Design Manager

HDR; Manchester; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR in the United Kingdom seeks a Design Manager to lead multi-disciplinary teams through the full project life cycle. You will direct design and production, coordinate client relations, and drive successful outcomes on complex projects.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree, 10 years of experience, and at least 5 years in project management, with proficiency in MS Office and project-management tools. HDR champions employee ownership and a collaborative culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field.
• 10 years related experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of project management experience.
• Familiar with Microsoft Office, estimating and scheduling software, project management software.
• Excellent organizational, project management and communication skills.
• Active participation in our employee-owned culture is a must.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate work of single or multi-discipline teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Responsible for all aspects of large multidiscipline projects or medium-sized projects with high technical complexity.
• Produce and coordinate several projects concurrently.
• Establish and maintain client relations, and participate in marketing, contractual, design and production meetings.
• Conduct work sessions for deliverable development with staff and stakeholders.
• Coordinate staffing and workload through the project lifecycle to meet budget and schedule.
• Track financial aspects of projects and adjust work effort to meet constraints.
• Collaborate with Accounting, Operations and Leadership for project reviews.
• Implement QA/QC procedures and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Organization

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Estimating software

Scheduling software

Project management software

Primavera P3

SureTrak

Prolog

Job description

About Us

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

About Us

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

HDR was ranked #1 among the "Top 30 Data Center Architecture + AE Firms" in BD+C's "2022 Giants 400" report - the list of the largest architecture, engineering and construction firms in the United States.

In the role of Design Manager, we'll count on you to:

• Direct and coordinate work of single or multidiscipline teams throughout the project’s lifecycle (from development & initiation to close-out)
• Responsible for all aspects of large multidiscipline projects or medium-sized projects with high degree of technical complexity, involving a large project staff
• Produce and coordinate several projects concurrently
• Establish and maintain client relations, and be involved with marketing, contractual, design and production meetings
• Conduct work sessions for deliverable development in conjunction with other staff and stakeholders
• Coordinate staffing and workload through entire project life cycle, and ensure completion of deliverables on schedule
• Track financial aspects of projects, and coordinate and adjust work effort with team to ensure that work is completed within parameters of agreed-to budget and schedule
• Work with the Accounting, Operational and Business leadership for periodic project reviews
• Implement QA/QC procedures
• Supervise large project staffs and act as mentor for less-experienced Project Managers
• Perform other duties as needed

Required Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• 10 years related experience
• A minimum of 5 years of project management experience
• Familiar with Microsoft Office, estimating and scheduling software, project management software
• Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

Preferred Qualifications

• A license/certification
• PMP certification
• Familiar with Primavera P3 or SureTrak software preferred
• Familiar with Prolog software preferred

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• 10 years related experience
• A minimum of 5 years of project management experience
• Familiar with Microsoft Office, estimating and scheduling software, project management software
• Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location

United Kingdom-England-London

Other Locations

United Kingdom-England-Manchester

Industry

Architecture

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Business Class

Gen Architecture

Job Posting

Jul 24, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affir­mintive Action and Equal Opportunity Employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.