Design Manager

Fawkes & Reece; Swindon; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Fawkes & Reece in Swindon seeks an ambitious/experienced Design Manager to lead the design process for two education schemes in Wiltshire. You will oversee design development, appoint/coordinate consultants and sub-contractors, and drive buildability, planning and build quality across preconstruction and on-site phases.

With a background in Engineering/Construction delivery or Architecture, you will have excellent technical and commercial understanding, and strong negotiation and planning

Qualifications

• Proven track record in design coordination/management on large schemes.
• Experience with education sector projects and preconstruction phases.
• Strong communications and negotiations with clients, consultants and supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Manage design development for two education projects in Wiltshire.
• Appoint and manage consultant design teams and specialist sub-contractors.
• Liaise regularly with clients, trusts and end users; ensure information and dates are met.
• Oversee planning applications and planning condition discharges with local authorities.
• Review design information for buildability, compliance and budget; drive value engineering.
• Resolve issues proactively; ensure timely delivery of design information for procurement and construction.

Skills

Design management

Stakeholder liaison

Project delivery

Buildability input

Communication skills

Problem solving

Job description

Ambitious/experienced Design Manager required by the Swindon office of this busy Southern Regional contractor to take the lead and manage the design process for 2 upcoming education projects in the Wiltshire area.

One of these is a new build SEND school currently in PCSA for design development for a further 30+ weeks, then construction is due to commence on site in the new year. This school will feature a cross laminated timber (CLT) frame, so some prior experience of working with this material would be advantageous. There is also prior experience within the business currently.

The other scheme is a new build single storey PE block constructed within the grounds of an existing school. This scheme is also currently in PCSA and due to commence later this year/early next.

Reporting to the Senior Design Manager and working closely with the relevant Project Managers, you will manage the design development and input to the buildability aspects of schemes through the rest of the second stage preconstruction phase and throughout the construction phase on site.

Duties will include:

• Management of the design development for projects;
• Appointment and management of consultant design team;
• Regular liaison with clients and stakeholder, trusts and end users
• Engagement with and managing specialist sub-contractor design teams;
• Agreement of information required schedule; Ensuring key dates achieved;
• Dealing with local authorities to achieve planning permissions / discharge planning conditions;
• Review of construction design information for buildability, compliance with contractors proposals, employers requirements, budget, current building legislation, Building Safety Regulations, etc;
• Identifying opportunities for effective value engineering where appropriate;
• Proactive issue resolution;
• Overall managing the smooth and timely delivery of detailed design information for procurement and construction throughout the preconstruction and build process.

About the Company:

This opportunity is the busy Regional office of a larger main contractor group with several other offices across the South of England.

They have experience and a proven track record in the delivery of new build and refurbishment schemes in retirement living, primary school education, private education, healthcare, leisure, commercial offices, local authority, etc in the Wiltshire, Gloucester, Hampshire areas.

Turnover is circa £60m for the office which is located in Swindon with easy access to the M4.

There is a very good pipeline of work for the next 2 years secured on a mixture of regional frameworks, competitive tenders and negotiated work with repeat clients.

This business has a strong commitment to and focus on delivering quality buildings for clients, making the right decisions at each stage of the process and building positive relationships with clients, consultants and supply chain.

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.

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 hard-working, positive and proactive individual able to work well within a team dynamic.

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.