Role Overview

The Design Manager will be a senior team member responsible for:

1. Managing the design function on live schemes
2. Collaborating with the Work Winning Department on tenders
3. Coordinating design projects from tender to construction completion
4. Applying construction knowledge to support innovative and cost-effective solutions
5. Ensuring effective construction phase through understanding of site management practices

Key Responsibilities

Design Management

- Support innovative design solutions development
- Review design partner competencies and performance
- Chair design team meetings and workshops
- Manage design relationships with clients, subcontractors, and professional teams
- Adopt proactive approach to value engineering

Project Coordination

- Develop client relationships during early concept stages
- Manage expectations through regular communication
- Align scope sheets with duties schedule
- Contribute to procurement and construction programmes
- Produce and monitor KPIs for the design process

Technical Oversight

- Review designs for potential interface problems and construction practicalities
- Participate in subcontractor selection interviews
- Review subcontract enquiries for subcontractor-designed packages
- Appoint and evaluate Design Coordinators

Required Skills and Qualifications

Technical Skills

- Well-developed technical construction knowledge
- Experience with design standards (e.g., WIMES, Client Standards)
- Competent user of MS Office packages and collaborative platforms
- Experience with project management software (e.g., P6, Microsoft Project) desirable

Qualifications

- Degree in a relevant construction subject
- Professional qualification (e.g., C.Eng or MCIOB) desirable

Soft Skills

- Strong communication abilities at all levels
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Analytical problem-solving skills
- Client and customer focus
- Leadership and team collaboration abilities

This role requires a seasoned professional with extensive experience in design management within the water sector construction industry. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background, excellent communication skills, and the ability to lead and coordinate complex projects from tender to completion.