Design Manager

As GRAHAM continues to grow, we are seeking a driven and experienced Design Manager to help deliver a major highways development in Hereford. The Design Manager is responsible for leading, coordinating and managing the design process across projects from early concept through to construction and handover. The role ensures that design solutions are safe, compliant, buildable, cost-effective and aligned with programme and client requirements. Acting as the central interface between design, commercial and delivery teams, the Design Manager plays a key role in ensuring successful project outcomes. The Design Manager shall: Design Leadership & Coordination

• Manage the development and coordination of multi-disciplinary design teams (architectural, structural, MEP and specialist designers)
• Ensure design outputs are aligned with project scope, programme, cost and quality requirements
• Lead design team meetings, workshops and reviews
• Maintain clear communication across all stakeholders and disciplines.
Design Management Across Project Lifecycle
• Manage design from concept through detailed design, construction and handover
• Develop and manage design programmes and deliverables schedules
Ensure timely issue and approval of design information
• Track progress and proactively manage risks to delivery
Technical Assurance & Compliance
• Ensure compliance with statutory regulations, Building Regulations, planning requirements and relevant standards
• Manage design risk, including CDM and safe-by-design principles
• Coordinate technical reviews, approvals and assurance processes
• Ensure design quality, coordination and completeness
Pre-Construction & Work-Winning Support
• Support bids, tenders and pre-construction activities with design expertise
• Contribute to design strategies, methodology and optioneering exercises
• Ensure proposed solutions are buildable, compliant and aligned with cost plans
• Support development of technical submissions and client presentations
Cost, Programme & Buildability Integration
• Work closely with Estimating and Commercial teams to align design with cost plans
• Support value engineering and design-to-cost optimisation
• Ensure designs reflect practical construction methodology and sequencing
• Coordinate with Planning teams to align design deliverables with programme
Risk, Opportunity & Change Management
• Identify and manage design risks, constraints and opportunities
• Manage design change control processes and ensure proper documentation
• Ensure clarity of assumptions, interfaces and responsibilities
• Support mitigation strategies for delivery risks
Supply Chain & Consultant Management
• Manage external consultants, designers and specialist suppliers
• Monitor performance against scope, programme and quality expectations
• Ensure design deliverables are fully coordinated with subcontractor scopes
• Promote collaboration and early engagement
Stakeholder & Client Engagement
• Act as the primary design interface with clients, consultants and stakeholders
• Facilitate design workshops, approvals and decision-making processes
• Ensure client requirements are understood and effectively delivered
• Maintain strong working relationships and client confidence
Handover & Delivery Support
• Ensure design information is complete, coordinated and build-ready prior to construction
• Support project teams during construction with design queries and technical issues
• Assist with commissioning, as-built information and handover documentation
Ensure continuity between design intent and delivered outcome Continuous Improvement
• Capture lessons learned from projects and design processes
• Promote best practice, standardisation and efficiency in design management
• Support innovation, digital design and BIM where applicable
• Assist with commissioning, as-built information and handover documentation
• Ensure continuity between design intent and delivered outcome
This job description is intended to give the post holder an appreciation of the role envisaged and the range of duties to be undertaken. It does not attempt to detail every activity. Specific tasks and objectives will be agreed with the post holder at regular intervals


• Significant experience in design management within construction, specifically, experience within Education
• Strong understanding of multi-disciplinary design coordination
• Knowledge of construction processes, sequencing and buildability
• Experience managing design programmes, risks and stakeholder coordination
Desirable
• Professional qualification in construction, engineering, architecture or design
• Chartered status or working toward professional accreditation
• Experience in design-and-build or framework environments
It does not attempt to detail every activity. Specific tasks and objectives will be agreed with the post holder at regular intervals

At GRAHAM, we are proud to say that we are a committed Equal Opportunities Employer and we aim to be the first choice for people from all backgrounds. We seek to promote respect for the individual and equality of opportunities. We believe that everyone should be treated solely on the basis of personal merit and contribution throughout their GRAHAM career journey and not on the value of artificial barriers, prejudices, or preferences.