Design Manager – Architect vacancy in City of London (031jc)

Based on a live construction site in London, the Design Manager will report to the Programme Director and will have design management responsibilities across a high profile project

This is an initial 18 month post, with possibility of extension or permanency.

Your role will be part of a team to manage a comprehensive refurbishment of a number of significant historic buildings Westminster. The Programme plans to refurbish a site to a medium level of intervention in this high public profile site. The Programme also has significant interdependencies with other major programmes in the local area and carries some substantial risks that will require close management. The Programme will deliver the building refurbishments to Level 2 BIM using the NEC3 suite of contracts.

The Programme is fast-moving and the post-holder is expected to make a quick impact following appointment. As well as being the design lead for the project, the post-holder will be asked to contribute to the design management for other projects, as the interdependencies between this programme and other projects are significant, integrated working is becoming increasingly critical.

The NEP and the Restoration and Renewal Programme (R&R) operate an integrated approach to stakeholder engagement through the Stakeholder Engagement Framework. This framework seeks to address this by providing a structure for the planning and co-ordination of stakeholder engagement. The Design Manager is responsible for providing a two-month forecast of engagement required with stakeholders, and work with Relationship Managers to ensure requests are co-ordinated.

The role will require an experienced individual with a skill set of managing design processes on a complex construction project. Working in a team environment where communication skills are important, the Design Manager will develop trust from internal stakeholders that their requirements will be met. Good presentation skills are required both within the organisation and to external bodies such as Planning Authority and Statutory Bodies. The Design Manager will be expected to work with other Design Managers in formulating best practice in design management techniques and reviews.

Main Objectives
The main purpose of this proactive role is to take a design management role for the project, co-ordinate and integrate the activities of the Programme’s external design consultants, assist on pre-construction activities, tender opportunities and to control and interrogate the activities of external design consultants. Working and reporting to the Programme Director and Senior Project Leader on the project. The project is currently working on a RIBA Stage 2 which it will conclude by the end of Q2 2018.

You will have significant internal relationships which will include other Programme Directors, Senor Project Leaders, Design Managers, CAS Consultants and others. As well as Third Party Consultants and contractors as well as Statutory Authorities.

You will not have line management responsibilities, however this role will have task management on other personnel within this massive programme.


Therefore your duties will consist of:
• Manage the design process for all RIBA stages via external design consultants
• Drive innovative, safe and cost effective solutions through value management activities at each stage completion into the proposed design
• Progress design issues within a strict timescale & ensure the design consultants meet information delivery dates
• Ensure, verify & control status of consultants and subcontractors drawings and specifications & registers
• Ensure the consultant contract scope of services are delivered and maintained
• Manage the milestone design review processes within the NEP and stakeholder teams to ensure progression to both OBC and FBC stages
• Ensure programme, project and stakeholder team(s) understand drawings and technical specifications
• Monitor, report and manage any brief changes with stakeholders and teams and communicate design process and progress to senior management teams and others as required
• Manage the benchmarking of design proposals for quality and value for money
• Ensure design risk assessments are carried out and residual risk is transferred
• Maintain a good relationship with the Strategic Estates Architecture & Heritage department and Design Authority to ensure Parliamentary Standards are maintained
• Work with key stakeholders and relationship managers in the development of the designs
• Coordinate with other key interdependent programmes and projects such as the Palace of Westminster Renewal & Refurbishment (R&R) programme and Temporary Accommodation project
• Where required, assist in procurement tender review process or cost verification

To be eligible for this role you will need the following skills, qualifications and experience:
• Architect with ARB qualifications (essential)
• Knowledge of design package software (desirable)
• MCIOB qualifications (desirable)
• Previous experience of managing design on large / complex Programmes in construction
• Excellent knowledge of value creation
• Proven experience of delivering weekly and monthly reports across various stages of the programme/ project lifecycle
• Proven experience of delivering innovative, safe and cost effective solutions into the design for historic buildings
• Good understanding of public procurement processes including negotiation with third parties, successful contract management and risk management
• Experience of ensuring the design process recognises current legislation, standards and codes of practice
• Strong team worker and experience of collaborative/partnering working arrangements
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral)
• Proven experience of delivering design solutions and significant stakeholder engagement within a complex stakeholder environment
• Sound business and negotiation skills

For more information, please contact Jean-Claude Hedouin at Ex-Mil Recruitment Ltd on 0333 202 6500 ext 1, or [email protected] or via the website www.ex-mil.co.uk