (CIOB/RICS/RIBA/ICE)

Additional BIM/PM/Health & Safety qualifications

Tools

Asta Powerproject

Microsoft Project

Viewpoint for Projects

Common Data Environments (CDEs)

Revit (BIM software)

Job description

Design Manager

Location: Hatfield & Project Sites

Sector: Refurbishment, Fire Remediation & Re-Cladding

Industry: Building and Construction

Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 Per Annum

Overview

Our client is a leading construction and refurbishment contractor delivering complex residential, refurbishment, fire remediation and re-cladding projects across the UK.

The Role

The Design Manager will be responsible for managing and coordinating all design activities throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring information is delivered on programme, within budget, and fully compliant with statutory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead consultant and survey tendering and procurement activities
• Undertake detailed design risk appraisals to support tender submissions
• Review Employer's Requirements and contribute to Contractor's Proposals
• Develop and manage robust design and pre-construction programmes
• Coordinate consultant design teams throughout project delivery
• Manage consultant and surveyor appointments and associated fee budgets
• Integrate consultant programmes into comprehensive design delivery programmes
• Monitor design progress and report against key milestones
• Chair design team meetings and drive performance across project teams
• Review design information for compliance, buildability, cost-effectiveness and regulatory requirements
• Manage design changes and maintain effective change control procedures
• Support single-stage and two-stage tendering processes
• Provide technical support throughout pre-construction and project delivery phases
• Lead design reviews and client presentations
• Resolve technical and design-related issues efficiently
• Ensure information is issued in line with project programmes and construction requirements
• Support procurement activities through detailed design coordination
• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants and project stakeholders
• Lead client meetings during tender and pre-construction stages
• Work closely with commercial teams to validate design solutions against project budgets
• Liaise with statutory authorities and approval bodies where required
• Ensure client requirements and project objectives are achieved throughout delivery
• Communicate effectively with project teams and senior management
• Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, Planning Conditions and Warranty requirements
• Work closely with the Principal Designer to satisfy Building Safety Act requirements
• Manage statutory approvals, permissions, licences and third-party agreements
• Ensure all design information meets health, safety and environmental obligations
• Support project compliance across Higher Risk Buildings and fire remediation schemes where applicable
• Provide support, mentoring and guidance to Design Coordinators
• Assist with the professional development of junior team members
• Promote collaboration and continuous improvement within the design team
• Support digital transformation initiatives and BIM implementation
• Stay current with industry developments, legislation changes and product innovations

Requirements

• Proven experience in a Design Manager position within the construction industry
• Strong background in refurbishment, residential, remediation or cladding projects
• Experience managing design from pre-construction through to project completion
• Detailed understanding of construction methods and building structures including RC frames, timber, structural steel and load‑bearing masonry
• Experience supporting tendering and pre-construction activities
• Strong understanding of design management processes and project sequencing
• Experience reviewing technical design information and resolving design issues
• Working knowledge of JCT, NEC and PPC forms of contract
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Proven ability to work under pressure and deliver to deadlines
• Experience using Common Data Environments (CDEs)
• Strong attention to detail and problem‑solving capabilities

Desirable

• Experience working on Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs)
• Fire remediation and façade replacement project experience
• BIM knowledge and digital design management experience
• Experience using Asta Powerproject or Microsoft Project
• Experience with Viewpoint for Projects, Fieldview or similar platforms
• Membership of a professional body such as CIOB, RICS, RIBA or ICE
• Additional qualifications in BIM, Project Management or Health & Safety

Education & Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Building Surveying, or a related construction discipline
• Professional membership (CIOB, RICS, RIBA, ICE or equivalent)
• Additional qualifications in BIM, Project Management, Sustainability, Environment or Health & Safety