Grace Birch
We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to join our growing team based in Newry or Belfast. This is a hybrid position offering a balance of office, site, and remote working, with occasional travel to project sites as required.
The successful candidate will play a key role in managing the design process across multiple projects, ensuring design information is coordinated, approved, and delivered in line with programme requirements. Working closely with project delivery teams, clients, consultants, and subcontractors, you will proactively identify design risks and drive solutions before they impact project delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and manage the design and material submittal process, ensuring timely client review, approval, and sign-off.
- Track and monitor design deliverables to ensure compliance with project programmes and milestones.
- Identify design risks, clashes, and technical issues, working collaboratively with the Design Team to resolve problems before they materialise on site.
- Develop and maintain look-ahead design plans to support project delivery schedules.
- Plan and coordinate design activities with Project Managers, Site Teams, Consultants, and Subcontractors.
- Attend project and site meetings, providing updates on design progress and highlighting any risks or delays.
- Ensure all design information is fully coordinated and issued in accordance with project requirements.
- Review design proposals for compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and client specifications.
- Support project teams in achieving programme, quality, and commercial objectives.
- Promote best practice in design management across all projects.
Requirements
Essential
- Proven experience in a Design Manager, Senior Design Coordinator, Technical Manager, or similar role within the construction, engineering, or building services sector.
- Strong understanding of construction design processes and project delivery.
- Excellent planning, coordination, and programme management skills.
- Experience managing design approvals, technical submissions, and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong communication and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities across concurrent projects.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Good understanding of BCAR requirements.
- Knowledge of Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs).
- Familiarity with Environmental, Health & Safety legislation and compliance requirements.
- Experience working on commercial, residential, industrial, or mixed-use developments.
- Degree or qualification in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Building Services, or a related discipline.
What’s on Offer?
- Competitive salary of £80,000 – £90,000
- Cashback Healthcare Scheme
- Company Pension Scheme
- 31 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays)
- Free on-site parking
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Social events including Summer and Christmas Parties
- Strong team culture within a family-owned business
- Ongoing training and career development opportunities
- Flexible hybrid working arrangement
If you are a Design Engineer who is looking for your next career move, please send your CV to Grace Birch or call for a confidential discussion.
