Your new company

HAYS Architecture & Design NI are proud to be working on behalf of one of Northern Ireland's premier Main Contractors in their search for an experienced Design Manager to join their reputable ranks. With over 50 years in operation, this dynamic tier-one construction company have built an enviable reputation for quality & delivery of £multi-million construction projects across Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and wider UK. With a progressive outlook, strong 'can-do' attitude and focus centred around achieving success for their Clients, they have a robust business model that rewards ability. With the creation of this position the direct result of continued and sustained growth, it offers an experienced Design Manager, or indeed an early career Design Manager, a rare chance to join a thriving business, with development, progression and access to landmark projects.

Your new role

Reporting to the Contracts Director, in a general sense, you'll be responsible for the coordination of all project disciplines in conjunction with the project team, managing design and ultimately delivering a high-quality job, on programme and within budgetary parameters.

You'll produce, agree and manage, with all relevant parties, the design programme and design information flow. Ensuring these are incorporated into the overall construction programme. It's expected you will manage the design approval process, including drawings, technical submittals, and samples through workflows. Monitor and contribute to a client's project management team. As Design Manager, you'll create and manage the information release schedule, RFIs and input to the change control process. Liaising with design team consultants, sub-contractors & internal teams to lead the design process to produce accurate information in line with the agreed ER’s specifications, design and cost plan. You will monitor and review design team consultants and sub-contractors resources to ensure the programme dates are met in accordance with the information release schedule. Working in collaboration with the project team and client, clients’ advisors, and appointed consultants, you'll lead the production and coordination of the Contractor Design Proposals.

Other duties will include, but are not limited to;

• Arrange and chair relevant design workshops, technical reviews, and issue actions.
• Collate and review tender packs along with the QS team.
• Assist the appointment of consultants, input & review the consultant scope of services. Develop the design responsibility matrix. Identify any scope gaps and address with the client team.
• Assisting with the strategic link between the design department, commercial team and site;
• Assisting of discharging of planning conditions in parallel with the design team;
• Produce accurate, consistent and professional records, reports and general information;
• Ensure the product meets customer expectations in relation to build and finish;
• Building Control Approved Regulations – management of the building control, inspection, quality control.
• Create, coach and implement a QA recording system on site with the input from the site team.

What you'll need to succeed

Applications are open to all experienced Design Professionals, but successful applicants are expected to possess a Degree / HND in a construction related discipline such as architecture, architectural technology, construction management / construction project management (or equivalent). You'll have at least 3 years' experience of working in the construction industry in a design capacity, and have a creative drive with a keen eye for innovative ideas / trends. You should have a proven ability of working on multiple projects simultaneously and have a deep understanding of measurables, deliverables and working to deadlines / project budgets. Applicants should be adaptable and able to produce quality work consistently, and furthermore be commercially astute with extensible knowledge of both construction methodologies, but also the various disciplines required to collaborate harmoniously to produce high-spec end projects (and how this manifests from a design perspective). You should be comfortable in troubleshooting live schemes, in the event of clash detections / issues arriving through a building project's life-cycle. With excellent analytical, decision-making and organisational skills, you'll have equally solid written and oral presentation abilities. You'll be IT Literate across design software and MS Office suite. You should have flexibility to travel on occasion for work (for which you will be compensated & financially covered), with the right to work in the UK.

What you'll get in return

A full-time, direct position with one of Northern Ireland's top construction companies, consistently featuring on awards shortlists, contracts awarded bulletins and the Local / National construction press as the result of both the quality of their output, but also eye-catching works involved in. With a solid business network spanning NI, RoI, the wider UK and abroad, they offer a compelling career trajectory for successful applicants and a package / benefits list that can be disclosed as part of this process. This should appeal to those working for smaller contractors who are looking for an organic 'step-up', or indeed those working within a consultancy environment (ie Architect's practice) who are keen to make the switch to a contractors' office, but want to stay connected to large-scale construction.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.