Design Manager
Position: Design Manager
Sector: Fit-Out & Refurbishment (Healthcare, Education & More)
Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire
Agency: ITS Construction Professionals
Key Responsibilities Tender Stage:
* Review incoming tender drawings to identify discrepancies and design gaps.
* Support pre-construction and estimating teams by identifying commercial advantages that can strengthen bid submissions.
* Engage with client-side design teams early to gather information and build relationships.
* Identify and propose value engineering (VE) opportunities.
* Work with internal teams to develop and agree on the design and information release schedule.
* Assist with interpreting design intent and liaising with specialist subcontractors for accurate costing.
* Produce bespoke “Architectural Appreciation” documents for tender submissions.
* Read and understand Employers Requirements and Design Specifications to ensure subcontractor returns are accurate and fully compliant.
* Attend mid-bid and post-tender interviews as a key contributor to successful project acquisition.
Post-Award / Pre-Construction:
* Collaborate with the pre-construction team to prepare all design deliverables for the build phase.
* Review all construction drawings for completeness, compliance, and any deviations from tender sets.
* Prepare Information Required Schedules (IRS) and coordinate the drawing information release programme.
* Work with client design teams to produce and manage sample approval schedules.
* Identify and manage all required mock-ups and benchmarks in coordination with the delivery team.
* Support procurement by reviewing and validating trade packages against project specifications and Employers Requirements.
* Ensure smooth and compliant information flow across consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams.
* Review design against Building Control and fire strategy requirements to ensure full compliance.
Construction Phase:
* Manage the progression of design from RIBA Stages 2/3 through to 4/5/6.
* Organise, chair, and document all Design Team Meetings (DTMs) with subcontractors and clients.
* Monitor site works for quality, compliance, and coordination with design specifications.
* Identify buildability improvements and commercial efficiencies through alternative materials or contractor proposals.
* Maintain timely release and distribution of design information across all teams.
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Coordinate closely with Technical Services Managers and the site team to support programme adherence.
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Comfortable working independently or within a team, from site or office as needed.
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Competent in CAD; experience with REVIT or other 3D modelling tools is highly advantageous.
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Commercially aware with the ability to manage and prioritise multiple projects.
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Why Apply?
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This is a fantastic opportunity to join a progressive and professional team delivering high-quality refurbishment projects across Healthcare, Education, and other specialist sectors. You’ll be key to ensuring projects run smoothly from design through to handover, with a strong focus on coordination, quality, and client satisfaction