Senior Design Manager

Wates; Manchester; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Manchester is seeking a highly skilled Senior Design Manager to lead design teams through complex refurbishment and retrofit projects. Candidates should have a strong technical background, expertise in compliance with the Building Safety Act, and proven leadership skills in managing design risk for higher-risk buildings. This role offers a significant opportunity for leadership in a dynamic environment with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of HRB design compliance, fire safety, and structural integrity.
• Experience leading design teams on complex refurbishment and retrofit projects.
• Experience in planned maintenance schemes and occupied building works.

Responsibilities

• Lead design teams through all RIBA stages, ensuring compliance with Building Safety Act.
• Manage design risk and assurance processes for Higher-Risk Buildings.
• Deliver retrofit schemes that meet energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

Skills

Proven leadership in managing design risk for HRBs

Expertise in RIBA stage management and regulatory compliance

Familiarity with retrofit design principles, energy efficiency, and sustainability

Excellent problem-solving, coordination, and communication skills

Education

Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management

Tools

BIM Level 2

Digital design tools

Job description

WPS are looking for a highly skilled Senior Design Manager to lead the delivery of planned maintenance and refurbishment programmes within high-rise buildings , as well as retrofit projects across the North West . This role is ideal for someone with a strong technical background and leadership experience in managing complex design challenges in occupied homes, including higher-risk buildings.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design teams through all RIBA stages, ensuring compliance with Building Safety Act and Building Safety Regulator Gateway process.
• Manage design risk and assurance processes, particularly for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs).
• Oversee BIM Level 2 and digital design coordination.
• Deliver retrofit schemes that meet energy efficiency and sustainability goals.
• Maintain the golden thread of information throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on occupied building works and planned maintenance schemes.

Qualifications

• Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Strong understanding of HRB design compliance, fire safety, and structural integrity.
• Proficient in BIM Level 2 and digital design tools.

Skills

• Proven leadership in managing design risk for HRBs.
• Expertise in RIBA stage management and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with retrofit design principles, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
• Excellent problem-solving, coordination, and communication skills.

Experience

• Leading design teams on complex refurbishment and retrofit projects.
• Experience in planned maintenance schemes and occupied building works.
• Managing design assurance and maintaining the golden thread of project information.

Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks.

To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link : National Security Vetting