Company Description: Fortis Vision is a nationwide full-service refurbishment contractor that creates exceptional spaces for our clients. We work closely with our clients to add value at every step of the refurbishment process. We have a diverse, professional team based in Bristol, County Durham, Essex and Milton Keynes, that supports every aspect of a project from concept to delivery. Our close working relationships with our clients are key to our success as it is our understanding of the unique requirements of every job that ensures the delivery of high-quality projects. We are known as the team that can deliver what other refurbishment companies can’t. Role Description: This is a full-time role for a Design Manager located in Milton Keynes and on-site nationally, with flexibility for remote work. As a Design Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our projects from concept to completion. You’ll collaborate and manage cross-functional teams, including architects, interior designers, consultant engineers, internal and external stakeholders, to ensure all designs align with project brief, client scope & specifications, technical requirements, building compliance, costed budget and industry standards. You will be responsible for ensuring that the work complies with building regulations and BSA requirements from design through to handover. You must have excellent attention to detail, be capable of multitasking, and able to work independently and as part of a team. Main Duties and Responsibilities: Design Coordination: Lead the coordination between architects, interior designers, consultant engineers, client and the construction team. Ensure design development meets project briefs, aligns with commercial objectives and meets deadlines as per the Information Release Schedule (IRS). Design Management: Manage design review at all stages via Design Team Meetings (DTMs) and communication via relevant software packages ensuring all designs are signed off by the client, approved by relevant regulatory bodies, and are fully coordinated with the construction plans. Ensure document control of drawings and registers are kept up to date with latest revisions and circulated as required. RIBA Stages: Manage the design process through RIBA stages, ensuring each phase is completed according to plan. Projects generally from concept design (Stage 2) to post-construction evaluation (Stage 7). Consultant Management: Oversee the engagement and coordination of all external consultants to ensure seamless integration of their designs with the construction process. Review and manage their work output to ensure quality, compliance, cost certainty and project timelines. Technical Review: Conduct reviews of all designs incl. architectural, structural, fire and M&E (Mechanical and Electrical) designs to ensure they are feasible, cost-effective, and compliant with the project’s design intent. Ensure that all designs comply with relevant UK building regulations and the Building Safety Act (BSA), industry standards, and sustainability guidelines (e.g., BREEAM) to meet both legal requirements and the company’s environmental objectives. Risk Management: Identify and mitigate design-related risks early in the project lifecycle, ensuring all designs are achievable and fit for purpose. Implement risk management protocols to minimise disruptions and delays during build phase. Value Engineering: Collaborate with the commercial and construction teams to identify and implement cost-saving design modifications, optimising the use of materials, methods, and systems while maintaining the overall quality, functionality, and aesthetic intent of the project. Ensure that all cost-saving measures align with the project’s long-term performance goals and do not compromise safety or regulatory compliance. Client Communication and Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary point of contact between the design teams and clients, keeping all stakeholders informed of progress and addressing any design concerns that arise during the project lifecycle. Provide regular updates on project progress, milestones, and any issues that may arise. Site Management Support: Support the construction team by providing technical guidance during the build phase, ensuring all design details are followed on-site. Conduct regular site visits to verify that the construction aligns with the approved design, and promptly address any discrepancies or adjustments needed in coordination with the design and construction teams. Post-Construction Evaluation: Oversee the post-completion evaluation process, including building performance assessments and feedback from end users. Ensure the completed project meets the original design expectations in terms of functionality, aesthetic quality, and sustainability goals. By fulfilling these duties and responsibilities, the Design Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the successful delivery of projects, meeting client expectations, regulatory requirements, and quality standards. Qualifications/skills required: Strong understanding of all RIBA stages, from concept design to post-completion evaluation. Experience managing and coordinating multidisciplinary teams in a construction environment. Proven experience working in the student accommodation, hotel, care-home, or office fit-out sectors, ideally in a refurbishment or main contractor setting. Strong technical understanding of architectural, structural, fire and M&E disciplines, with the ability to review and challenge designs to ensure practicality and compliance. Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously, ensuring effective coordination and delivery. Ability to identify potential design issues early in the project and implement effective solutions, ensuring minimal disruption to timelines or budgets. In-depth knowledge of UK construction standards, planning laws, and building regulations relevant to refurbishment projects. Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Design and Construction Management, Architectural Technology, or related field. Experience in the construction industry. Additional Requirements: Willingness to travel to national project sites as required. Professional accreditation or membership with relevant industry bodies (e.g. CIAT, RIBA etc.) preferred but not essential.