Design Manager

Ridge and Partners LLP; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ridge and Partners LLP is seeking a Senior Design Manager with strong knowledge of project delivery processes in construction and infrastructure. You can be based in Birmingham, London, Oxford, Liverpool, Cambridge, Bristol or Manchester offices.

You will emphasise clear processes and KPIs to maintain control and understand the design/engineering phase. Responsibilities include leading pre-construction activities, planning schedules with stakeholders, forecasting baselines, producing performance

Qualifications

• Knowledge/experience of construction projects in buildings, heavy civils, transportation sectors.
• Experience with the pre-construction stages focusing on design and procurement.
• Understanding of BIM methods and design outputs quality.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate pre-construction processes with designers, contractors and clients; run team meetings to deliver plans.
• Plan work schedules for major construction projects in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Prepare, monitor and forecast baseline and working schedules during pre-construction phases.
• Prepare and present reports on project and team performance with improvement recommendations.
• Track issues and manage action plans to keep project plans on track.
• Utilise specialist web-based tools; training will be provided.
• Prepare design management documentation (scopes of work, matrices, plans).
• Review design processes and BIM drawings for compliance and quality.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of Project Controls quality.

Skills

Pre-construction process knowledge

Planning & scheduling

Stakeholder liaison

Travel readiness

Quality & process improvement

Tools

BIM systems

Job description

We require a Senior level Design Manager with a knowledge of project delivery processes within the construction and infrastructure sector to join our team. You can be based in our Birmingham, London, Oxford, Liverpool, Cambridge, Bristol or Manchester offices. To carry out the requirements of this role, you will also understand the importance of utilising clearly defined processes and process management tools such as programmes and KPIs to maintain control. Ideally, you will have experience within the design and engineering phase of projects and understand the nature of the process at this stage.

What you need to do to be effective in this role

• Facilitate the pre-construction project process, working with all stakeholders including designers, contractors and construction clients. This will involve running team meetings and organising the team to deliver to agreed plans.
• Plan work schedules for major construction development projects through collaborative working with the key stakeholders.
• Prepare, monitor and forecast baseline and working schedules during the pre-construction phases of projects.
• Prepare and present reports on project and team performance and make recommendations on performance improvement.
• Track issues in the project process and manage action plans to ensure issues are resolved and the project plan is maintained.
• Use our specialist web-based tools to support all of the above activities - training will be provided.
• Prepare design management documentation such as scopes of work, responsibility matrices, design management plans, design management processes.
• Undertake reviews of the design process, including audits of compliance with agreed processes.
• Undertake reviews of design outputs, including reviews of BIM models and drawings/specifications to ensure technical quality and compliance.
• Active contribution to continuous improvement of quality and performance of Project Controls.

The skills and experience you need to have for this role

• Knowledge/experience of construction projects in at least one industry sector: buildings, heavy civils, transportation; and a desire to spread your knowledge to other sectors.
• Knowledge/experience of the project process through the pre-construction stages of projects, primarily design and procurement. This will include an appreciation of the nature of the design process.
• Knowledge of construction design solutions, methods and technologies.
• Confident in liaising with our clients, including facilitating discussions with designers, contractors and construction clients.
• Some appreciation of planning methods such as Critical Path Method.
• A preparedness to travel to, and be based in, our clients' offices or sites if required.

Desirable requirements that you may bring to the role include:

• Experience in the application of Building Information Modelling (BIM) methods and systems.
• Knowledge/experience of at least one planning system.
• Suitability for passing UK security clearance screening.