Design Manager in Ipswich

Ipswich Full-Time No home office possible

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Job Description

An established leading Main Contractor in East Anglia is seeking an Experienced Design Manager to join their strong pre-construction team. The role will extend (depending on project type) to post-tender design development, coordination, and management of design teams.

Location & Working Arrangements: Based in their Ipswich office, covering Suffolk & Essex. The role is generally office-based, with opportunities to work onsite or from other offices where location permits. The successful candidate will join a dedicated team supported by an in-house design consultancy office (architectural, structural, and civils), working closely with an experienced Pre-Construction Manager.

About the Company: One of the largest family-run construction businesses in the region, delivering diverse and challenging projects across multiple sectors.

The Ideal Candidate: The successful applicant will be focused, knowledgeable of construction techniques, design standards and Building Regulations, self-motivated and able to work both independently and within a team. They will possess excellent communication skills (verbal and written), hold a clean driving licence, and be prepared to travel throughout the operating area.

Candidates need to be efficient and resourceful, with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills and the flexibility to adapt to fast-paced, ever-changing environments. A conscientious, organised and proactive team player who is highly motivated, committed to achieving deadlines, and always focused on the task at hand.

The role will ideally suit someone from a design background (architectural or engineering) and/or construction project management with design and build experience.

Key Responsibilities:

Pre-Construction

Manage the design process during tender stage, from tender to commencement on site
Understanding the design brief and chairing design development meetings during tender
Fully investigate value engineering and value creation reviews, working closely with estimating and commercial teams
Review enquiry documents, typically Employer's Requirements
Manage the design process via external consultants
Close liaison with internal departments ensuring programming and cost management align with design development
Manage progress of design issues within strict timescales and ensure designers meet information delivery dates
Assist in design deliverables and Information Required Schedules
Attend design meetings and support construction teams where required
Attend and input into risk meetings
Review design team and sub-contractor proposals, overmarking (red penning) and commenting on design and construction issues
Verify and control status of consultants' and subcontractors' drawings and specifications, maintaining registers
Ensure consultant scope of services, responsibilities and fees are agreed

Construction Stages

Ensure designer appointments are completed in accordance with procedures
Produce and monitor design procurement programme/information release schedule
Maintain drawing and specification registers as design develops
Monitor design issues on project risk register
Ensure architect leads technical coordination of all design disciplines
Monitor information release schedule on at least a weekly basis
Attend site progress meetings as required
Ensure each design consultant provides regular design status reports
Ensure designers and design subcontractors produce as-built information and O&M Manuals in sufficient time towards project completion
Understand different client procurement routes

Essential Skills:

Good organisational skills and work ethic
Proficiency in Microsoft Office packages and document management systems
Experience with Bluebeam or 4 Projects beneficial but not essential (training provided)
Excellent spoken and written English
Strong team player, able to work independently and collaboratively
Good communication, presentation and diplomacy skills
Ability to meet deadlines and work well under pressure

Benefits Package: