Design Manager

City, Leeds
Fawkes & Reece London

Are you an experienced Design Manager looking to fast track your career in a dynamic Main Contractor?

As Design Manager you will be responsible for managing,leading and co-ordinating the design of complex and large value projects from tender stage through to the completion of construction stage design information. Utilising 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, and ensure an effective construction phase by applying an understanding of site management practices, interface management, risks, costs and co-ordination.

Duties Include But Are Not Limited To;

• Develop innovative design solutions to clients briefs with input from the professional team and subcontractors;
• Develop relationships with clients during early concept stages; manage expectations of the project through regular communication and discussions regarding requirements and specifications;
• Chair and minute design team meetings and design workshops to arrive at solutions which are cost effective and meet the requirements of the procurement and construction activities.
• Manage the relationship for the whole project team – with the client, subcontractors and professional team resolve any queries;
• Understand the process and risks/opportunities related to managing the design with regard to Employer’s Requirements, Contractors’ Proposals.
• Identify and check 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.
• Adopt a proactive approach to value engineering throughout the design phase, by keeping up to date with latest construction techniques and legislation;
• Develop and utilise 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;
• Develop and manage the programmes for the production of information for both procurement and construction purposes. Be able to control 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;
• Produce, monitor and drive production though appropriate use of KPIs for the design process;
• Review the design on an ongoing basis, identify potential interface problems & practicalities in construction, and resolve with the design team and specialist subcontractors;
• Attend appropriate Contractor selection interviews, including preparation beforehand;
• Review any subcontract enquiries to subcontractor designed packages;
• Appoint / vet 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.

Required Experience;

• Competent user of MS packages e.g. Outlook, Excel, Word (essential);
• Experience of Powerproject Teamplan or similar (desirable);
• Competent user of Collaborative platforms such as 4Projects;
• Causeway or similar estimating software (desirable);
• Comprehensive site experience in engineering or site management role (essential);
• Well developed Technical Construction knowledge (essential);
• Knowledge of current Building Regulations (essential);
• Knowledge of fire compartmentation (highly desirable);
• Knowledge of current BREEAM/Passivhaus requirements (essential);
• Degree qualified in a relevant construction subject (essential);
• Professionally qualified e.g. MCIOB (desirable);
• Understanding of M&E design and interface with build (essential).

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of 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.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Car allowance
• 26 days annual leave (with the opportunity to buy or sell up to 3 days holiday)
• Private medical insurance for yourself (with the option to buy family cover)
• Life Assurance
• Defined contribution pension scheme matched up to 8%
• 2 days volunteering opportunities
• Flexible and Agile working (dependent on your role)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional membership fees
• 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
• Bike to work scheme
• Retail vouchers/payroll giving/activity pass for top leisure attractions

Please contact Alex in our Sheffield office on (phone number removed) (Option 3) or email (url removed).