Design Project Manager

Design Project Manager

The Role
To lead or support the pre-construction phase of schemes, developing construction-ready plans and shaping projects to achieve robust technical solutions, enhanced margins, and reduced risk. Ensuring risks and constraints are identified and incorporated into bids and contracts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and control the pre-construction phase with clients to secure sustainable design and build contracts.

• Manage complex multi-disciplinary consultants and design packages.

• Chair and record weekly progress meetings, providing reports and dashboards to clients and stakeholders.

• Identify and manage risks, opportunities, and change control processes.

• Ensure compliance with assurance, governance, and review processes, producing all required deliverables.

• Develop, maintain, and deliver against pre-construction budgets and programmes.

• Co-ordinate site investigations, surveys, and early construction planning activities (e.g., procurement, consents, design).

• Collaborate with internal teams (HSEQ, operations, maintenance) and external stakeholders.

• Produce and manage project plans, risk assessments, and method statements.

• Take accountability for engineering solutions and designs, producing briefs and evaluating outputs.

• Lead design reviews to ensure safety, buildability, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards.

• Manage temporary and permanent works interfaces and respond to technical queries from project teams.

• Support bid teams by advising on risks, opportunities, and client requirements.

• Promote innovation, new techniques, and best practices across design and construction phases.

• Monitor and control project costs, forecasts, and supply chain performance during pre-construction.

• Manage contracts with suppliers and subcontractors, ensuring quality delivery.

• Oversee procurement of plant and materials in line with company procedures.

• Ensure HSE compliance under CDM2015, managing pre-construction investigations and surveys.

• Drive quality assurance to deliver accurate surveys, investigations, and pre-construction outputs.

Key Measures of Success

• Successful delivery of the pre-construction phase leading to sustainable main contract awards.

About You

Essential

• Proven experience in design, commercial, or project leadership roles.

• Degree/HNC in Civil Engineering (or equivalent).

• Strong knowledge of contract conditions, CDM regulations, design management, programme and risk management, and cost control.

• Ability to use Primavera P6 (or equivalent).

• Excellent communication and team management skills, with the ability to influence and mentor.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.

• Track record of delivering successful projects with minimal guidance.

Desirable

• Professional qualification or membership with a relevant institution.

• Experience with Affinity Water-related projects.