Design Manager

Fawkes and Reece; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an ambitious Design Manager to lead projects across Hampshire and surrounding areas. This role involves overseeing design management for various sectors, including education, healthcare, and affordable housing. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering or architecture, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record in project delivery. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will contribute to the successful execution of projects ranging from £8m to £20m, all while enjoying a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Experience in Design Management or related roles with a Tier 1 or 2 Main Contractor.
• Strong technical and commercial knowledge in construction.

Responsibilities

• Manage design development and chair design team meetings.
• Liaise with clients, architects, and consultants for project delivery.
• Ensure timely delivery of detailed design information.

Skills

Design Management

Communication Skills

Negotiation Skills

Problem Solving

Construction Methodology

Attention to Detail

Education

Degree in Engineering or Architecture

Job description

Location: Southampton
Salary: £60K- £65K per Year
Contract: Permanent
Type: Full Time

Reference: MO08042025_1744114307
Posted: April 8, 2025

Ambitious/experienced Design Manager required by the Southampton office of this busy regional main contractor to work on several projects in the Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset areas.

Ideally situated along the M27/A31, or within this wider region the role will be to take the lead for Design Management on 2-3 projects in the area, from input to tenders, second stage preconstruction and live on site. The scope of works you will focus on is typically private and local authority schools and colleges, care and retirement homes, affordable housing, healthcare, commercial and leisure, etc.

Work is secured via a mixture of competitive tenders, negotiated work for repeat clients plus regional and national frameworks.

Reporting to the Head of Design and working with preconstruction and project delivery teams, as Design Manager you will be responsible for:

1. Management of the design development for your schemes;
2. Chairing regular design team meetings;
3. Management of consultant design teams;
4. Regular liaison with client, architect, consultants and the construction team;
5. Agreement of information required schedule; Ensuring key dates achieved;
6. Review of construction design information for buildability, compliance with contractors proposals, employers requirements, budget, current building legislation, etc;
7. Identifying opportunities for value engineering opportunities where appropriate;
8. Proactive issue resolution;
9. Managing specialist sub-contractor design teams;
10. Overall managing the smooth and timely delivery of detailed design information for procurement and construction throughout the build process.

The role is typically 3 days in the Southampton office plus visits to your sites.

About the Company:

The company is a busy main contractor, with experience and a proven track record in the delivery of schemes ranging £8m to £20m in value across the patch in the following sectors - local authority schools and colleges, care and retirement homes, affordable housing, healthcare, leisure, offices etc.

Turnover is circa £45m for the office.

Requirements and experience:

1. 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, building regulations, etc.
2. You will have excellent communication and negotiations skills, strong planning and problem solving ability, initiative and a positive approach. In terms of character, you will be a self motivated, positive and ambitious individual able to work well within a large team dynamic.
3. You will ideally have a proven track record of successful project delivery with a recognised Tier1 or 2 Main Contractor in a Design Management role.
4. This role could also suit an experienced architect looking to make the move across into Design Management, as long as you have had some experience in the Contract Administrator role or Project Architect working closely with main contractors.
5. 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.