Design Manager

Ambitious/experienced Design Manager required by the Southampton office of this busy regional main contractor to work on several projects in the Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire areas. Initially this will be late preconstruction and construction delivery phase for a new build and refurbishment blue light project in Dorset, plus a hotel/leisure scheme in Wiltshire due to start later in the summer.

Ideally situated within easy commute of the Southampton office, you will take the lead for Design Management on typically 2-3 projects through second stage preconstruction and then supporting construction whilst the projects are live on site visiting on a weekly basis as required. Work is secured via a mixture of competitive tenders, negotiated work for repeat clients plus regional and national frameworks.

Reporting to the Regional Design Manager and working with both preconstruction and project delivery teams, as Design Manager you will be responsible for:

• Management of the design development for your schemes;
• Chairing regular design team meetings;
• Management and regular liaison with client, architect, consultants and the construction team;
• Agreement of information required schedule;
• Ensuring key dates achieved;
• Review of construction design information for buildability, compliance with contractors proposals, employers requirements, budget, current building legislation, etc;
• Identifying opportunities for value engineering opportunities where appropriate;
• Proactive issue resolution;
• Managing specialist sub-contractor design teams;
• Overall managing the smooth and timely delivery of detailed design information for procurement and construction throughout the build process.

The role is typically 3 days in the Southampton office plus weekly visits to your sites.

Qualifications and experience: Either from an Engineering/Construction delivery or Architectural background, you will possess excellent technical and commercial knowledge, a keen understanding of construction methodology, materials and systems, procurement lead-in times, building regulations, etc. You will have excellent communication and negotiations skills, strong planning and problem solving ability, initiative and a positive approach. In terms of character, you will be a self-motivated, positive and ambitious individual able to work well within a team dynamic. You will ideally have a proven track record of successful project delivery with a recognised Tier1 or 2 Main Contractor in a Design Management role. This role could also suit an experienced architect looking to make the move across into Design Management, as long as you have had some experience in the Contract Administrator role or Project Architect working closely with main contractors.

High standards, attention to detail and the drive to deliver on programme, specification and budget will be very well rewarded with excellent salary, benefits, promotional and development prospects.

Project scope: This role is based with the Southampton office of this busy Tier 2 main contractor, with experience and a proven track record in the delivery of schemes ranging £8m to £15m in value across the patch in the following sectors - local authority schools and colleges, care and retirement homes, affordable housing, healthcare, blue light, leisure, offices etc.