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Design Manager

  • Location: Solihull
  • Salary: £50k - 64k per year + Negotiable on level + experience
  • Job Type:Permanent

Posted about 1 year ago

  • Sector: Construction, Civil Engineering
  • Contact: Tim Smyth
  • Contact Email: Tim.Smyth@anderselite.com
  • Contact Phone: 0121 200 5520
  • Expiry Date: 02 March 2023
  • Job Ref: 400452TSH

Job Title:          Design Manager (Construction Tier 1)
Location:          Birmingham (West Midlands)
Sector:             Construction
Job Type:          Permanent role
Salary:              £50,000 to £64,000 Per Annum + Strong Package (Negotiable on relevant experience)

Role Summary

Our client, a large, established and growing principal contractor within the Construction sector, is currently looking for a Design Manager to join their team on a permanent basis. This role will be focus on construction projects in the Midlands area.

This role will entail managing and co-ordinating the design of complex construction, large value projects (up to £50m) from tender stage through to the completion of construction stage design information. You will be required to utilise construction knowledge and experience to develop innovative and cost-effective design solutions, in conjunction with the design team, applying value engineering principles to ensure best value for all parties, also ensuring effective construction phases are applied to site management practices, interface management, as well as risks and costs and co-ordination.

Applicable candidates will have a proven track record undertaking design management activities at both tender and construction stages. This experience will include working on single stage, two stage and negotiated contracts across a range of sectors including education (schools, further and higher), health, commercial, residential, accommodation, retail and industrial.

The role would suit an ambitious Design Manager who can be accountable/responsible for all design and technical aspects of a project, ensuring that the scheme it is delivered on budget and to programme. This will entail the effective management of both internal and external parties, where effective communication skills will be a key. The successful Design Manager will ensure that all schemes adopt a 'best value' approach, minimising cost, maximising value and exposing opportunity.

In this role, you will be expected to:

  • Developing innovative design solutions to clients briefs with input from the professional team & subcontractors.
  • Developing relationships with clients, during early concept stages; managing expectations of the project through regular communication and discussions regarding requirements and specifications.
  • Chairing design team meetings and design workshops, to arrive at solutions which are cost effective and meet the requirements of the procurement and construction activities.
  • Managing relationships for the whole project team - with the client, subcontractors and professional team.
  • Understanding process and risks/opportunities related to managing the design with regard to Employer’s Requirements, Contractors' Proposals.
  • Identifying and checking contents of Contractors Proposals, qualifications list, design information and marketing documentation for the tender and then be able to deliver compliant design within these parameters.
  • Adopting a proactive approach to value engineering throughout the design phase, by keeping up to date with latest construction techniques and legislation.
  • Developing and utilising scope sheets for each package in conjunction with Project and Commercial Managers to align with duties schedule and utilise these to feed design and procurement programmes and direct design team.
  • Developing and managing programmes, for the production of information for both procurement and construction purposes.
  • Controlling information flow to suit these parameters from consultants and sub-contractors alike and be able to identify and report when problems are occurring and deal with no-performing parties in a robust fashion.
  • Producing, monitoring and driving production though appropriate use of KPIs for the design process.
  • Reviewing the design on an ongoing basis, identify potential interface problems & practicalities in construction, and resolve with the design team and specialist subcontractors.
  • Attending appropriate Contractor selection interviews, including preparation beforehand.
  • Reviewing any subcontract enquiries to subcontractor designed packages.
  • Appointing / veting the Design Team. Ensuring terms and conditions of appointment/novation are acceptable, lead designer role is defined and all services we would normally expect are included.

Candidates will ideally:

  • Hold a professional membership such as MCIOB (Desirable not essential)
  • Have previous experience working in a similar role as a Design Manager, on relevant construction projects (education, medical, commercial projects etc), undertaking design management activities through tender and construction stages.
  • Hold a relevant qualifications in Civil Engineering or Construction (i.e. Degree/HND/HNC or equivalent).
  • Experience working on Framework projects, as well as open market tenders, including single, two stage and negotiated contracts.
  • Have strong knowledge of legislation and regulations used within the Construction industry.
  • Knowledge of current BREEAM/Passivhaus, Building Regulations, fire compartmentation etc.
  • Technical knowledge of architectural, structural, civil and building services design solutions.
  • Understanding of M&E design and interface with build 
  • Good knowledge of current CDM and Building Regulations.
  • Strong communication, relationship building, planning, organisation and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong I.T skills, competent with MS packages, Powerproject Teamplan, 4Projects etc.

For more information, or to apply for this role, please contact Tim Smyth on 0121 200 5520.