Design Manager
The Design Manager plays a critical leadership role within the business, responsible for managing all M&E design-related activities from pre-construction through to project delivery. Working across multiple concurrent residential and commercial projects, the Design Manager will lead internal technical teams, oversee external consultants, and liaise with client and main contractor design teams. The role ensures that coordinated, compliant, and cost-effective design solutions are delivered in accordance with project specifications, programme requirements, and commercial objectives.
Core Responsibilities:
1. Internal Design Leadership
Lead and manage the in-house M&E technical design team (engineers, coordinators, BIM technicians).
Define internal team responsibilities, deliverables, and deadlines aligned with project programmes.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members, fostering a high-performance culture.Coordinate internal production of design deliverables including layout drawings, schematics, schedules, technical submissions, and installation detailing.
Ensure technical accuracy, compliance with standards, and integration with other disciplines (structural, architectural, civil).
2. External Consultant Management
Procure, appoint, and manage external design consultants (MEP consultants, specialists, manufacturers) as required by the scope.
Draft scopes of services, review fee proposals, and monitor consultant performance and deliverables against agreed KPIs and deadlines.
Coordinate design handovers, stage reports, and ensure designs meet client brief and technical requirements.
Review and comment on consultant outputs – designs, calculations, specifications, and reports.
Ensure proper flow of information between consultants, internal teams, and external stakeholders.
3. Client & Stakeholder Coordination
Act as the primary point of contact for all design-related communications with the main contractor, client team, architect, and other trades.
Lead or represent the business in design team meetings (DTMs), workshops (e.g., coordination, value engineering, sustainability), and design reviews.
Manage incoming design information, change requests, and client instructions. Assess implications for cost, programme, and quality.
Ensure the client’s employer’s requirements (ERs) and design performance specifications are fully understood and met.
4. Design Coordination & Integration
Ensure complete coordination between mechanical, electrical, and public health systems, and with other construction disciplines.
Manage coordination processes using BIM tools (e.g., Revit/Navisworks) and traditional 2D methods where applicable.
Oversee the design coordination review process, including clash detection, spatial compliance, and interface management with architectural, structural, and civil works.
Chair regular internal coordination meetings with the project team to resolve design challenges before they impact site activities.
5. Programme & Deliverable Management
Develop and manage a detailed design deliverables schedule (DDS) aligned with the overall construction and procurement programme.
Ensure timely delivery of design packages to support procurement, technical submittals, and installation sequencing.
Monitor and report on design progress, identifying delays, risks, or issues affecting delivery, and drive mitigation strategies.
Track critical path design activities and interface deliverables to ensure project milestones are met.
6. Technical Submittals & Approvals
Manage the preparation, review, and submission of all technical submittals including product data, specifications, drawings, and calculations.
Coordinate with procurement and installation teams to ensure that selected systems and components are fully compliant and approved before procurement.
Liaise with client teams, consultants, and approving authorities to expedite design and technical approvals.
Manage the schedule and flow of Requests for Information (RFIs) and technical queries.
7. Quality Assurance & Compliance
Ensure all designs meet current building regulations, British Standards, CIBSE guides, and project-specific technical requirements.
Oversee technical reviews and peer checks of design documentation prior to issue.
Maintain strict control over document issue, revision history, and distribution (in coordination with document control systems).
Implement internal QA processes for M&E design across all project stages – concept, developed design, technical design, construction.
8. Value Engineering & Technical Innovation
Identify opportunities for value engineering and cost-saving measures without compromising on quality or compliance.
Work with commercial and construction teams to assess technical and commercial impacts of design changes.
Propose innovative technical solutions or alternative products/systems that enhance buildability, sustainability, or operational efficiency.
9. BIM & Digital Design Integration (if applicable to company processes)
Lead the M&E design input into BIM coordination and model management.
Support the creation, development, and maintenance of MEP Revit models in line with BIM Execution Plans (BEPs).
Ensure Level of Detail (LOD) and Level of Information (LOI) are appropriate for each project stage.
Participate in digital coordination meetings and manage issue resolution using clash detection tools.
10. Handover, As Built & O&M Documentation
Manage the preparation and collation of as-built drawings, commissioning data, and operation & maintenance (O&M) manuals in conjunction with the site and commissioning teams.
Support testing and commissioning teams with technical input and resolution of design-related issues during project handover.
Ensure compliance with Soft Landings principles, if applicable