Design Manager

Ad Warrior Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

BDP in Manchester is seeking a Design Manager to support design and project management across international teams. The role focuses on planning, coordination, and commercial management of design projects within a global multidisciplinary practice.

You'll collaborate with project directors to manage quality assurance, delivery milestones, and client satisfaction on complex schemes. PRINCE2/APM qualifications are advantageous and opportunities for training are available.

Qualifications

• Strong project management and communication skills.
• Commercial awareness with ability to interpret contractual documentation.
• Experience coordinating design teams and resources.

Responsibilities

• Plan and programme design projects.
• Manage internal and external commercial aspects.
• Coordinate resources across design disciplines, projects and sectors.
• Procure and manage supply chain relationships.
• Define scope and deliverables; monitor progress and reporting.
• Collaborate with project directors to ensure QA and project controls.
• Negotiate appointments and fees.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Organisational skills

Microsoft Excel

People skills

Education

PRINCE2 or APM PFQ/PMQ advantageous

Tools

Microsoft Project

MS Office

Job description

Design Manager

Location: Manchester

Salary: Competitive

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time

We are looking to recruit a design/project manager on a permanent basis. The role would be based in our Manchester studio. Applications are welcomed from those with project and design management backgrounds, or architects seeking a potential change of career.

Our Design Managers play a key role in supporting the design process via the provision of specialist project and commercial management services including:

• Planning and programming of design projects
• Internal and external commercial management
• Resource co-ordination across design disciplines, projects and sectors.
• Supply chain procurement and management
• Scope and deliverables definition and progress monitoring and reporting
• Working closely with project directors to manage quality assurance and project controls
• Appointment and fee negotiation

This is a permanent, full-time role and we are seeking a pro-active and motivated individual with the ambition to develop a career within BDP. The role will be based in our Manchester studio but will involve working on global projects with multidisciplinary international teams.

About us

BDP is a leading, global, multidisciplinary design practice united by a shared purpose: to design a world that’s built for good. For more than 60 years, we've been solving problems, creating innovative spaces, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. From the start, we've been pioneers in the world of design, and our legacy is built on the meaningful, people-centred places we've brought to life.

We are a diverse, international practice of architects, engineers, designers, and urbanists. We work closely with our clients, users, and communities to craft spaces for living, working, learning, and enjoying life across the globe. With studios spanning the UK, Ireland, Europe, Asia, and North America, our reach is as broad as our expertise. And since joining forces with Japan’s Nippon Koei in 2016, our ability to deliver integrated, impactful design has only grown stronger.

Our work is rooted in creativity, quality, and collaboration. We believe that great design removes barriers and opens new possibilities, all while meeting the demands of a constantly evolving world.

Whether we’re designing homes, workplaces, or public spaces, we always put people at the heart of our thinking, ensuring that the environments we create are not just functional, but also inclusive, beautiful, and socially and environmentally responsible.

We’re proud of the places we've shaped and the lives we've touched, and we are committed to continuing our mission of designing a better, more connected world—one that leaves every place better than we found it.

About you

The ideal candidate will have experience of the building design process and project management/ commercial issues. You may be an architect who wishes to move into a project management role, or work in a related design/project management role already.

In addition, the ideal candidate will:

• Have strong communication and people skills with the ability to work well within the dynamics of
• design and client teams.
• Be commercially aware and comfortable with interpreting and applying contractual
• documentation.
• Have strong mathematical and data analysis skills.
• Be aware of the challenges and opportunities of working within a creative environment.
• Have knowledge of project management software such as Microsoft Project and an awareness
• of project planning techniques.
• Have strong organisation skills, with the ability to juggle projects with differing deadlines.
• Have good knowledge of Microsoft applications including Excel.

Relevant qualifications such as PRINCE 2 or APM PFQ/PMQ will be considered an advantage but not essential. There will be opportunity for BDP to support additional training if appropriate.