Design Manager

Thomas Gray Ltd; Watford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in the UK is seeking an experienced Design Manager to take charge of key design activities. You will manage the design process, ensuring compliance with regulations and standards while leading a capable team. Essential qualifications include experience in healthcare projects and a background in architecture or design management. This position offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to project success.

Qualifications

• Background as an Architect or Design Manager.
• Experience in healthcare projects is essential.
• Experience in construction on mid to large-scale projects.

Responsibilities

• Support tender-stage design activities.
• Manage the on-site design process at RIBA Stages 4 and 5.
• Produce the Design Management Plan (DMP) and BIM Execution Plan (BEP).

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Team-focused approach

Education

Relevant qualifications as Architect or Design Manager

Job description

We're seeking an experienced Design Manager to join a well-established and forward-thinking construction team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys leading design activities, shaping feasibility work, and ensuring projects are delivered to the highest standards of time, budget, and quality. You'll be supported by an experienced in-house team while taking ownership of key design and coordination responsibilities.

The Role

Reporting to the Senior Design Manager, your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting tender-stage design activities and contributing to bid submissions.
• Working with the site team to agree the specialist subcontractor procurement strategy.
• Producing and managing the Project Stage Design Programme and Design Deliverables, coordinating with primary, secondary, and specialist subcontract designers.
• Assessing site characteristics and evaluating proposed designs.
• Managing the on-site design process at RIBA Stages 4 and 5.
• Ensuring all design output complies with relevant regulations and standards.
• Contributing to cost estimates to help guide client expectations.
• Supporting funding and return-on-investment evaluations.
• Setting up and maintaining the project's Common Data Environment (CDE), including file structures, access rights, workflows, and communication links.
• Leading design coordination workshops and progress meetings.
• Producing the project-specific Design Management Plan (DMP) and BIM Execution Plan (BEP), and monitoring compliance throughout the project.

Essential & Desirable Criteria

We are looking for someone who brings:

• A background as an Architect or Design Manager, with relevant qualifications.
• Experience delivering projects across sectors in healthcare is essential.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively.
• Experience in the construction industry working on mid to large-scale new build or refurbishment projects.
• A proactive, team-focused approach with the ability to work confidently across all levels of an organisation.