Design Manager

Background

We are currently looking for a Design Manager to complement and support our strong pre-construction team. The role will extend (depending on projects type) to post tender design development, coordination & management of the design teams. The role will be based in our Ipswich office, covering the working area of Suffolk & Essex. The role is generally office based but there may be the opportunity to work onsite or from one of our other offices (location permitting).

The successful candidate will be joining a strong dedicated group who are themselves supported by our in-house design (architectural, structural and civils) consultancy office. The candidate will work closely with and report to our experienced Pre-Construction Manager. The successful candidate will be joining one of the largest family run construction business’ dealing with a diverse range of interesting and challenging projects across multiple sectors.

For this role you will need to be focused, knowledgeable of construction techniques, design standards and Building Regulations, self-motivated and able to work both independently and within our team of like-minded individuals. You will have excellent communication skills, both verbally and written, and you will need to hold a clean driving license and be prepared to travel throughout our operating area.

The successful candidate needs to be efficient and resourceful, with an invaluable set of interpersonal and problem-solving skills and the flexibility to adapt to fast paced, ever- changing environments. You need to be a conscientious, organised and pro-active team player, highly motivated and committed to achieving deadlines and always focused on the task in hand. You will be responsible for managing design teams and managing them in the production of information through different stages of design development.

The role will ideally suit someone from a design background (architectural or engineering) and/or construction project management (with design and build experience).

Key Responsibilities

• Pre-Construction:
• Manage the design process during the tender stage, from tender to commencement on site.
• Understanding the design brief.
• Chair design development meetings during the tender process
• Fully investigate value engineering and value creation reviews and work closely with the estimating and commercial team.
• Review of enquiry documents, usually in the form of an Employer’s Requirements.
• Manage the design process via external consultants.
• Close liaison with internal departments ensuring programming and cost management are aligned with design development.
• Managing the progress of design issues within a strict timescale & ensure designers meet information delivery dates. Assist in design deliverables and Information Required Schedules.
• Attend design meetings & support construction teams where required.
• Attend and input into risk meetings.
• Reviewing design team and sub-contractor design proposals, overmarking (red penning) and commenting on design and construction issues.
• Verify & control status of consultants and subcontractors' drawings and specifications & maintain registers.
• Ensure the consultant scope of services, responsibilities and fees are agreed.
  
  Construction Stages
• Ensure designers appointments are completed in accordance with procedures as soon as practical.
• Produce and monitor a design procurement programme / information release schedule
• Maintain a drawing and specification register as designs develops
• Monitor any design issues on the project risk register,
• Ensure architect leads the technical coordination of all design disciplines
• Monitor the information release schedule on at least a weekly basis
• As required, attend site progress meetings
• Ensure that each design consultant provides a regular design status report
• Ensure designers and design subcontractors produce as built information and O and M Manuals in sufficient time towards project completion
• Understand different Client procurement routes
• Good communication, presentation and diplomacy skills
• Work as part of a team and on your own initiative
• Ability to meet deadlines and work well under pressure

Key Skills & Knowledge

• Good organisation skills and work ethic.
• Computer skills – need to be proficient on Microsoft Office packages and document management systems. Any experience with Bluebeam or 4 Projects would be beneficial but not essential (and training can be provided).
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• A good ‘team player’, able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication, presentation and diplomacy skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and works well under pressure.