Design Manager
We are working with an SME contractor client in the Northern Home Counties to onboard a Design/BREEAM Manager to strengthen their team due to an upcoming growth in workload. This opportunity would suit either an established Design Manager or an ambitious Design Coordinator seeking career progression.
It is essential that the successful candidate can demonstrate experience in light industrial projects and BREEAM procedures across both Commercial and Residential schemes.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and coordinate the design process from pre-construction through to completion, ensuring all deliverables meet client, contractual, and statutory requirements.
* Appoint and coordinate design consultants, managing their deliverables, invoices, and payments.
* Establish and monitor the design programme in line with the main construction programme.
* Manage the project drawing portal to ensure accurate and current information is distributed to the construction team.
* Coordinate “design” subcontractor drawings with consultants to ensure consistency and buildability.
* Manage statutory authority processes — obtaining quotes, completing agreements and approvals, and ensuring works are completed in line with programme requirements.
* Liaise with the Principal Designer to ensure all health and safety information and design data are accurate and compliant.
* Appoint and manage the Building Control Inspector, providing required documentation and securing final certificates.
* Appoint and manage Building Warranty providers, maintaining the tracker and ensuring timely completion and certification.
* Manage the full BREEAM process pre-, during, and post-construction, liaising with the BREEAM Assessor to ensure accurate data and maximise credit achievement.
* Appoint and manage post-construction testing (e.g. air, acoustic, thermographic), obtaining required certificates from consultants and subcontractors.
* Provide weekly reporting on design and statutory authority progress to project and senior management.
* Support pre-construction and tendering activities with design-related input.
* Conduct post-construction reviews to identify improvements and efficiencies for future projects.
* Promote sustainable design principles and ensure continuous improvement in design management practices.
Key Requirements
* Proven experience as a Design Manager or Design Coordinator within a main contracting environment.
* Strong understanding of BREEAM assessment and sustainability processes.
* Experience working on light industrial, commercial, or residential projects.
* Excellent communication, coordination, and organisational skills.
* Strong technical background with the ability to manage consultants, subcontractors, and statutory bodies.
* Relevant qualification in Construction, Architecture, or Engineering (Degree/HNC/HND).
* BREEAM Accredited Professional (AP) or Assessor qualification desirable.
Ref: 4014SJ