Design Manager

Skilled Careers; Welwyn; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction company is seeking a Design Manager to lead design processes from pre-construction to construction. Responsibilities include managing design teams, conducting design risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with statutory regulations. The role offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including annual leave, life cover, and professional development opportunities. Ideal candidates will have experience in major refurbishment projects and possess strong technical leadership skills.

Benefits

25 days annual leave (+ public holidays)

Life Cover equivalent to 2 times annual salary

Employee discount shopping schemes

Gym membership discounts

Cycle to work scheme

Holiday purchase scheme

Qualifications

• Experience leading design for major refurbishment and fire remediation projects.
• Ability to manage design teams and budgets.
• Strong knowledge of statutory regulations including the Building Safety Act.

Responsibilities

• Lead design from pre-construction to construction phases.
• Conduct design risk appraisals and manage consultant appointments.
• Ensure design compliance with health and safety regulations.

Job description

Job Title: Design Manager

Location: Hertfordshire

Overview

My Client is seeking a Design Manager to join their Team. This is a full-time permanent role. On offer is a competitive salary, and benefits package.

The main purpose of this role is to lead design from pre-construction through to construction, taking full technical responsibility for allocated projects. The Design Manager will also provide full design and technical support during the tendering process. Experience in leading the design of major refurbishment, fire remediation, and re-cladding of Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs) is advantageous. This role may include line management of an Assistant Design Coordinator, Design Coordinator, or Senior Design Coordinator.

What will you deliver

Design and Technical Responsibilities

• Lead consultant and survey tendering and procurement.
• Conduct thorough design risk appraisals to support tenders.
• Review Employer's Requirements (ERs) and contribute to Contractor's Proposals.
• Develop robust design and preconstruction programmes for tenders.
• Lead client meetings during bid and preconstruction phases as required.
• Manage consultant and survey appointments, ensuring scope and terms align with project needs.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with consultants.
• Ensure design fee budgets are managed effectively and within scope.
• Obtain consultant design programmes and integrate them into a single detailed design delivery programme.
• Track and report progress against design delivery programmes.
• Chair design team meetings and communicate clear expectations for deliverables.
• Monitor consultant performance and ensure timely delivery of high-quality design information.
• Review all design information for compliance with contracts, buildability, cost-effectiveness, and statutory regulations.
• Monitor design changes and manage change control processes.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with the Commercial Team for cost validation.
• Lead the resolution of design and technical queries to support preconstruction and project teams.
• Liaise with Clients and Key Stakeholders to ensure expectations are met.
• Ensure compliance with all Statutory Matters including Building Regulations, Building Warranty, and Planning Conditions.
• Work closely with the Principal Designer to meet statutory requirements under the Building Safety Act.
• Obtain any required licenses, permissions, or approvals for project execution including but not limited to Highways and Drainage Section Agreements, Rail, Waterways, Crane Oversailing, Street Works, Temporary Crossovers, etc.
• Lead design reviews and client presentations.

Process Improvement and Team Development

• Provide support, mentorship, and guidance to Design Coordinators.
• Contribute to the motivation and professional development of the design team.
• Stay informed on industry updates, regulatory changes, and new product developments.
• Support digital transformation initiatives within the design team, including BIM implementation and digital design review processes.

Safety

• Ensure all design information complies with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Work closely with the Principal Designer to meet statutory requirements under the Building Safety Act.

What's on offer

• Competitive salary and benefit package, which includes:
• 25 days annual leave (+ public holidays)
• Life Cover equivalent to 2 times annual salary
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
• Gym membership discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Holiday purchase scheme
• 2 corporate social responsibility days per year
• Broad range of learning opportunities, such as professional qualifications, collective/individual training, and personalized support programmes
• Attractive Employee Referral Rewards Scheme
• Access to our growing employee networks
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing ap