Design Manager

We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to join the project delivery team on a significant Grade II listed building refurbishment in Liverpool.

The project involves the sensitive refurbishment and restoration of an existing heritage building, alongside the delivery of high-quality Category A and Category B commercial fit-out works.

The successful candidate will be based on site five days per week, working closely with the appointed architects, heritage consultants, specialist subcontractors and wider construction team to manage and coordinate the design process through to completion.

This is a hands-on, site-based role requiring strong technical knowledge, excellent coordination skills and proven experience delivering complex refurbishment projects within listed buildings.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate all design activities for the Grade II listed refurbishment and Cat A & Cat B fit-out works.
• Work closely with architects, heritage consultants, engineers and specialist subcontractors to ensure coordinated and buildable design solutions.
• Ensure all designs comply with listed building consents, heritage requirements, Building Regulations and project specifications.
• Coordinate architectural, structural and MEP design packages, resolving clashes and technical issues.
• Manage design information, RFIs, technical submissions, drawing reviews and design changes.
• Provide hands-on design support to the site team, resolving technical queries and construction challenges.
• Review subcontractor designs, material specifications and specialist heritage detailing.
• Manage design programmes and information release schedules in line with construction and procurement requirements.
• Lead design coordination meetings and maintain effective communication between the client, consultants and construction team.
• Identify and manage design risks, programme delays and potential commercial impacts.
• Ensure works are delivered in accordance with approved designs, quality standards and heritage constraints.
• Support the preparation of as-built information and handover documentation.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience working as a Design Manager or Senior Design Coordinator within the UK construction industry.
• Strong experience delivering refurbishment projects involving Grade I or Grade II listed buildings, ideally within commercial or mixed-use environments.
• Demonstrable experience managing Category A and Category B commercial fit-out projects.
• Experience working directly with architects and multidisciplinary design consultants.
• Excellent understanding of architectural detailing, construction methods, building services coordination and refurbishment challenges.
• Strong working knowledge of UK Building Regulations, CDM Regulations, planning requirements and listed building consent processes.
• Ability to interpret and challenge architectural drawings, technical specifications and subcontractor design submissions.
• Experience managing design programmes, RFIs, technical submittals and design change control.
• Strong communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and make informed technical decisions within an active construction environment.
• Relevant qualification in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Construction Management, Engineering or a related discipline.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience delivering heritage refurbishment projects in Liverpool or the wider North West.
• Experience working on large-scale commercial office refurbishments or historic building conversions.
• Knowledge of conservation principles, traditional construction materials and specialist restoration techniques.
• Experience coordinating complex MEP installations within existing listed buildings.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Aconex or similar design management platforms.
• Membership of CIOB, RIBA, CIAT or another relevant professional body.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be a proactive, technically strong Design Manager who is comfortable operating in a fast-paced site environment.

They will have a collaborative approach to working with architects and consultants, combined with the practical construction knowledge required to turn design intent into deliverable site solutions.

Experience managing the unique challenges of listed building refurbishments is particularly important, including heritage restrictions, existing building conditions, design coordination and the integration of modern Cat A and Cat B fit-out requirements.

This is a fully site-based position requiring attendance in Liverpool five days per week. </p

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