Design Manager - Construction
21 days ago
Gateshead
Design Manager – Job Description\n\nOverview\n\nAs Design Manager, you will report to the Head of Design and be based within the Design Department. Your primary responsibility is to manage individual schemes, ensuring effective coordination of all technical information between external consultants and internal teams.\n\nThe Design Team supports multiple operational areas, including Structural & Civil Engineering, Construction, Building Services, and Facilities Management. The team provides expertise in structural steel detailing, design coordination, architectural support, and quality assurance.\n\nCore Values\n\nIntegrity\nActing with honesty and strong ethical standards while fostering positive working relationships.\n\nRespect\nTrusting colleagues’ abilities, taking accountability, and contributing to a collaborative team environment.\n\nPride & Passion\nValuing individual contributions and maintaining a strong commitment to delivering excellence.\n\nQuality\nDelivering services aligned with quality, environmental, and safety standards, as well as best practices.\n\nInnovation\nEmbracing new methods of working to improve efficiency and drive continuous improvement.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nManage the overall design process across projects\n\nSecure approvals from stakeholders and local authorities, including relevant agreements and service applications\n\nProvide technical support during feasibility and construction phases\n\nEnsure timely distribution of design information to internal and external teams\n\nCoordinate legal and contractual design-related requirements (e.g. agreements, warranties, insurances)\n\nAppoint and manage external consultants, including scope, fees, and deliverables\n\nOversee building regulations and warranty submissions\n\nDevelop and manage detailed design programmes, including critical path tracking\n\nLead, support, and develop the internal design team\n\nConduct quality reviews to ensure compliance with design specifications\n\nCoordinate planning, building control approvals, and discharge of conditions\n\nContinuous Improvement\n\nContribute to business improvement and development of technical functions\n\nIdentify issues and propose effective solutions\n\nEnsure compliance with quality, environmental, and safety procedures\n\nPromote teamwork across internal and external stakeholders\n\nMaintain a strong understanding of company systems and standards\n\nPerson Specification\n\nQualifications\n\nHNC/HND in Construction & Engineering or equivalent\n\nExperience & Skills\n\nEssential:\n\nExperience with a main contractor, architecture practice, or in design coordination / architectural technology\n\nStrong communication skills with the ability to manage a small team\n\nAbility to identify potential issues and implement solutions\n\nProven experience managing consultants and warranty providers\n\nAbility to monitor and track design processes effectively\n\nExperience with drawing portals or project information systems\n\nAbility to manage RFIs and liaise with design teams, engineers, and architects\n\nDesirable:\n\nExperience in value engineering\n\nFamiliarity with design management processes and team leadership\n\nExperience working with 3D models\n\nProficiency in AutoCAD\n\nKnowledge of BIM processes\n\nExperience hosting design team meetings\n\nProactive and solutions-focused approach\n\nExperience with Revit and/or Tekla\n\nMembership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIOB, RICS, RIBA)