Freelance Design Manager in Salford

CubicWorks is an established construction partner specialising in commercial redevelopment, fit out, facilities management and M&E solutions. We have built a strong reputation for creating and maintaining practical, high-quality spaces for our clients. We combine technical expertise, commercial awareness and a collaborative approach to deliver projects responsibly, transparently and with integrity.

We are looking for an experienced Freelance Design Manager to join our Operational team for approximately 12 months to provide maternity cover. You will take responsibility for the design management of multiple live and pre-construction projects, typically ranging in value from circa £1m to £15m. Our varied portfolio includes complex laboratory and office fit outs, commercial refurbishment, large-scale building redevelopments and projects involving listed and heritage buildings.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Managing the design process: Take ownership of design management across several projects, establishing clear priorities, responsibilities, deliverables and approvals.
• Coordinating design teams: Lead in-house designers, architects, structural and M&E engineers, specialist consultants and subcontractor designers; ensure interfaces between disciplines are fully resolved.
• Managing design programmes: Develop and maintain design programmes, information release schedules and trackers aligned with procurement, construction sequencing and key client decisions.
• Leading coordination: Chair design meetings, technical workshops and reviews; manage actions, RFIs, design queries, clashes and outstanding information to timely resolution.
• Engaging with clients: Act as a confident client-facing design lead, attend and lead meetings, present proposals and design progress, manage expectations and secure decisions and approvals.
• Supporting pre-construction: Review employer’s requirements, design proposals, tender information and consultant scopes; identify gaps, risks, buildability matters and value engineering opportunities.
• Supporting project delivery: Work with Contracts Managers, Project Managers, QSs and site teams to ensure coordinated, buildable design information is issued when required.
• Controlling design change: Track revisions, scope changes and design development; communicate potential cost, programme and contractual implications promptly to the commercial and operational teams.
• Managing specialist packages: Coordinate design responsibility, technical submissions, approvals and interfaces for specialist subcontractor and supplier-designed elements.
• Ensuring technical compliance: Coordinate relevant Building Regulations, planning and listed building consent requirements, and support the appropriate dutyholders in meeting CDM and applicable building safety obligations.
• Managing design information: Maintain effective drawing and document control, design risk registers, approval records, technical submittals and handover/as-built information.

Key Attributes:

• Proven Design Manager experience with a main contractor, preferably within a Design & Build environment, and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Strong experience coordinating in-house designers, external consultants and specialist subcontractor design teams.
• Experience across commercial fit out, refurbishment and redevelopment; exposure to laboratories, complex M&E installations or listed buildings would be advantageous.
• Sound technical understanding of architectural, structural, M&E and specialist design interfaces, with a practical approach to buildability.
• Confident and credible in direct client-facing situations, including leading design meetings and managing challenging technical discussions.
• Excellent programme management, organisation and communication skills, with the ability to prioritise competing requirements across £1m-£15m projects.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of design-related risks, changes, procurement and construction programme impacts.
• Working knowledge of relevant statutory approvals and design compliance requirements; familiarity with common document control and design coordination software.
• Relevant construction, architecture or engineering qualification, or demonstrable equivalent experience; self-motivated, pragmatic and comfortable taking ownership from day one.

Freelance contract details:

• Engagement: Freelance / contract, providing maternity cover for approximately 12 months.
• Projects: Multiple Design & Build projects, typically circa £1m-£15m in value.
• Day rate, start date and working arrangements: To be agreed.
• Place of work: Head office in Salford Quays, with site visits across Greater Manchester.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.