Design Manager in Oxford

Hoare Lea is a human-centric and planet-conscious engineering consultancy. We offer intelligent and sustainable solutions to complex design challenges for the built environment throughout the UK and further afield.

We provide a wide range of engineering and consultancy services, including acoustics, air quality, building services (MEP), fire, lighting, security and sustainability to name but a few. Together, our highly skilled teams use technical expertise and problem-solving skills to bring buildings to life. We ensure that whatever the building, its design is outstanding, and its operations meet the needs of the communities it serves.

We are committed to providing an environment where everyone can realise their unique potential. In joining Hoare Lea, you will experience a business that enriches your knowledge, supports your wellbeing, and welcomes your individuality. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in our 9-day fortnight scheme, thriving community groups, varied social and networking events, and extensive professional and technical development schemes. We also offer an extensive benefits package, including private medical cover, an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, stock options, and 25 days of annual leave (increasing with service), alongside flexible and hybrid working.

Whatever your ambitions or circumstances, our aim is to enable everyone to develop their knowledge, give their best, and enjoy what they do.

We have a brand-new opportunity for a Design Manager to join/support our Central region. This role can be based in any of our regional offices, including Cambridge, Oxford or Birmingham. As we continue to grow and secure exciting new project portfolios, now is a great time to join us. Working alongside a range of specialist engineers and consultants, you will be joining a collaborative, knowledgeable, highly engaged team who love what they do, and offer a supportive, flexible, and high-performing work culture.

The Design Management role is one which brings together people and projects to achieve the highest outcomes and maintain Hoare Lea’s position as an industry leader. In this role, you can expect to:

• Take ownership of design management duties across multiple medium and large-scale projects.
• Support project leads on smaller projects by providing design management advice.
• Arrange and facilitate project briefings alongside the Project Leader, with the right cultural mindset to support successful outcomes.
• Arrange and facilitate internal project communications, including huddles, workshops, meetings and social media activity.
• Arrange and facilitate internal design reviews, ensuring compliance with internal QM procedures and processes.
• Undertake internal design programming and agree this with the Hoare Lea team and external client/project lead teams.
• Ensure projects are operating effectively in the digital space and champion the use of digital tools internally and externally.
• Ensure internal teams are working within the scope of the appointment.
• Monitor project costs, invoicing against programme/earned value, and provide cost predictions to completion.
• Report to the Project Lead, Programme Director and Regional Operations Directors as required.
• Implement and manage change processes, including agreement of associated fees.
• Attend project team meetings and workshops as appropriate and facilitate Hoare Lea actions in a timely manner.
• Collate monthly client reports at project level for issue.
• Monitor and report on Hoare Lea design progress against programme through to issue.
• Work with the Regional Document Controller to ensure successful issue of projects to a high standard and on time.
• Manage internal and external design risk assessments in accordance with QM procedures.
• Ensure projects are audited and technically reviewed to manage risk.

To be successful in this role you’ll need:

• Experience in a proactive design management role within building services or project delivery.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build positive working relationships.
• Confidence working with project leads, engineers, specialists, clients and external teams.
• Experience arranging and facilitating meetings, workshops, briefings and design reviews.
• Good understanding of design programme management and project delivery processes.
• Ability to monitor costs, report progress and support fee and change management processes.
• Strong digital awareness and a proactive approach to using digital tools.
• Experience working within quality management procedures and technical review processes.
• Good awareness of risk management and compliance requirements.
• Ability to support team development, resourcing and the effective distribution of work across multiple offices.
• A collaborative mindset, with the confidence to work across Cambridge, Oxford and Birmingham as part of a wider regional team.

To apply simply complete a CV profile and submit your application, or for further information please contact louiescottodiperta@hoarelea.com. If shortlisted, one of our recruitment team will be in touch to arrange an introductory call (about 30 minutes) to discuss the role and your experience in more detail. From there, successful candidates will be invited to attend a panel interview, either via Microsoft Teams or in person at one of our offices.

If there are adjustments or accommodations that we can put in place to help you participate and give your best at any stage of the recruitment process (whether relating to disability, neurodivergence or anything else) please let us know.

We have updated our terms and conditions for candidates, click here to find out more.

We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners who assist us when required. We do not acknowledge speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list.