At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate design processes for complex projects like data centres and pharmaceutical facilities.
- Company: Join a leading international engineering and construction partner with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and the chance to work on innovative projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge sectors while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Architecture or Engineering and 8+ years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
AA Euro Recruitment Group has been retained by one of our clients to recruit a Design Manager to work in Design Office based in Belfast. This role presents a fantastic opportunity for the successful candidate to progress their career with a highly respected employer. Our Client is a leading international technical engineering and construction partner operating across the UK, Ireland, and Mainland Europe focusing on design and build contracts for end user clients, specialising in the Food, Pharmaceutical, Logistics, Data Centre and Advanced Manufacturing sectors.
The Role
- The Design Manager / Design Architect is responsible for leading, coordinating, and controlling the design process across all project stages—from concept through construction and handover—for technically complex projects including hyperscale data centres, GMP pharmaceutical facilities, and large-scale logistics hubs.
- This role ensures that design outputs meet client requirements, statutory compliance, budget constraints, program milestones, and constructability standards while maintaining design integrity and technical excellence.
- The position operates at the interface between client, consultants, specialist designers, supply chain, and construction teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Design Leadership & Coordination
- Lead multidisciplinary design teams (architectural, structural, civil, MEP, process).
- Manage design deliverables across RIBA or equivalent stage gates.
- Coordinate specialist designers (e.g., CSA, MEP, process, cleanroom, ICT, BMS).
- Ensure integration of mission-critical systems in data centre projects.
- Oversee pharmaceutical layouts ensuring GMP zoning and process flow integrity.
- Coordinate large-span structural and yard design for logistics facilities.
- Technical Governance & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with:
- Building regulations and local planning authority requirements
- Client design standards
- Environmental and sustainability targets (LEED/BREEAM where applicable)
- Pharmaceutical regulatory frameworks (e.g., GMP, ISPE guidelines)
- Data centre redundancy standards (e.g., Tier III/IV principles)
- Manage design risk registers and technical assurance processes.
- Chair design review meetings and technical workshops.
- Commercial & Programme Management
- Align design development with procurement strategy.
- Control design change management and mitigate scope creep.
- Support value engineering initiatives without compromising compliance or performance.
- Ensure design information is issued in line with construction programme.
- Stakeholder & Client Management
- Act as primary design interface with client representatives.
- Present design solutions and resolve technical queries.
- Manage consultant performance and deliverable quality.
- Construction Phase Support
- Ensure design intent is maintained during construction.
- Review contractor submittals and shop drawings.
- Resolve site technical queries (RFIs).
- Participate in commissioning planning for data centre and pharma systems.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience
- Degree in Architecture or Engineering (RIBA/ ARB / RIAI or equivalent preferred for architects)
- 8+ years' experience in design management or senior architectural role
- Proven delivery of large-scale industrial projects, data centres and/or mission-critical projects
- Experience in contractor-led design (Design & Build environment preferred)
- Strong knowledge of BIM coordination (Revit/Navisworks proficiency)
- Familiarity with digital collaboration platforms
For further information on this role, please contact Rafal Kantyka or to apply, click ‘Apply Now.
Design Manager (Architect) in Belfast employer: AA Euro Group
Contact Detail:
AA Euro Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager (Architect) in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend design and engineering events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your portfolio! Make sure your design work is easily accessible online. Create a sleek website or use platforms like Behance to display your projects. This way, potential employers can see your skills in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to design management. Think about how you’ve led teams, managed complex projects, and ensured compliance. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager (Architect) in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading design teams and managing complex projects, especially in sectors like pharmaceuticals and data centres. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've worked on that relate to the job description and show us your passion for design management.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise, especially in BIM coordination and compliance with building regulations. We’re keen to see how you’ve applied these skills in past roles, so be specific about your achievements!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at AA Euro Group
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've worked on, especially those related to data centres and pharmaceutical facilities. Be ready to discuss your role in leading design teams and how you ensured compliance with regulations and client standards.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Brush up on the technical aspects relevant to the role, such as building regulations, GMP guidelines, and sustainability targets like LEED/BREEAM. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to maintaining design integrity.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Think of examples where you've successfully managed client relationships or resolved technical queries. Prepare to discuss how you acted as a primary design interface and how you handled challenges during the design process. This will show your ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing design deliverables. Highlight specific instances where you coordinated with specialist designers or overcame challenges in project management. This will illustrate your capability to lead complex projects successfully.