Design Manager

We Are Footprint; Wigan; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

We Are Footprint in the North West is seeking an experienced Design Manager to drive the design process from pre-construction through to project delivery on residential, commercial and heritage schemes.

You will coordinate design teams, review programmes, ensure buildability and compliance, manage RFIs and design changes, and work with estimating and site teams to deliver cost-effective solutions while advancing BIM and document control across projects.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Design Manager for a main contractor.
• Experience delivering residential, commercial or refurbishment projects.
• Good understanding of heritage/conservation refurbishments (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all aspects of the design process from pre-construction to completion.
• Lead design team meetings with architects, engineers, consultants and subcontractors.
• Review design programmes to hit key milestones.
• Coordinate architectural, structural and MEP information through all stages.
• Identify design risks and provide practical buildable solutions.
• Manage RFIs, technical queries and design changes.
• Ensure compliance with Building Regulations and planning conditions.
• Collaborate with estimating, commercial and site teams to deliver efficient solutions.
• Support value engineering without compromising client expectations.
• Assist in developing design strategies during tender/pre-construction.
• Promote BIM processes and document control.

Skills

Design management

Stakeholder management

Building Regulations knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Degree or equivalent in Construction Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering

Tools

BIM

Job description

We are currently working on behalf of an established and growing building contractor based in the North West (Wigan), who are delivering high-quality residential, commercial and heritage construction projects throughout the North West.

Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Design Manager to join their team and play a key role in managing the design process from pre-construction through to project completion.

The Role

Working closely with the Pre-Construction, Commercial and Site Management teams, you will coordinate all aspects of the design process, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.

You will be responsible for managing consultant teams, reviewing technical information, resolving design issues and ensuring buildable, compliant and cost-effective solutions are delivered across a diverse portfolio of projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the design process on residential, commercial and heritage construction projects.
• Lead design team meetings with architects, engineers, specialist consultants, clients and subcontractors.
• Review and manage design programmes to ensure key project milestones are achieved.
• Coordinate architectural, structural and MEP information throughout all project stages.
• Identify design risks, clashes and buildability issues, developing practical solutions.
• Manage Requests for Information (RFIs), technical queries and design changes.
• Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, planning conditions and relevant legislation.
• Work collaboratively with estimating, commercial and operational teams to deliver efficient project solutions.
• Support value engineering initiatives without compromising quality or client expectations.
• Assist in developing design strategies during tender and pre-construction phases.
• Promote BIM processes and effective document control where applicable.

The successful candidate will have:

• Previous experience as a Design Manager working for a main contractor.
• Experience delivering residential, commercial or refurbishment projects.
• An appreciation of heritage and conservation projects, including refurbishment of listed or historic buildings (Not essential).
• Strong technical knowledge of construction methods, detailing and current Building Regulations.
• Excellent communication, organisation and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• A proactive, solution-focused approach with excellent attention to detail.

Desirable Qualifications

• Degree, HNC or HND in Construction Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience working with BIM and common data environments.