Design Manager

at  Equans

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND PROBLEM-SOLVING:

• Provide technical guidance and support to the design team on construction principles, building regulations, and best practices.
• Identify and troubleshoot design issues proactively, seeking creative solutions to ensure project feasibility and functionality.
• Stay up to date with the latest construction technologies, design trends, MMC, and sustainable building practices.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent communication and influencing skills working as part of a bid or delivery team.
• Excellent construction design technical knowledge.
• Excellent management capabilities to manage, direct and drive multi disciplined design teams.
• Able to organise document distribution.
• Able to programme design works.
• Able to prioritise and organise workflow.
• Technical and process minded.
• Knowledge of methodology and sequencing process in delivering a construction project including design and pre-construction activities.
• Understanding of design requirements for procurement and construction purposes.
• Ability to drive issues through to completion, setting clear targets and driving the delivery of design information towards those targets.
• High level of Interpersonal skills and a professional attitude to work.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience working on education and public buildings, and sustainability/retrofit projects through funding such as PSDS.
• An understanding of Retrofit project specifications and requirements.
• A demonstrable history of work on complex projects and what impacts the candidate had on these in regard to design control.
• Knowledge of contractual requirements of design and build contracts (Employers Requirements and preparation of Contractors Proposals) with Two Stage, PCSA contracts
• Knowledge of design process and resourcing requirements.
• Ability to plan and integrate the design process into the procurement and construction programme for the Works.
• Ability to plan, prepare and present complex technical issues in an appropriate manner to internal (ie/Governance) and external parties.
• Knowledge of design requirements for procurement and construction purposes.
• Technical understanding of substructures, structures, M&E services and finishes solutions
• Up to date knowledge of Building Regulations / Building Safety Act / Planning Process / Sustainability.
• Up to date construction industry knowledge.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree (Hons) in a relevant field such as Architecture, Building Surveying, Construction Management, or Architectural Technology.
• Chartered memberships: Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) or Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) demonstrating a high level of commitment and expertise.

THE ROLE WILL IMPACT:

• Project Delivery and Efficiency: Effective design management streamlines the design process, minimises errors and rework, and ensures projects are delivered on time and within budget. This translates to higher profit margins and improved client satisfaction.
• Quality and Innovation: Design managers foster a culture of innovation within the design team, leading to high-quality, functional, and potentially award-winning designs. This can enhance the company’s reputation and attract new clients.
• Risk Mitigation: By proactively identifying and managing design risks, design managers prevent costly delays, safety hazards, and legal issues during construction. This protects the company’s bottom line and reputation.
• Client Relationships: Strong client communication and collaboration fostered by the design manager led to satisfied clients, repeat business, and positive referrals.

THE COMPLEXITY OF THE ROLE:

• Balancing Creativity and Constraints: the need to balance the client’s vision for an aesthetically pleasing and functional design with the limitations of budget, building regulations, and site conditions. Requires creative problem-solving and thinking outside the box while keeping the project feasible.
• Optimising Design for Cost and Efficiency: Evaluate design choices to find the best balance between functionality, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness. This involves value engineering and exploring alternative materials and construction methods.
• Integrating Diverse Expertise: Leading a team with diverse skillsets (architects, engineers, surveyors) requires the design manager to think collaboratively, ensure clear communication, and integrate different perspectives into a cohesive design solution.
• Prioritisation and Risk Management: The need to prioritize tasks, manage the design workflow, and identify potential risks that could impact the project timeline, budget, or safety. Proactive mitigation strategies require critical thinking and contingency planning.