Design Lead - to be a manager

At Stepnell, we understand that design management is critically important to a construction project because it bridges the gap between design and execution, ensuring that the project meets its objectives in terms of quality, cost, and time. We are looking to grow our Stepnell team and recruit a Senior Design Manager or Design Manager to join our design team in the South to work from our Southampton or Bristol office. As Design Manager you will lead and manage external design consultants, design subcontractors and construction team inputs on projects in our Southern region. Typically you will be working for your closest office, Southampton or Bristol and travel one day a week to support your live projects.

Reporting to the Design Team Lead, as a Design Manager, you will be responsible for:

• Delivering complete, accurate, commercially viable design information for construction and procurement process
• Ensuring design compliance to project contractual agreements, budgets and regulations
• Developing and maintaining BIM principles
• Proactively driving project and design improvements
• Reviewing all tender documentation to reduce risk and ensure all tender design complies with building regulations
• Supporting and advising on delivery and attending project meetings as required by the Contracts Manager
• Proactively managing the selection and appointment of design and specialist consultants, utility services and third party surveyors
• Leading and implementing appropriate BIM execution plans

You’ll have a blend of technical expertise, project management skills, and the ability to provide leadership through the design process. Deep knowledge of construction methodologies, materials, and techniques, as well as the ability to translate design into buildable solutions is essential. Experience managing multidisciplinary design teams, including architects, engineers, and consultants, ensuring their work aligns with project goals is also required.

To show our appreciation, we offer generous and competitive benefits including an enhanced pension scheme with a Stepnell contribution of 7% to help secure your financial future, annual leave that increases with service and the flexibility to purchase more, a market-leading employee referral scheme, and for eligible roles comprehensive health coverage, adjustable start and finish times and a car allowance or company car.

We are a family-run business with a history of more than 155 years, we are stable and reliable, making long-term decisions in the best interest of our people and customers. Our unique and growing capabilities span construction, property development, energy, joinery, and concrete repairs, enabling us to meet the diverse needs of our customers. With six regional offices in Nottingham, Rugby, Wantage, Bristol, Southampton, and Poole, across three business units, our geographical reach allows us to maintain high levels of repeat business, currently representing 75% of our turnover.