Design Manager

Fawkes and Reece; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An ambitious and experienced Design Manager is sought to lead the design process for a significant defence project in the Portsmouth area. This role involves overseeing the design development and managing a consultant design team through both preconstruction and construction phases. The successful candidate will work on a £30m new build and refurbishment scheme, ensuring compliance with regulations and delivering high-quality design solutions. Join a dynamic team within a leading contractor known for its successful project delivery in various sectors, including education and healthcare, and take the next step in your career with excellent salary and development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience in design management or coordination with a main contractor.
• Strong technical and commercial knowledge in construction.

Responsibilities

• Manage design development for projects and liaise with clients.
• Oversee consultant design teams and ensure timely delivery of design information.
• Engage with local authorities for planning permissions.

Skills

Technical Knowledge

Commercial Knowledge

Construction Methodology

Planning Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Negotiation Skills

Education

Engineering Degree

Construction Management Degree

Architecture Degree

Job description

Reference: MO08042025_1744112838
Posted: April 8, 2025

Ambitious/experienced Design Manager required by the Southampton office of this busy Tier 1 Main Contractor to take the lead and manage the design process for a £30m new build and refurbishment defence scheme near Portsmouth, Hampshire - circa £30m in value.

Initially based in the Southampton office, as Design Manager you will be involved initially in the ongoing preconstruction phase for the scheme which is due to commence on site later this year.

You will be responsible for the detailed design development and some value engineering through to financial close; thereafter you will be based on site with the team throughout the delivery phase of 18 months.

This is a part new build and part refurbishment scheme on the DIO framework - comprising the re-purposing of several existing buildings plus demolition and new build of others on an existing MOD site, with the work carried out in several phases.

There is a further pipeline of works in the region to follow on for the next 3-4 years on a larger defence project which is currently also in preconstruction.

Duties will include:

1. Management of the design development for projects, packages and sections of works;
2. Management of consultant design team; Chairing regular design team meetings;
3. Regular liaison with clients and end users;
4. Engagement with and managing specialist sub-contractor design teams;
5. Agreement of information required schedule; Ensuring key dates achieved;
6. Dealing with local authorities to achieve planning permission and discharge conditions;
7. Review of construction design information for buildability, compliance with contractors proposals, employers requirements, budget, current building legislation, etc;
8. Identifying opportunities for value engineering where appropriate;
9. Proactive issue resolution;
10. Overall managing the smooth and timely delivery of detailed design information for procurement and construction throughout the preconstruction and build process.

About the Company:
The company is the busy Southern Regional office of a national main contractor, with experience and a proven track record in the delivery of new build and refurbishment schemes in education, defence, healthcare, local authority, higher education faculty buildings, all predominantly in the Hampshire and Dorset areas.

Turnover is circa £140m for the office which is located in Southampton with easy access from the M27 / M3.

Requirements including certificates and qualifications:
Either from an Engineering/Construction delivery or Architectural background, you will possess excellent technical and commercial knowledge, a keen understanding of construction methodology, materials and systems, procurement lead in times, etc. Ideally you will have some experience of refurbishment and new build works in live environments, and have spent time working on projects during their preconstruction phase as well as through construction. Experience of working on a defence project previously would also be useful but not essential.

You will be well organised with effective communication and negotiations skills. You will have good planning and problem-solving ability, initiative and a positive approach. In terms of character, you will be a driven, positive and ambitious individual able to work well within a small focussed team.

You will ideally have a proven track record of successful project delivery with a recognised Main Contractor in a Design Coordination / Design Management role.

High standards, attention to detail and the drive to deliver on programme, specification and budget will be very well rewarded with excellent salary, benefits, promotional and development prospects.

For more information on this contract please contact Martin Olney on 07984 174040 or send your CV to [e-mail]

Candidates must be able to prove their eligibility to work in the UK.