Design Manager in Douglas

Henderson Group are proud to be one of Northern Ireland's leading employers. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property. We employ over 5,000 colleagues and have been placed 3rd in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2025. Henderson Group Property are award-winning specialists in the acquisition and development of retail outlets and have a proven track record in developing state-of-the-art sites. The team are an in-house collective of design & project managers, quantity surveyors, architects, engineers, consultants, and technicians and are focused on delivering best in class, sustainable projects. We delivered over 300 projects over the past year, ranging in scale and complexity, and with values between £50k to £5m.

As Design Manager you will:

• Manage the development of the design from feasibility, acquisition to pre-contract/contract award.
• Provide support to link the design and construction process.
• Provide clear direction to designers for information delivery dates, monitor progress and actively manage to ensure designs are co-ordinated and approved.
• Ensure compliance, buildability and financial viability.
• Liaise directly with the retail stakeholders, proposition team and other stakeholders such as the commercial team and provide technical review of issues.
• Resolve technical problems and design issues that emerge.
• Manage change efficiently and ensure leadership in implementation.
• Reduce risk via appropriate design to ensure delivery of project objectives.
• Advise on protocol and procedures for formalised workflows and key stakeholder reviews.
• Liaise with tender and project teams to ensure design is developed in line with expectations.
• Ensure Principal Designer duties are fulfilled for pre-construction operations under the CDM Regulations.
• Ensure a design programme is prepared and agreed with each designer.
• Act as a key ambassador for the design brand to lead roll out of innovation across the group.
• Influence and negotiate to ensure maximum return from projects.
• Work on a mix of high and lower value projects simultaneously ensuring delivery.
• Manage oversight of preparation and submission of planning and building control applications.
• Interpret reports and surveys and convey/manage risks.
• Monitor and report of planning application progress.
• Lead the Detailed design and construction process as client designer to ensure delivery of client requirements.

Joining us as Design Manager the minimum criteria you'll need is:

• Minimum HND (or equivalent) in an Architecture or Engineering related field.
• GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent).
• Minimum of three years relevant sector experience.
• Relevant experience in design management, working on multiple projects and programmes of work.
• Relevant Experience leading design of construction projects on site.
• Proficiency in using MS Office packages and enhanced experience of AutoCAD.
• Current UK driving license and ability to travel throughout Northern Ireland.

The skills/attributes you'll need include:

• Ability to work under own initiative and take ownership.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and programmes of work.
• Capacity to lead a team of eight (+) team members.
• Excellent ability to report and present.
• Strong analytical, communication and organisational skills.
• Experience in planning and building control.
• Positive attitude to change management.
• A team player happy to lead and support others.

It is desirable if you had:

• A Postgraduate qualification in design management.
• Full membership of an appropriate professional body (e.g., RIBA, CIOB, other).
• Chartered or incorporated membership.
• Experience in sustainability with respect to buildings.
• Working knowledge of the Carbon Trust and other agencies.
• Experience in implementation and roll out of BIM.

Benefits include market competitive salary, company car or allowance, bonus, contributory pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, employee assistance programme, social club, offers/discount scheme throughout UK/Ireland, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company-owned stores and many more. This is a full-time position working 36.5 hours per week. Working hours will be 8:45am-4:45pm Monday to Thursday and 8:45am-3:45pm Friday. Hybrid working arrangement available.