Reference: 4842243Job ID: 5423987Posted: 2026-11-09Closing date: 2027-02-07Location: ManchesterSalary: Up to 90k Package (per annum)Job type: PermanentWorking pattern: Full timeIndustry: Construction / Building ServicesCompany: HaysConsultant: Shane EnnisHays office: Manchester — 5th Floor, City Tower, Piccadilly PlazaPhone: 01612364949Email: shane.ennis@hays.comDesign ManagerSalary: Up to 90,000 package Location: Leigh & siteHours: 8:00am to 4:30pm The opportunityHays are working with an established building services contractor that is looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager to join its pre-construction and project delivery team.
This is a senior role with responsibility for leading and coordinating the design process from tender and pre-construction through to installation, commissioning and final handover. You will ensure that designs are compliant, safe, coordinated, buildable, maintainable and aligned with project cost and programme requirements. The position would suit a Design Manager or an experienced senior engineer who is looking for progress, who has a strong understanding of mechanical and electrical building services, design coordination and contractor-led project delivery.
Key responsibilitiesLead and coordinate the complete building services design process across multiple project stages.
Develop and maintain design management plans, responsibility matrices, deliverables schedules and information release programmes.
Coordinate architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, controls, fire and specialist design information.
Chair design reviews, issue clear actions and escalate overdue information or decisions.
Review client briefs, specifications, drawings, surveys, statutory requirements and site constraints.
Ensure designs meet relevant technical, safety and regulatory requirements.
Manage design risk, identifying hazards and ensuring residual risks are properly recorded and communicated.
Coordinate clash detection, buildability reviews, access requirements and maintenance provisions.
Work closely with estimating, operations, commercial, commissioning, health and safety, supply-chain and site teams. Manage design information, RFIs, technical queries, approvals, revisions and change-control processes.
Assess the cost, programme, quality and operational impact of design decisions and proposed changes.
Support site teams by resolving technical queries and discrepancies between design information and site conditions.
Coordinate commissioning requirements, testing information, demonstrations and technical acceptance criteria.
Provide regular reports covering design progress, approvals, outstanding decisions, changes and key project risks. [Design Manager.docx | Word]Package and benefitsPackage of up to 90,000, depending on experience25 days' annual leave, plus bank holidaysYour birthday offCompany pension schemePerformance-related bonusPrivate healthcareCareer development and progression opportunitiesInvolvement in projects from pre-construction through to handoverAbout youPrevious experience as a Design Manager, M&E Design Manager or Building Services Design Manager. A strong mechanical and electrical building services background.
Experience managing design from tender or pre-construction through to commissioning and handover.
Strong knowledge of design coordination, buildability, compliance and change control.
The ability to manage consultants, specialist subcontractors, manufacturers and internal project teams. Confidence chairing design meetings and communicating technical matters to clients and project stakeholders.
Experience using coordinated design reviews and clash-detection processes.
Strong document-control, reporting and organisational skills. ApplyIf you are an experienced building services Design Manager looking for a senior opportunity with an attractive package and involvement across the full project life cycle, please apply with an up-to-date CV.All applications and conversations will be treated in confidence. #4842243 - Shane Ennis
Design Manager – Building Services in Manchester employer: Hays
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