Design Manager

Senior Design / Technical Manager

Location: Dartford, Kent
Salary: £70,000 DOE
Car: £6,000 car allowance or company car
Bonus: Discretionary
Working Pattern: Office-based with some flexibility

We are currently working with a leading construction and refurbishment contractor who are looking to appoint a Senior Design / Technical Manager to take ownership of the design and technical function across their South Region.

This is a key position within the business, with the successful candidate acting as the single design lead for the region, working closely with the Pre-Construction, Commercial, Operational and Leadership teams.

The role would suit someone who is technically strong but, importantly, is also commercially aware, people-focused and driven to get things done. You'll be responsible for managing the design process from pre-construction through to completion, ensuring projects are compliant, buildable and delivered in line with programme requirements.

The Role

As Senior Design / Technical Manager, you will take the technical lead across PCSA projects, managing the design process and coordinating consultants, clients and internal teams.

You'll be responsible for:

• Leading the technical and design process across PCSA projects from pre-construction through to completion.
• Setting clear design deliverables, information release schedules and key milestones at the start of each project.
• Managing and driving the design programme to ensure surveys, approvals, technical submissions, samples and construction information are delivered on time.
• Reviewing drawings, specifications and design proposals with a focus on Building Regulations, buildability, sequencing, access and temporary works.
• Working closely with Lead Designers, Building Regulations Principal Designers and the wider design team.
• Leading Design Team Meetings and ensuring actions and technical deliverables are followed through.
• Working closely with operational teams to support the development of construction programmes, Stage 2 cost plans, quality plans/ITPs and procurement strategies.
• Ensuring design information and workflows are properly managed through Viewpoint.
• Supporting Higher-Risk Building (HRB) projects and ensuring compliance with the relevant Building Regulations and procedural requirements.
• Managing and coordinating Gateway 2 submissions, ensuring information is complete, compliant and delivered to a high standard.
• Maintaining the Golden Thread of information through to Gateway 3.
• Working with operational and commercial teams to produce the required Gateway 2 documentation.
• Supporting the commercial team with consultant and supply chain appointments, including scopes of service, design responsibilities, liabilities and collateral warranties.
• Working directly with clients to establish responsibilities, manage expectations and minimise the impact of client delays.
• Building strong relationships across clients, consultants, subcontractors and internal teams.

About You

We're looking for someone who can take genuine ownership of the design function and drive projects forward.

You will need to be more than just a technically strong Design Manager. The successful candidate will be someone who can build relationships, challenge when required and bring people together to achieve results.

We're particularly interested in candidates with experience across:

• Design Management / Technical Management
• Pre-construction and PCSA environments
• Major refurbishment / construction projects
• Cladding, façade, external envelope or building remediation would be highly advantageous
• Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs)
• Building Regulations and compliance
• Gateway 2 / Gateway 3
• Golden Thread requirements
• Managing design consultants and supply chains

You'll also need excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work confidently with clients, consultants, operational teams and senior leadership.

The Person

The business is looking for someone who:

• Has high standards and high expectations.
• Is commercially aware and understands the impact of design on programme and delivery.
• Is people-focused and gets results through strong relationships.
• Can create an environment where teams and individuals can thrive.
• Is confident managing clients and holding them accountable for their responsibilities.
• Is proactive and solutions-focused rather than waiting for problems to arise.
• Has the drive and personality to "get stuff done."
• Can operate autonomously and take ownership of the South Region design function.
• Is comfortable working in an entrepreneurial environment and helping shape how the business operates.

Package

• £70,000 salary, depending on experience
• £6,000 car allowance or company car – Tesla, Mercedes C-Class or equivalent, subject to availability
• Discretionary bonus
• 5% pension contribution
• 25 days' annual leave statutory holidays
• Private healthcare – individual cover
• Life insurance – 4x annual salary
• Dartford-based office
• Some flexible/home working available, although the preference is for someone who enjoys being office-based and working closely with the wider team

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Design or Technical Manager to take ownership of a regional function and play a key role in the continued growth and development of the business.

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