Design Manager - Water
Cardiff
Permanent salary + benefits package
Reports to: Framework Director
Job Description:
The Principal Design Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating both internal and external design teams to ensure projects are delivered on time and in line with client expectations. This role involves managing the design process from concept to completion, ensuring the seamless integration of technical and commercial requirements.
Acting as the central point of communication and decision-making for design activities, the Principal Design Manager ensures effective collaboration among stakeholders, including clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams. Key responsibilities include setting clear objectives, efficiently allocating resources, and fostering a motivated and high-performing environment for design teams.
With a focus on technical excellence, the Principal Design Manager oversees the creation of designs, ensuring they are accurate, clear, and aligned with relevant legislation and safety standards. They ensure designs are practical, innovative, and meet project-specific requirements while minimising errors and mitigating risks during construction.
Commercial requirements form a core aspect of the role. The Principal Design Manager collaborates closely with the commercial team to ensure that designs align with budget constraints and financial objectives. This includes managing subcontract design costs, identifying value engineering opportunities, and proactively addressing any budgetary impacts arising from design decisions.
The Principal Design Manager is also responsible for maintaining thorough documentation of the design process, ensuring that commercial implications are accurately recorded and communicated. They regularly review and update design deliverables to ensure alignment with commercial agreements, client expectations, and project timelines.
By balancing technical expertise, team leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and commercial acumen, the Principal Design Manager ensures the successful delivery of projects that meet high standards of quality, are financially viable, and align with the company's strategic goals.
Qualifications:
1. Degree / HND / HNC in Civil Engineering or a similar discipline.
2. A minimum of 5 years' experience in a similar role.
3. Experience in infrastructure, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, process engineering, utilities, or a similar industry.
4. Full GB Driving License.
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Project.
Key Objectives:
1. Collaborating with Clients: The Principal Design Manager works closely with clients to understand their expectations and aligns designs with their vision and budget. They maintain transparent communication, provide regular updates on progress and cost implications, and identify opportunities for added value. By ensuring that designs address client objectives while staying within financial limits, they build trust and foster long-term relationships.
2. Managing Subcontract Design Teams: The Principal Design Manager oversees and coordinates the activities of subcontract design teams, ensuring their deliverables align with project requirements, timelines, and budgets. They establish clear scopes of work, review and approve subcontractor designs for quality and compliance, and maintain close communication to address any technical or commercial challenges.
3. Ensuring Timely Delivery of Designs: The Principal Design Manager oversees the production of designs, ensuring adherence to strict schedules without compromising quality. They monitor progress closely, address potential delays proactively, and implement process improvements to maintain momentum.
4. Applying Technical Expertise: By leveraging their technical expertise, the Principal Design Manager drives the creation of innovative, safe, and cost-efficient solutions.
5. Reviewing Designs for Health, Safety, and Cost Implications: While ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, the Principal Design Manager also evaluates the commercial impact of designs.
6. Reducing Errors and Risks: The Principal Design Manager implements rigorous quality control measures to minimise errors that could lead to costly rework or delays.
7. Maintaining Comprehensive Documentation: The Principal Design Manager ensures thorough documentation of the design process, capturing all decisions, cost implications, and adjustments.
8. Staying Informed: The Principal Design Manager actively monitors changes in industry best practices and legislation, focusing on their commercial impact.
9. Balancing Office and Site Work: The Principal Design Manager divides their time between office-based tasks and site visits to ensure alignment between design intent and practical execution.
If you are interested and would like further details, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
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