Design Manager

Role: Design Manager

Location: Hertfordshire & Hybrid

Salary: up to £80k plus package

Howells are working with a national property services contractor to recruit x2 Design Managers to join their growing team based in Hertfordshire.

Design Manager General Overview:

The main purpose of this role is to lead design from pre-construction through to construction, taking full technical responsibility for allocated projects. The Design Manager will also provide full design and technical support during the tendering process.

Experience in leading the design of major refurbishment, fire remediation, and re-cladding of Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs) is advantageous.

This role may include line management of an Assistant Design Coordinator, Design Coordinator, or Senior Design Coordinator.

Design Manager Main Duties:

Design and Technical Responsibilities:

• Lead consultant and survey tendering and procurement.
• Conduct thorough design risk appraisals to support tenders.
• Review Employer's Requirements (ERs) and contribute to Contractor's Proposals.
• Develop robust design and preconstruction programmes for tenders.
• Lead client meetings during bid and preconstruction phases as required.
• Manage consultant and survey appointments, ensuring scope and terms align with project needs.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with consultants.
• Ensure design fee budgets are managed effectively and within scope.
• Obtain consultant design programmes and integrate them into a single detailed design delivery programme.
• Track and report progress against design delivery programmes.
• Chair design team meetings and communicate clear expectations for deliverables.
• Monitor consultant performance and ensure timely delivery of high-quality design information.
• Review all design information for compliance with contracts, buildability, cost-effectiveness, and statutory regulations.
• Monitor design changes and manage change control processes.

Design Manager Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:

• Work closely with the Commercial Team for cost validation.
• Lead the resolution of design and technical queries to support preconstruction and project teams.
• Liaise with Clients and Key Stakeholders to ensure expectations are met.
• Ensure compliance with all Statutory Matters including Building Regulations, Building Warranty, and Planning Conditions.
• Work closely with the Principal Designer (BR) to meet statutory requirements under the Building Safety Act.
• Obtain any required licenses, permissions, or approvals for project execution including but not limited to Highways and Drainage Section Agreements, Rail, Waterways, Crane Oversailing, Street Works, Temporary Crossovers, etc.
• Lead design reviews and client presentations.

Process Improvement and Team Development:

Provide support, mentorship, and guidance to Design Coordinators.

• Contribute to the motivation and professional development of the design team.
• Stay informed on industry updates, regulatory changes, and new product developments.
• Support digital transformation initiatives within the design team, including BIM implementation and digital design review processes

Design ManagerSkills, Knowledge and Experience:

Essential:

• Detailed understanding of all major construction forms and detailing (e.g., RC, Timber, Structural Steel, Loadbearing Masonry).
• Professional approach with high discretion and emotional intelligence.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build relationships with clients, colleagues, and consultants.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to multitask and work under pressure.
• Experience supporting single and two stage tendering processes
• Working knowledge of and JCT, PPC NEC suite of contracts.
• Experience in programming design works using Asta Powerproject or Microsoft Project.
• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Proactive attitude with a results-driven approach.
• Ability to drive issues to completion with project team satisfaction.
• Strong teamwork and leadership skills, including mentoring and talent development.
• Knowledge of design requirements for procurement and construction.
• Understanding of construction project sequencing, including design and pre-construction activities.
• Awareness of building legislation and industry standards.
• Commitment to continuous learning and personal development.
• Experience using Common Data Environments (e.g., Viewpoint for Projects, Fieldview).
• Familiarity with digital design tools and BIM processes.

Education and Qualifications:

Essential:

• Relevant qualification in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.

Desirable:

• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIOB, RICS, RIBA, ICE).
• Additional certifications in Project Management, Environment and Energy, BIM, or Health & Safety.

Applications

If you feel that you have the relevant experience to be successful in this position and would like to find out more please apply online today attaching a copy of your current CV. Alternatively contact us on .

Howells are an Equal Opportunities employer. All applications will be dealt with in the strictest confidence. Howells acts as an Employment Business for the supply of temporary workers and an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies.