Design Manager - DFE

PSR Solutions; Tyseley; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance or company vehicle

Pension scheme

Private healthcare

Ongoing professional development

Job summary

PSR Solutions is seeking an experienced Design Manager for its Midlands division to lead design management from pre-construction through successful delivery. You will coordinate consultants, maintain design programmes and ensure buildable, compliant designs while balancing cost and schedule.

The role requires a degree in a related field, strong BIM knowledge and a track record with Tier 1 or leading Tier 2 contractors. Excellent communication and stakeholder management are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering or related discipline.
• Professional membership such as MCIOB, RIBA, CIBSE or IET (desirable).
• Valid CSCS Card.
• Proven Design Management experience within a Tier 1 or leading Tier 2 Main Contractor.
• Experience on projects with values £5m–£50m.
• Strong understanding of BIM and digital construction processes.
• Commercial awareness balancing quality, programme and cost.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and organisational skills.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams across project stages.

Responsibilities

• Manage the design process from tender through to project completion.
• Develop and implement Design Management Plans in line with procedures.
• Coordinate appointment and performance of consultants and external design teams.
• Ensure design proposals meet client expectations, statutory requirements, programme objectives and commercial targets.
• Review design information for buildability, compliance and value engineering.
• Chair and participate in design team meetings with stakeholders.
• Assist in managing design risk via reviews, workshops and risk registers.
• Oversee RFI process and technical document control procedures.
• Develop and maintain detailed design programmes with milestones.

Skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Organisational skills

Education

Architecture / Construction Management / Engineering degree

CSCS Card

MCIOB / RIBA / CIBSE / IET membership (desirable)

Tools

BIM

Job description

Our client is an award-winning national main contractor with operations across the UK, delivering high-quality projects across the commercial, residential, industrial and mixed-use sectors. Due to continued growth and a strategic expansion into the Department for Education (DfE) sector, they have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Design Manager to join their Midlands division. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in establishing and growing the business's presence within the education sector, supporting the delivery of high-profile DfE projects from pre-construction through to successful completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the design process from tender stage through to project completion.
• Develop and implement project-specific Design Management Plans in line with company procedures.
• Coordinate the appointment, management and performance of consultants and external design teams.
• Ensure design proposals meet client expectations, statutory requirements, programme objectives and commercial targets.
• Review design information to ensure buildability, compliance and value engineering opportunities are maximised.
• Chair and participate in design team meetings, maintaining effective communication between all project stakeholders.
• Assist in managing design risk through regular reviews, workshops and project risk registers.
• Oversee the Request for Information (RFI) process and technical document control procedures.
• Develop and maintain detailed design programmes, ensuring key milestones are achieved.
• Work collaboratively with commercial and construction teams to manage design changes and project risks.
• Maintain alignment with project cost plans throughout the design development process.
• Support design verification and technical approval processes.
• Mentor and support Design Coordinators and Document Controllers where applicable.
• Coordinate the production of Health & Safety Files, Operation & Maintenance Manuals and project handover documentation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and the wider project team.

Education, Skills & Experience

• Degree qualified in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Professional membership such as MCIOB, RIBA, CIBSE or IET (desirable).
• Valid CSCS Card.
• Proven experience in Design Management within a Tier 1 or leading Tier 2 Main Contractor.
• Experience working on projects with construction values ranging from £5m - £50m.
• Strong understanding of current procurement routes and construction methodologies.
• Good knowledge of BIM and digital construction processes.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to balance quality, programme and cost.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and organisational skills.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams across various stages of the project lifecycle.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Car allowance or company vehicle.
• Pension scheme.
• Private healthcare.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• Clear career progression within a nationally recognised contractor