At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design delivery across multi-discipline teams and manage project objectives.
- Company: Join HDR, a collaborative employee-owned company making a global impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture, career growth, and the chance to innovate.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive environment that values your authentic self.
- Why this job: Shape the future of infrastructure and technology while leading diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or related field with experience in design coordination.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. We foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, constantly asking ourselves: What is our impact on the world? Each role throughout our organisation makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures; it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation.
As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centres driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration.
This isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.
About The Role
As a Design Manager (Internal title: Project Manager), you will lead and co-ordinate design delivery across multi-discipline project teams, ensuring client requirements are clearly understood and translated into a robust design delivery plan. You will manage the design programme, interfaces, information flow, and change control, ensuring design outputs are delivered safely, to the required quality, on time, and within budget whilst being able to work under pressure, manage a varied workload, and meet tight deadlines whilst maintaining technical excellence.
About You
We are seeking a Design Manager who is personable, a self-starter with a positive, professional ‘can do’ attitude and the ability to maintain strong working relationships. You should be able to work collaboratively across disciplines and establish effective rapport with team members, the wider business, and clients. You will need strong leadership capability with the ability to motivate, coach, and guide diverse teams. Excellent facilitation and communication skills (written and verbal) are essential, including leading meetings and producing clear minutes/actions. Strong document handling and quality discipline are required; you should be comfortable managing transmittals, registers, and approval workflows.
Responsibilities
- Identify and agree project objectives with the Project Director and develop a strategy for achieving programme, budget, and quality targets.
- Assemble and own the design delivery programme and delivery plans, keeping these updated as design develops.
- Facilitate communication, co-ordination, and information flow with the client, internal teams, sub-consultants, and partners.
- Lead Design Team Meetings (DTMs), ensuring clear minutes, decisions, and timely completion of actions.
- Implement and continuously improve project management processes (e.g., change control) and co-ordinate target-led workshops to resolve critical design issues.
- Manage RFIs, early warnings, and general communications to reduce project risk and support successful delivery.
- Analyse, process, and respond to design transmittals (drawings, specifications, reports, and other project documents).
- Review and evaluate quotations to ensure alignment with scope, budget, and client requirements.
- Manage changes and delays, ensuring impacts are assessed and resolved or mitigated appropriately.
- Maintain a thorough understanding of project scope and design responsibility; update design delivery programme, resources, and instructions accordingly.
- Itemise scope of services, briefing schedules, and documentation requirements; regularly assess against standards to improve deliverables.
- Instigate efficiency, appropriate innovation, and buildability across design stages with the wider design team.
- Ensure technical compliance and quality production of all deliverables; record scope changes affecting fee basis and advise the Project Director/KAH.
- Close out the project on completion, ensuring lessons learnt are captured and disseminated and that a client satisfaction process is initiated.
- Perform other duties as needed.
Skills And Requirements
- Degree-level education (engineering, architecture, construction management, or related discipline) or equivalent experience.
- Demonstrable experience co-ordinating multi-discipline design delivery on complex projects.
- Understanding of design process, roles, and responsibilities; ability to co-ordinate internal and external disciplines.
- Knowledge of ISO 9001/14001 quality processes and project governance desirable.
- Commitment to being an active participant in our employee-owned culture.
- Competent in MS Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint; MS Project desirable.
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other’s life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organisational trust, and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Primary Location United Kingdom-England-London
Other Locations United Kingdom-Scotland-Glasgow, United Kingdom-England-Manchester
Industry Building Engineering
Schedule Full-time
Employee Status Regular
Business Class Program Management
Job Posting Mar 5, 2026
Design Manager in Manchester employer: HDR
At HDR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Manchester. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous professional development opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages leadership aspirations. With a focus on meaningful projects in building engineering, we provide our team with the chance to make a real impact while enjoying the flexibility of remote working options.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend design-related events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching HDR’s projects and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission of creating impactful designs. We want to see your passion for innovation and sustainability shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Design Manager, you’ll need to lead meetings and facilitate discussions. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your ability to articulate your ideas clearly and confidently.
✨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 take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s make great things possible together!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through! We want to see your personality and how you can bring your unique perspective to the role. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas and experiences that make you stand out.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Design Manager position. Highlight your relevant experience in managing design delivery and your ability to work collaboratively across disciplines. Show us how your skills align with our mission to create impactful designs!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key for this role, ensure your written application is clear and concise. Use proper formatting, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors. We love a well-organised application that reflects your attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at HDR
✨Know Your Design Process
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the design process and the roles involved. Be ready to discuss how you've coordinated multi-discipline design delivery in past projects, as this will show your capability to manage complex tasks effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership abilities. Think about times when you've motivated a team or resolved conflicts. This role requires strong leadership, so demonstrating your experience in guiding diverse teams will be crucial.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice your communication skills, both written and verbal. You might be asked to lead meetings or produce clear minutes, so being articulate and concise is key. Consider preparing a few points on how you ensure effective communication within teams.
✨Emphasise Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss how you've tackled design challenges in the past. Highlight your approach to managing changes and delays, and how you've implemented processes to mitigate risks. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and ability to handle pressure.
