Senior Design Manager

Role Summary

You will manage and coordinate the design of construction (non-civil) projects from tender stage right through to the completion of the construction stage design information and production of the operating and maintenance manuals.

Your role will be primarily focused in the Southwest.

The projects you will work on will range in value from £3m to £50M. On smaller projects you will be based in the office whilst working on up to three projects at a time and visiting site as necessary. On larger projects you will initially be based in the office before moving onto site full time to work alongside the rest of the project team where appropriate.

What you will be doing:

• Managing the design team and design portion subcontractors throughout both the tender and construction periods to deliver high quality solutions in a timely fashion.
• Chairing design team meetings and workshops as appropriate to manage the design development process.
• Producing, reviewing, and updating the design programme, information release schedule, risk register and technical query schedules.
• Using a variety of internet-based document management system dependent on client needs.
• Thoroughly appraising tender documentation to identify design risks and opportunities and developing solutions accordingly.
• Vetting and appointing the design team: Ensuring terms and conditions of appointment/novation are acceptable, lead designer role is defined, schedule of deliverables, preparing Design Service Agreements and all appropriate services are included.
• Work alongside the preconstruction and project teams to ensure design portion subcontract enquiries are robust and responses provide a value for money compliant solution.
• Review the design on an ongoing basis, identifying potential interface, buildability, and coordination issues, resolving them with the design and project team and specialist subcontractors.
• Developing innovative design solutions with the design team and supply chain including the production of high-quality value engineering solutions.
• Managing the relationship with the client, subcontractors, and professional team to resolve any design queries and deliver high quality design solutions in a timely fashion.
• Assisting with bidding management activities including:
  • Developing a design programme and IRS schedule for inclusion within the overall tender programme.
  • Development of risk and VE schedules that can then be robustly costed.
  • Writing design management based technical responses for the tender submission.
  • Coordinating the production of design information to be included in the tender submission.
  • Attend post tender interviews as part of the project team including the development of all necessary supporting documentation.
• You will report to the Regional Bid Manager and will be expected to work in partnership with the Bid Lead, Project Manager and the project team. Depending on the size, nature and complexity of the project the candidate may work as part of a design management team.
• You may be required to take the lead design management role, supervising a design manager and/or document controller or alternative supporting another Senior Design Manager on a larger project.

What we will need from you:

• You will need a proven track record of undertaking design management activities at both tender and construction stages.
• You will have experience in both healthcare and education (schools, further and higher), preferably SCF and DFE Frameworks.
• You will ideally be able to demonstrate experience across a wider range of other sectors including accommodation & commercial.
• You will ideally have experience of framework schemes as well as open market tenders via a combination of single stage, two stage and negotiated contracts.
• You will demonstrate a good all round level of technical expertise commensurate with a Design Management role in areas such as:
• Good technical knowledge of architectural, structural, civil and building services design solutions.
• Experience of developing a broad range of substructure design and structural frame solutions.
• Good knowledge of current CDM and Building Regulations.
• Understanding of BREEAM and the Planning application process, the Building Safety Act and discharging of conditions.
• You will have the ability to communicate with a range of people both verbally and in writing with a client and customer focus in order to build productive relationships.
• You will be an analytical problem solver, with the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements and decisions.
• You will be able to plan, organise and project manage, while working independently and in a team environment.
• You will demonstrate effective leadership, ideally with people management experience.
• You will ideally hold a construction based HNC (or equivalent level of technical knowledge).
• You will be experience in using Microsoft packages e.g. Outlook, Excel, Word along with document management systems, Powerproject, Team plan (or similar software).
• Hold a valid driving licence and CSCS card.

What we can offer you

• Competitive salary
• 26 days annual leave (with the opportunity to buy or sell up to 3 days holiday)
• 3 additional long service days achieved after 3, 7 and 10 years
• Private medical insurance for yourself (with the option to buy family cover)
• Life Assurance
• Defined contribution pension scheme matched up to 8%
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and parental leave
• 2 days volunteering opportunities
• Flexible and Agile working (dependent on your role)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional membership fees
• Perks at Work Employee discount scheme offering discounts on a range of categories such as electronics, home appliances, food & groceries, car buying, travel, fitness and more
• Flexible Benefits scheme which includes the opportunity to purchase benefits such as:
• Critical illness insurance (with option to purchase for your partner)
• Dental Insurance
• Travel insurance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Retail vouchers/payroll giving/activity pass for top leisure attractions.

Please note we do not have a licence for sponsorship.

Please note that this role is subject to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance which includes identity, employment history, and criminal record checks.