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- Tasks: Lead design teams on exciting commercial projects and ensure top-notch quality and compliance.
- Company: Join a respected leader in the commercial property and construction sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £80k plus a comprehensive package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative refurbishment and retrofit projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field with strong technical skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Representing a leading organisation within the commercial property and construction sector, our client, a respected name within the commercial built environment, is seeking a highly capable Senior Design Manager to oversee the delivery of design and technical solutions across major refurbishment, retrofit, and planned maintenance programmes. This role is ideal for an experienced design professional with a strong technical background and a proven ability to manage complex commercial building projects from inception through to completion.
The Role
As Senior Design Manager, you will lead multi-disciplinary design teams across a variety of commercial property schemes, including high-rise office refurbishments, commercial fit-outs, and complex retrofit projects. You will ensure that all design outputs meet stringent regulatory, fire safety, and building performance standards, particularly within operational and occupied environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate design teams through all RIBA stages for commercial developments and refurbishments.
- Ensure full compliance with building safety regulations, including Gateway processes for applicable higher-risk commercial buildings.
- Oversee BIM Level 2 implementation and drive digital design coordination across all project stages.
- Manage design risk, technical assurance, and quality control for commercial schemes.
- Deliver retrofit solutions that enhance energy performance, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
- Maintain the golden thread of project information and ensure seamless communication across internal and external stakeholders.
- Produce and review design documentation for commercial planned maintenance programmes and refurbishment work in live, operational environments.
Qualifications & Expertise
- Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.
- Strong understanding of commercial building compliance, fire safety strategy, and structural design considerations.
- Proficiency in BIM Level 2 processes and digital design technologies.
Skills & Experience
- Demonstrated experience leading design delivery on commercial refurbishment, retrofit, or high-rise property projects.
- Proven capability in managing design assurance, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance.
- Strong knowledge of energy-efficiency retrofit principles and sustainable design.
- Excellent stakeholder coordination, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience working within operational commercial buildings and delivering planned maintenance programmes.
To be considered for this position please apply with your CV. For further information please contact Jenny Saban in our Cambridge office.
Senior Design Manager employer: ARC (Norwich) Ltd
Contact Detail:
ARC (Norwich) Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know in the commercial property and construction sector, the better your chances of landing that Senior Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best projects, especially those involving refurbishment and retrofit. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on key regulations and standards in the commercial building sector. Be ready to discuss how you've managed design teams and ensured compliance in past projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex commercial projects and your understanding of building compliance and fire safety. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your technical expertise, especially in BIM Level 2 processes and digital design technologies. We’re keen on seeing how you’ve implemented these in past projects, so give us the details!
Highlight Leadership Experience: As a Senior Design Manager, leadership is key. Share examples of how you've led multi-disciplinary teams through various project stages. We love to see strong coordination and communication skills in action!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you into our system quickly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at ARC (Norwich) Ltd
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you can discuss your previous projects in detail. Be ready to explain your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them, especially in commercial refurbishment and retrofit contexts.
✨Brush Up on Compliance Knowledge
Since compliance with building safety regulations is crucial for this role, review the latest standards and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past projects, particularly regarding fire safety and operational environments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Design Manager, you'll be leading multi-disciplinary teams. Think of examples where you've successfully coordinated teams through RIBA stages or managed design risk. Highlight your communication skills and how you maintain the golden thread of project information.
✨Demonstrate Your Digital Savvy
Familiarise yourself with BIM Level 2 processes and digital design technologies. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in your previous roles and how they contributed to project success, especially in enhancing energy performance and sustainability.
