Design Manager

About:

ACT is seeking a Design Manager to join our dynamic team. This role involves overseeing the complete design management process from pre-construction to project handover. The successful candidate will be an integral part of our core project team, ensuring the technical delivery of high-end residential projects.

Given the nature of our projects and our commitment to exceptional client satisfaction, we are looking for a candidate with a keen eye for design detail and a passion for excellence. This role is ideal for a technically proficient, design-oriented individual who is eager to advance their career in Design Management with a leading super-prime residential contractor. Join us at an exciting time as we expand and develop our in-house design team and capabilities.

Why ACT?

• 23 Days Holidays + 8 days bank holidays. (3 Holidays to be taken during the Christmas shutdown period).
• Birthday Leave – 1 day additional leave to be taken to celebrate your birthday.
• Length of Service Leave – You will receive 1 day holiday on top of your entitlement for every year that you have worked (Maximum of 5 additional days).
• Company events and parties.
• Vitality Healthcare.
• Wellhub (Gympass).
• NEST Pension scheme – ACT contribution of 3%.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily coordination and management of design information from specialist consultants and subcontractors across multiple projects.
• Ensure seamless integration of building services with architectural and structural components, including the use of 3D modelling when necessary.
• Schedule, monitor, and quality-assure the approvals process during RIBA Stages 4 & 5, covering technical submittals, shop drawings, and samples.
• Manage the design-related Request for Information (RFI) process through to completion.
• Audit design at all stages of Information Release, identifying and resolving inconsistencies, discrepancies, design changes, and missing information.
• Lead regular Design Team Meetings (DTM) and design workshops, assigning, recording, and tracking action items until completion.
• Develop and maintain Information Release Schedules and manage all related approval processes to ensure timely project delivery.
• Oversee the production and approval of samples, mock-ups, and quality benchmarks.
• Participate in Value Engineering processes.
• Provide technical input for Contractors Proposals and Contractor Design Portion submittals.
• Ensure technical compliance with Planning and Listed Building Consents, liaising with Local Authorities and Estates to meet and discharge any conditions.
• Visit project sites regularly to monitor progress and assist in resolving site coordination issues, documenting and approving outcomes.
• Attend and contribute to project meetings with internal teams, clients, and their consultant teams.
• Adhere to company-wide project reporting requirements related to design management, both internally and externally.
• Produce as-built drawings for inclusion in O&M handover documents as needed.
• Review tender documents and assist in creating pre-qualification and tender submissions, including logistics plans, case studies, and design responsibility matrices.
• Contribute to Design Department initiatives beyond day-to-day project management, such as branding, standards and templates, supplier and consultant outreach, CPDs, and sample library curation.

Skills & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, or Construction.
• Experience in Design Management for high-end residential projects is preferred.
• Capable of handling multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with the technical requirements for Planning and Listed Building Consents.
• Strong knowledge of technical aspects related to M&E systems and structural coordination.
• Well-versed in UK Building and Fire Regulations.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office.
• Experience with Revit, Archicad, or Vectorworks is preferred but not essential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.