Design Manager

Background

Evara is the largest private developer in Ireland, with an active landbank across Dublin including the areas of Adamstown, Cherrywood, Clonburris and Portmarnock. Building transformational neighbourhoods and affordable, quality homes for people and communities across Ireland.

Job Purpose

The Design Manager is responsible for the successful delivery of the design process across Design & Build projects, from tender and design development through to construction and handover. Working closely with the Contracts Manager and project team, the Design Manager leads and coordinates multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring design deliverables are compliant, buildable, and aligned with programme and budget. The role requires a deep technical understanding of architectural design, Irish building regulations, and digital delivery processes, and plays a pivotal role in maintaining design quality and resolving coordination challenges throughout the project lifecycle.

Roles and Responsibilities

Design Leadership & Management

• Overall responsibility for Evara regarding design performance and quality on assigned projects.

• Lead and manage the design process from tender stage through to project completion and handover.

• Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams including architects, structural, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers, and specialist designers.

• Support the Contracts Manager with design-related commercial and programme decisions.

• Manage and mentor internal design coordinators and support staff within the Evara design team.

• Ensure design solutions are innovative, buildable, and represent best practice and value for money.

• Collaborate with Evara's estimating and commercial teams during tender to develop competitive and compliant design proposals.

Programme & Information Management

• Develop, maintain, and monitor design programmes in line with overall project timelines.

• Manage the flow of design information and ensure timely issue of drawings, specifications, and technical submissions to the site team.

• Chair and lead design team meetings, workshops, and coordination sessions.

• Maintain a master document register and ensure all design submissions are tracked and responded to within agreed timeframes.

• Liaise with the project planner to align design milestones with construction programme requirements.

Compliance & Statutory Requirements

• Ensure full compliance with Irish Building Regulations, planning conditions, and all statutory requirements throughout the design process.

• Manage all BCAR (Building Control Amendment Regulations) obligations, including coordination of the Assigned Certifier and Design Certifier roles.

• Ensure compliance with Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) and Disability Access Certificate (DAC) requirements.

• Oversee the preparation and submission of all statutory and regulatory documentation.

• Advise the project team on regulatory risks and ensure corrective actions are implemented promptly.

BIM & Digital Delivery

• Lead BIM coordination and digital design processes in accordance with ISO 19650 standards.

• Implement and manage the project BIM Execution Plan (BEP) and ensure all design team members comply.

• Use Navisworks and other BIM tools to carry out clash detection and coordinate design interfaces.

• Ensure design models are maintained, updated, and issued to the site team for construction use.

• Drive continuous improvement in digital delivery processes across Evara's design function.

Subcontractor & Supplier Design Management

• Manage subcontractor and supplier design packages, ensuring submissions are compliant and approved in a timely manner.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or a related discipline.

• A third level qualification in Construction Management or equivalent.

• Membership of a recognised professional body (RIAI, Engineers Ireland, CIOB or similar).

• 5+ years' post-qualification experience in a Design Manager or Senior Architectural role.

• A proven track record delivering Apartment Design & Build projects ranging from €50-€200 million.