LST Senior Design Manager

John Sisk & Son; Bicester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the Life Science & Technology sector is seeking a Design Manager to join their team. This role will be pivotal in delivering effective design across multiple projects and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Candidates should have a strong background in design management, a minimum of 10 years of experience, and possess a relevant degree. The position offers opportunities for travel and collaboration with various stakeholders, making it ideal for those looking to lead and innovate within the sector.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company car (depending on role)

Pension and annual bonus

26+ days annual leave

Additional benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience required.
• Exceptional knowledge of LST procurement routes and contracts.
• Strong design bias towards architectural or engineering disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of effective design across projects.
• Oversee design compliance with regulations and standards.
• Manage and mentor design teams for skill development.

Skills

Design Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Problem Solving

Process Improvement

Education

Construction or Engineering diploma/degree

Job description

Overview

John Sisk & Son has an opportunity for a Design Manager or a time-served Design Manager ready to take the next step towards a Senior Design Manager. This role involves joining a growing team within the Life Science & Technology sector.

As Design Manager, you will lead the delivery of effective design across multiple projects or a single large-scale project. Your responsibilities include overseeing pre-construction and construction design processes, liaising with clients, vendors, design teams, in-house bid teams, operations, and digital/information functions within John Sisk & Son. The role involves overseeing design and development of facilities, equipment, and processes within the life sciences & technology sector, ensuring compliance with regulations and industry standards. This position is client-facing and requires wider stakeholder engagement.

Travel will be within the regional geographic locations, with a requirement to work across co-locations (site, office, clients’ offices).

Responsibilities

• Understand contractual procurement routes and administration, including Design & Build (D&B), Engineering Procurement Construction Management (EPCM), Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC), JCT, and NEC Contracts.
• Have a strong understanding of life science technologies, including equipment, instrumentation, vendor engagement, and workflows.
• Understand design stage plans reflecting client design and procurement work-stages, e.g., RIBA, FEL, AEC.
• Collaborate with stakeholders such as scientists, engineers, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Identify and resolve design and technical issues throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify opportunities for process and operational improvements.
• Manage and mentor design teams, ensuring they have the necessary skills and resources.
• Lead pre-construction phase briefing and design processes.
• Manage design procedures, serving as a link between commercial, construction, digital, innovation, and design teams.
• Implement collaborative processes for design challenge and review.
• Control and distribute design information at various project stages.
• Ensure regular progress reporting on design.
• Review design information for buildability, safety, maintainability, compliance, and technical suitability.
• Promote innovation in design management, methodology, and practices.
• Support the promotion of the company's vision and values in design activities.
• Focus on Design for Manufacture and Assembly, solutions optioneering, and managing consultancies.
• Handle information and change control.
• Ensure design compliance with client and legislative requirements.
• Mentor junior design managers/co-ordinators.
• Support pre-construction and construction processes, leading research and implementation of innovative design solutions.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience.
• Exceptional knowledge of current LST procurement routes, contracts, and design workflows within the sector.
• Strong design bias towards architectural CSA or engineering MEP, with good understanding of the other.
• Ability to liaise effectively with clients, design consultants, project staff, and site management for design matters.

Qualifications

• Construction or Engineering diploma/degree.

Additional Information

• Competitive salary.
• Company Car (depending on role).
• Pension, annual bonus, and 26+ days annual leave.
• Additional benefits.

Our people are at the heart of our success. We offer work with purpose, work-life balance, career growth, and a collaborative environment. Our internal recruitment team handles all vacancies. Unsolicited contact by agencies sharing CVs is not accepted. We are committed to diversity and encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply, emphasizing transferable skills beyond technical expertise.

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