Design Manager

EQUANS are recruiting for a Design Manager to be based in Manchester. This is a permanent full-time role working 37.5 hours per week. On offer is a competitive salary, car allowance, bonus and benefits package.

General Overview

The main purpose of the role is to be integral to the bidding team and process, to have the knowledge and ability to lead the technical design function throughout the RIBA Stages, from bidding stage, pre-construction and during the construction stage. To ensure that all designs are produced in compliance with relevant legislation, the main contract and in time for other designs, procurement, and construction to proceed as planned.

Experience working on education and public buildings, and sustainability/retrofit projects is essential.

The role requires good understanding and knowledge of the Building Regulations/Building Safety Act/Planning process/RIBA Stages and other relevant legislation, together with knowledge relating to sustainable and de-carbonisation methods.

To understand, implement and adhere to the company SHEQ policy/strategy and ensure all employees reporting to you do the same, and being responsible for ensuring that SHEQ requirements are always upheld to the highest of standards.

Key Accountabilities

Managing the Design Process:

• Act as Equans point of contact for design issues.
• Establishment and compliance of design management protocols; Common Data Environment (CDE) i.e. Viewpoint.
• Review designers scopes of services, and novation agreements.
• Prepare design fee enquiries for pre and post contract stages; Agreement / Scope/DRM/Deliverables (clear communication of expectations for design deliverables for each RIBA Stage with designers / design sub-contractors) Review design team fee proposals where required and review for completeness, prepare a project fee schedule for input into tender book.
• Establish any other design/specialist consultants required for the scheme, agree scope and fee proposals.
• Manage and monitor design deliverables for tender stage.
• Technical review of all design information producing a status report to include:- general status of design information, level of co-ordination, scope gap analysis against relevant legislation, Building Regs, Building Safety Act and Employers Requirements for input into the tender stage Risk & Opportunity register.
• Review all design information to establish any areas where Equans can add value i.e./Decarbonisation / Smart Buildings / design efficiencies.
• Review design information for VE opportunities i.e./ non-compliant design and or specification alternatives.
• Assist estimating with a technical review of specialist design subcontractor tender returns for compliance, qualifications, alternative specifications and opportunities.
• Liaison with the operational teams regarding buildability and logistics and input into design that might be affected by methodology related site activities.
• Coordinate and oversee the design process, ensuring all disciplines fully collaborate and work together seamlessly to avoid conflicts and delays.
• Review Planning Conditions and highlight any onerous conditions.
• Produce Contractors Proposals; Schedule of Derogations, Clarifications.
• Input into internal Governance meetings as required.
• Establish and obtain fee quotes / commission any required surveys/reports.
• Liaison with the Commercial Team for cost checking.
• Prepare design deliverables and design programmes.
• Assist with procurement and construction programmes.
• Monitoring of design production against design programme and internal reporting.
• Resolution of technical queries.
• Chairing and minuting design team meetings.
• Lead Client Design/Review meetings during Bid/Construction Phases.
• Input into VE and design change. Monitor design changes and change control.
• Delivery of fully co-coordinated and detailed design proposals and production information in time and within budget for design work, procurement, and construction.
• Control and integration of sub-contractor design elements.
• Distribution of design information via CDE; Viewpoint.
• Completion, maintenance, and monitoring of records.
• Reporting of design progress, RFI status and issues on a weekly basis.
• Co-ordinate and manage any BREEAM requirements and ensure these are achieved.

Client and Stakeholder Communication:

• Clearly communicate design concepts, progress updates, and potential risks, constraints and opportunities to the client.
• Address client questions and concerns effectively, ensuring their expectations are met throughout the design phase.
• Liaise with other project stakeholders like contractors, surveyors, and planning & statutory authorities, to ensure smooth project delivery.

Commercial and Contractual Awareness:

• Work within the project budget, identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining design quality.
• Manage design contracts with consultants and ensure deliverables meet agreed-upon standards within the allocated budget.
• Be mindful of the commercial implications of design decisions and keep project economics in mind. Any design changes are to be fully agreed and documented in line with Equans EMS and contract protocol.

SHEQ/Policies

• To understand, implement and adhere to the company SHEQ policy/strategy and ensure all employees reporting to you do the same and being responsible for ensuring that SHEQ requirements are always upheld to the highest of standards. Complete all mandatory e-learning modules.
• Understand, implement and adhere to all Equans internal programmes/policies i.e. Our Fundamentals, Perform programme, Our Teams etc. (all available on Equans website).

Technical Expertise and Problem-Solving:

• Provide technical guidance and support to the design team on construction principles, building regulations, and best practices.
• Identify and troubleshoot design issues proactively, seeking creative solutions to ensure project feasibility and functionality.
• Stay up to date with the latest construction technologies, design trends, MMC, and sustainable building practices.

Project Documentation and Handover:

• Ensure all design documents, drawings, and specifications are clear, accurate, and coordinated.
• Manage the design information handover to the construction team, ensuring a smooth transition to the build phase.
• Maintain thorough design documentation for future reference and maintenance purposes.

The role will Impact: 

• Project Delivery and Efficiency: Effective design management streamlines the design process, minimises errors and rework, and ensures projects are delivered on time and within budget. This translates to higher profit margins and improved client satisfaction.
• Quality and Innovation: Design managers foster a culture of innovation within the design team, leading to high-quality, functional, and potentially award-winning designs. This can enhance the company’s reputation and attract new clients.
• Risk Mitigation: By proactively identifying and managing design risks, design managers prevent costly delays, safety hazards, and legal issues during construction. This protects the company’s bottom line and reputation.
• Client Relationships: Strong client communication and collaboration fostered by the design manager led to satisfied clients, repeat business, and positive referrals.

The Complexity of the role: 

• Balancing Creativity and Constraints: the need to balance the client’s vision for an aesthetically pleasing and functional design with the limitations of budget, building regulations, and site conditions. Requires creative problem-solving and thinking outside the box while keeping the project feasible.
• Optimising Design for Cost and Efficiency: Evaluate design choices to find the best balance between functionality, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness. This involves value engineering and exploring alternative materials and construction methods.
• Integrating Diverse Expertise: Leading a team with diverse skillsets (architects, engineers, surveyors) requires the design manager to think collaboratively, ensure clear communication, and integrate different perspectives into a cohesive design solution.
• Prioritisation and Risk Management: The need to prioritize tasks, manage the design workflow, and identify potential risks that could impact the project timeline, budget, or safety. Proactive mitigation strategies require critical thinking and contingency planning.

Problems Dealt with by the Design Manager:

• Technical Challenges: Resolving issues related to building codes, integrating different building systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), and finding solutions for complex structural elements fall under the design manager’s purview.
• Design Coordination: Ensuring there are no clashes between different design disciplines (e.g., architectural plans and MEP layouts) and maintaining design consistency throughout the project is a key responsibility.
• Team Management: Motivating the design team, resolving conflicts, and ensuring everyone meets deadlines are challenges tackled by the design manager.
• Client Communication: Addressing client concerns, managing scope changes, and effectively communicating complex design concepts are crucial aspects of the role.

Problems Escalated to a Higher Level:

• Major Design Changes: If significant design changes are requested on HRB projects these changes have a major Impact under the BSA and the prospective candidate must be familiar with the recording and submission of the changes and the effects on the project delays of these changes.
• Contractual Disputes: In case of contractual disagreements with design consultants, the design manager might involve project managers or legal counsel to resolve the issue.

What can we offer you?

On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes;

• Pension Scheme
• 25 days annual leave (+ public holidays)
• Life Cover equivalent to 2 times annual salary
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
• Gym membership discounts 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Broad range of learning opportunities, such as professional qualifications, collective/individual training, and personalized support programmes

Who are we looking for?

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication and influencing skills working as part of a bid or delivery team.
• Excellent construction design technical knowledge.
• Excellent management capabilities to manage, direct and drive multi disciplined design teams.
• Able to organise document distribution.
• Able to programme design works.
• Able to prioritise and organise workflow.
• Technical and process minded.
• Knowledge of methodology and sequencing process in delivering a construction project including design and pre-construction activities.
• Understanding of design requirements for procurement and construction purposes.
• Ability to drive issues through to completion, setting clear targets and driving the delivery of design information towards those targets.
• High level of Interpersonal skills and a professional attitude to work.

Experience

• Experience working on education and public buildings, and sustainability/retrofit projects through funding such as PSDS.
• An understanding of Retrofit project specifications and requirements.

• A demonstrable history of work on complex projects and what impacts the candidate had on these in regard to design control.
• Knowledge of contractual requirements of design and build contracts (Employers Requirements and preparation of Contractors Proposals) with Two Stage, PCSA contracts
• Knowledge of design process and resourcing requirements.
• Ability to plan and integrate the design process into the procurement and construction programme for the Works.
• Ability to plan, prepare and present complex technical issues in an appropriate manner to internal (ie/Governance) and external parties.
• Knowledge of design requirements for procurement and construction purposes.
• Technical understanding of substructures, structures, M&E services and finishes solutions
• Up to date knowledge of Building Regulations / Building Safety Act / Planning Process / Sustainability.
• Up to date construction industry knowledge.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree (Hons) in a relevant field such as Architecture, Building Surveying, Construction Management, or Architectural Technology.
• Chartered memberships: Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) or Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) demonstrating a high level of commitment and expertise.

Competencies: 

• Technical Skills:

Strong foundation in construction principles and methodologies: Understanding how design translates into a feasible and safe construction methodology.

Knowledge of building regulations and codes: Ensuring designs comply with building regulations, the Building Safety Act, health and safety standards, and environmental guidelines.

Competence in industry-standard design software such as AutoCAD.

Familiarity with design coordination through Viewpoint for Projects

• Project Management Skills:

Planning and scheduling: The need to plan, schedule, and monitor the design process, ensuring it meets deadlines and milestones.

• Resource management: Effectively allocating tasks and resources within the design team is vital for project success.
• Budget awareness: Understanding project budgets and keeping design costs under control is important.

Interpersonal Qualities:

• Communication and collaboration:

Excellent communication skills are essential to collaborate effectively with a multi-disciplinary team (engineers, architects, surveyors etc.) and liaise with clients.

• Leadership and team management: Motivating and leading the design and delivery teams to achieve project goals is a key to project success.

• Analytical and problem-solving skills: The ability to analyse design proposals, identify potential issues, and find creative solutions is essential.

• Negotiation and commercial awareness: Negotiating with contractors and clients while keeping project economics in mind is important.

• Additional Skills: Attention to detail: A keen eye for detail is crucial to ensure high-quality design deliverables.

Commercial awareness: Understanding the commercial aspects of construction projects can be beneficial.

• Lifelong learning: Staying updated on the latest construction technologies, regulations, and best practices is essential.

Who are we? 

EQUANS is a world leader in energy services with nearly 100,000 employees working in more than 50 countries, with an annual turnover of over 17 billion euros.   

In the UK & Ireland, EQUANS is a provider of technical, FM, regeneration and energy services – with specialist capabilities in smart buildings, green mobility, district & embedded energy and decentralised renewables. 

EQUANS’ 13,500 UK & Ireland employees combine these activities to help businesses, public sector organisations and government to embrace the energy transition towards net zero, and also the digital & industrial transitions that are redesigning the way we move, work and live. 

EQUANS is a Bouygues group company. 

What’s next? 

If this role is of interest to you, please click below to register, apply, and track your progress! A member of our Resourcing Team will review your application and be in touch. 

At Equans we’re committed to delivering a culture where everyone’s voice is heard and supported. We know the value a diverse workforce creates, delivering better results for our people, customers, and stakeholders. Diversity and inclusion is at the core of what we do, should you join Equans you’ll find a welcoming and open workplace where you’re supported and encouraged to be your true self at work. You’ll also have access to our growing employee networks including WiE (Women in Equans), RISE (BAME), LGBTQI+, Working Parents, YPN (Young Professionals Network) and our Disability Network.  

For this role, you must have evidence of the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer a re-location package with this job role.  Certain roles may require applicants to undergo a Disclosure check, as noted in the role requirements. 

The EQUANS Resourcing Team supports this job advert. Agency involvement is not required. All related enquiries must come to the resourcing team not direct to EQUANS Managers.