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An outstanding and high-performing Design Manger is sought to join the London studio of a renowned, multiple award-winning AJ100 architectural practice, becoming a key member of their Design team.
This opportunity is with our clients who are a forward-thinking, sustainable practice that places design innovation, technical excellence, and sustainability at the core of its work. The ideal Design Manager will have a strong passion for creating high-quality, sustainable designs, supported by a proven history of successful project delivery.
Responsibilities and the role
As a Design Manager, you will be responsible for guiding and coordinating both internal and external design teams, ensuring strong leadership throughout the RIBA Stages. Your role will involve motivating your team to produce innovative and high-quality designs that not only meet but exceed client expectations. In addition, you will maintain and develop relationships with existing clients while actively pursuing new business opportunities.
You will be responsible for leading the preparation of fee proposals and bids, as well as managing the project pipeline, As the primary point of contact for clients, you will ensure clear and effective communication throughout each stage of the project. A key part of your role will be presenting design work in an engaging, professional, and motivating way.
As a Design Manager, you will manage and mentor your team, fostering a collaborative and efficient working environment. You will also be expected to independently develop high-quality spatial, architectural, and operational designs that align with the practice's vision and the client's objectives. Creating and reviewing project schedules, delivery milestones, and developing design responsibility matrices will also fall under your purview. You will oversee the master design deliverables schedule for the entire design team.
Your expertise will be crucial in recognizing and driving improvements in both design and operational efficiencies throughout the practice. A solid understanding of regulatory standards, such as Building Regulations, health and safety, and planning laws, is required. Staying current with professional registration requirements, including ARB, RIBA, and CIAT, is essential, as is ensuring compliance with and upholding ISO 9001/14001 standards.
As a Design Manager a key aspect of your role will be mentoring junior staff and helping to develop the design team, while also improving office standards, workflows, and design processes. Establishing and nurturing strong relationships with key stakeholders, such as clients, contractors, and local authorities, will be crucial for the success of your projects.
Requirements:
The successful Design Manager will be a UK-qualified architect or architectural technologist with at least seven years of post-qualification experience. Proven experience on projects with construction values ranging from 5M to 100M is required, along with a confident, organized, and proactive leadership style. Previous experience managing office fit-out projects as a Design Manager and collaborating with fit-out contractors, architects, and project managers is essential.
A thorough understanding of construction techniques, materials, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) coordination is necessary, as is the ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and contracts. You should be experienced in developing and managing design schedules to align with project timelines and have familiarity with sustainable design practices and standards such as BREEAM/LEED. Strong communication and negotiation skills with clients, contractors, and suppliers are a must, as well as the ability to present design ideas effectively in meetings and reports.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Revit, AutoCAD, and Common Data Environments is necessary. Finally, strong written and verbal communication skills in English are essential for this role.
What's On Offer
On offer for the successful Design Manager is a Salary between 55,000 - 65,000 Dependant on Experience, Genuine Hybrid working models with 2 days working from home, 25 Days annual leave and a Generous company benefits package.
If you are a Design Manager looking for your next opportunity within Central London then this could be the perfect opportunity for you, Click to apply or get in touch with Jimmy Penrose at Conrad Consulting for more information
