POSITION SUMMARY:

The Design Team Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the design activities of the organization. This individual will lead a team of talented designers and architects, ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality architectural designs (RIBA stages 0-3) and 3D visual services. The Design Team Manager will also provide commercial support and oversee all design standards that are/or will become outputs of the design department.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Architecture, Engineering or a related field;
• Proven experience in managing design teams and delivering architectural projects;
• Strong knowledge of architectural design principles, RIBA Plan of Work, building regulations and construction practices;
• Proficiency in BIM software, processes and related technologies;
• Familiarity with BREEAM standards, processes and sustainability best practices;
• Excellent leadership and team management skills;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent presenting skills;
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines;
• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and accuracy;
• Commercial awareness and understanding of project budgets and financial implications;

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Workload Management: Efficiently manage the workload of the design team to ensure timely and high-quality project delivery. Assess and allocate projects to designers based on their expertise and workload capacity. Develop and maintain trackers to monitor project progress, including drawing approval status, compliance with building regulations, and key project milestones;
• Design Coordination: Coordinate and manage the design process from concept to completion, ensuring all design deliverables are met within agreed timelines and budgetary constraints;
• Architecture Design: Lead the development of architectural designs. Check and approve all drawings and documents prior to issue ensuring they meet client expectations, comply with building regulations, and align with the organization’s design standards;
• Planning applications: Plan, manage and monitor the submission and progress of planning applications, including any necessary Inhouse works, revisions, conditions and resubmissions. Collaborate with the whole design team to ensure that all necessary documents and information are prepared and submitted correctly for planning approval.
• Team Leadership: Provide guidance, mentorship, and supervision to the design team, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and provide constructive feedback to team members;
• Commercial Support: Collaborate with the commercial team to support business development activities, including proposal development, project scoping, and client presentations. Actively contribute to work winning by ensuring the designs are developed within budgetary constraints and promote cost efficiency;
• Building Information Modelling (BIM): Implement and oversee the use of BIM software and processes within the design team. Facilitate collaboration and coordination between design disciplines using BIM technologies, improving project efficiency and reducing errors;
• BREEAM/DREEAM Implementation: Ensure adherence to BREEAM/DREEAM standards throughout the design process, promoting sustainable design practices, and maximizing environmental performance in projects;
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and consultants, to ensure effective communication and coordination throughout the design process;
• Quality Assurance: Establish and maintain quality control procedures to ensure all design outputs meet the organization’s standards and comply with relevant regulations and codes;
• Information Management: Manage and oversee design related design-related information. This includes developing and monitoring project related information management tools and processes, technical libraries, and department management;
• Site attendance: Attend internal and external meetings to support the delivery of projects in line with budget and programme requirements.
• Hours of Working: Work outside normal working hours of business if required to meet agreed deadlines.