Job Description:

Design Manager – Design & Build

Location: Stockport
Rate: £300–£400 per day (DOE)
Project Value: Approximately £8m
Start Date: ASAP
Project Duration: Until June 2027, with potential for further projects

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to join an £8m Design & Build project in Stockport, delivering a complex bus park development.

The scheme comprises two bus parks with concrete standings, on-site offices, ducting, drainage and associated infrastructure works. The project also includes civils, structural, M&E and Section 278 highway works, with technical approval already secured for the highway elements.

Designers have already been appointed across the various disciplines. The key requirement is for an experienced Design Manager who can bring the different design packages together, coordinate and manage the appointed design teams, and ensure the designs are fully compliant, coordinated and buildable.

Key Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for managing and coordinating the design process across civils, structural, M&E and highways.

• Consolidate and manage the three appointed design teams.

• Review and confirm design compliance, technical requirements and buildability.

• Challenge and coordinate design proposals, specifications and material selections.

• Drive the design programme from Stage 4 through to Stage 5, ensuring information is fully coordinated and ready for construction.

• Work closely with the construction team to ensure designs are practical, deliverable and aligned with the build programme.

• Manage technical queries and resolve design-related issues.

• Oversee the production and coordination of O&M manuals, data manuals and Health & Safety documentation.

Experience Required

We are looking for a well-rounded Design Manager with:

• Proven experience managing design on Design & Build construction projects.

• A strong background in civils and construction/building works.

• Good technical knowledge across structural and infrastructure packages.

• A solid understanding of M&E, which will account for approximately 40% of the role.

• Experience coordinating multiple external design consultants and technical disciplines.

• The ability to review designs critically, identify potential issues and ensure buildability.

• Experience taking designs through RIBA Stage 4 and into Stage 5.

• An understanding of project handover requirements, including O&Ms, data manuals and H&S documentation.

Programme & Future Opportunities

The successful candidate is required to start ASAP, ideally to take ownership of the design coordination process ahead of the project's construction start in mid-January 2027.

The current programme anticipates completion around June 2027.

There is also potential for longer-term continuity, with further Design & Build schemes in the pipeline, including an anticipated residential development in Ashton, expected to commence around March 2027.

Rate

£300–£400 per day, dependent on experience.

Application Process

CVs are requested next week, with first-stage interviews expected to take place face-to-face the following week.

If you are an experienced Design Manager with a strong civils and construction background, good M&E knowledge and the ability to coordinate complex Design & Build projects, we would be keen to hear from you.