Design Manager

Design Manager

As a Design Manager, you will lead the delivery of effective design across multiple projects or a single large-scale project. This role involves managing both pre-construction and construction design processes, working closely with clients, vendors, design consultants, in-house bid teams, operations staff, and digital/information functions. The position is key in developing facilities, equipment, and processes within the Life Sciences & Technology sector, ensuring compliance with regulations and standards. It is a client-facing role requiring stakeholder engagement.

Travel: Regional travel between co-located sites, client offices, and project sites is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full design process from pre-construction to delivery.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Guide design development within Life Sciences & Technology projects, ensuring technical and regulatory compliance.
• Manage procedures for production, control, and distribution of design information across project phases.
• Encourage design innovation and interrogation within a collaborative team.
• Review design outputs for buildability, safety, maintainability, compliance, and accuracy.
• Promote best practices like DfMA and optioneering.
• Oversee consultancies, manage change control, and ensure compliance with client and legislative requirements.
• Mentor and lead junior design team members.

Design & Technical Expertise

• Understanding of contractual procurement routes (D&B, EPCM, EPC), including JCT and NEC contracts.
• Knowledge of life science technologies, processes, instrumentation, and workflows.
• Familiarity with design planning frameworks such as RIBA, FEL, and AEC.
• Experience managing design in architectural CSA or engineering MEP contexts.
• Ability to influence branding, risk, and related areas.

About NRL

The NRL Group connects global companies with the right people to realize engineering projects. We support energy transition and work towards a greener future.

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