Design Manager

The Design Manager will be responsible for managing Stage 5 asset design delivery and associated design packages, including AFO and MEP systems. The role will lead and coordinate all design disciplines associated with a specific asset, ensuring designs are technically assured, delivered to programme, and effectively coordinated across all stakeholders and will oversee design progress, change control, reporting, issue resolution, interface management, collaborating with internal teams, supply chain partners, third-party designers and specialist suppliers to support successful project delivery. Candidates should have proven experience delivering large-scale civil engineering or infrastructure projects with a background in design management, engineering management or project delivery. Experience of shaft fit-out, headhouse structures, architectural fit-out, MEP systems, and multidisciplinary design coordination would be advantageous. A strong understanding of construction techniques, design assurance processes, safety, quality, programme management and commercial considerations is essential. Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills are also required.

Main Responsibilities

Design Management

• Lead all design activities for allocated assets and/or design packages.
• Manage multidisciplinary design delivery, ensuring coordination between architectural, structural, civil, MEP, and specialist disciplines.
• Oversee design activities associated with shaft fit-out works, including blockwork, fireproofing, steelwork, doors, hatches, drainage, and associated interfaces.
• Manage architectural design elements, including façades, cladding, roofing systems, metalwork, and integration with MEP services.
• Coordinate design activities across multiple assets where package-wide design management responsibility exists.
• Facilitate design reviews and support progression from detailed design through to construction.

Stage 5 Design Delivery

• Manage supply chain Stage 5 design deliverables, ensuring quality outputs are submitted in accordance with programme requirements.
• Ensure design management processes are understood and implemented by all parties.
• Manage interfaces between design suppliers, consultants, contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Coordinate responses to technical queries and design-related requests.
• Ensure designs incorporate requirements for maintenance, operational functionality, health, safety, and welfare.
• Monitor and report on design progress, risks, issues, and opportunities.
• Identify design scope gaps, clashes, and interface issues, supporting timely resolution.
• Review and coordinate Technical Queries (TQs), Requests for Information (RFIs), Field Change Documents (FCDs), Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), and Material Compliance Records (MCRs).
• Liaise with quality, engineering, technical assurance, fire, security, and delivery teams to support successful project outcomes.
• Support commercial teams with subcontract management, cost reconciliation, and change management.
• Track design documentation through review and approval processes.
• Coordinate stakeholder reviews and ensure timely progression of documentation.
• Ensure compliance with design management plans, assurance requirements, and governance procedures.
• Manage design queries, defects, and corrective actions through to resolution.

CDM and Safety Management

• Ensure Construction (Design and Management) Regulations requirements are communicated and implemented throughout the design process.
• Work closely with health, safety, and CDM teams to ensure compliance.
• Facilitate robust design risk reviews and hazard identification processes.
• Ensure design risks are effectively communicated and managed between design and construction teams.
• Promote safe-by-design principles and continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Skills

Essential

• Experience managing Architectural Fit-Out (AFO), Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health (MEP), or multidisciplinary infrastructure design packages.
• Strong project management, planning, and organisational skills.
• Experience collecting, analysing, and interpreting project data to identify trends and drive improvements.
• Proactive and solution-focused approach to problem solving.
• Knowledge of relevant design standards, industry regulations, and assurance processes.
• Experience working within complex, large-scale design environments.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.
• Strong IT skills, including:
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Document control systems
  • AutoCAD
  • Navisworks
  • ProjectWise (or equivalent common data environments)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Relevant CSCS Card.
• Knowledge and understanding of NEC forms of contract and their application within construction projects.

Desirable

• Degree, HNC/HND, or equivalent qualification in Architectural, Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Professional membership with a relevant institution (e.g. ICE, IET, CIOB, CIBSE, RIBA, RICS).
• Experience delivering rail, tunnelling, infrastructure, utilities, or major civil engineering projects.