Design Manager

EQUANS is looking for a Design Manager to join our Team in Hatfield. On offer is a competitive salary, company vehicle or allowance and benefits package.

The main purpose of this role is to lead design from pre-construction through to construction, taking full technical responsibility for allocated projects. The Design Manager will also provide full design and technical support during the tendering process.

Experience in leading the design of major refurbishment, fire remediation, and re-cladding of Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) is advantageous.

This role may include line management of an Assistant Design Coordinator, Design Coordinator, or Senior Design Coordinator.

What will you deliver?

Design and Technical Responsibilities:

• Lead consultant and survey tendering and procurement.
• Conduct thorough design risk appraisals to support tenders.
• Review Employer's Requirements (ERs) and contribute to Contractor’s Proposals.
• Develop robust design and preconstruction programmes for tenders.
• Lead client meetings during bid and preconstruction phases as required.
• Manage consultant and survey appointments, ensuring scope and terms align with project needs.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with consultants.
• Ensure design fee budgets are managed effectively and within scope.
• Obtain consultant design programmes and integrate them into a single detailed design delivery programme.
• Track and report progress against design delivery programmes.
• Chair design team meetings and communicate clear expectations for deliverables.
• Monitor consultant performance and ensure timely delivery of high-quality design information.
• Review all design information for compliance with contracts, buildability, cost-effectiveness, and statutory regulations.
• Monitor design changes and manage change control processes.
  
  
  

Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:

• Work closely with the Commercial Team for cost validation.
• Lead the resolution of design and technical queries to support preconstruction and project teams.
• Liaise with Clients and Key Stakeholders to ensure expectations are met.
• Ensure compliance with all Statutory Matters including Building Regulations, Building Warranty, and Planning Conditions.
• Work closely with the Principal Designer (BR) to meet statutory requirements under the Building Safety Act.
• Obtain any required licenses, permissions, or approvals for project execution including but not limited to Highways and Drainage Section Agreements, Rail, Waterways, Crane Oversailing, Street Works, Temporary Crossovers, etc.
• Lead design reviews and client presentations
  
  
  

Process Improvement and Team Development:

• Provide support, mentorship, and guidance to Design Coordinators.
• Contribute to the motivation and professional development of the design team.
• Stay informed on industry updates, regulatory changes, and new product developments.
• Support digital transformation initiatives within the design team, including BIM implementation and digital design review processes.
  
  
  

Safety:

• Ensure all design information complies with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Work closely with the Principal Designer to meet statutory requirements under the Building Safety Act.
  
  
  

What can we offer you?

On offer is a competitive salary, car or car allowance and benefits package, which includes;

• 25 days annual leave (+ public holidays)
• Life Cover equivalent to 2 times annual salary
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
• Gym membership discounts 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Holiday purchase scheme
• 2 corporate social responsibility days per year
• Broad range of learning opportunities, such as professional qualifications, collective/individual training, and personalized support programmes
• Attractive Employee Referral Rewards Scheme
• Access to our growing employee networks including WiE (Women in EQUANS), RISE (BAME), LGBTQI+, Working Parents, YPN (Young Persons Network) and our Disability Network
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
  
  
  

Who are we looking for?

Essential:

• Detailed understanding of all major construction forms and detailing (e.g., RC, Timber, Structural Steel, Loadbearing Masonry).
• Professional approach with high discretion and emotional intelligence.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build relationships with clients, colleagues, and consultants.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to multitask and work under pressure.
• Experience supporting single and two stage tendering processes
• Working knowledge of JCT, PPC and NEC suite of contracts.
• Experience in programming design works using Asta Powerproject or Microsoft Project.
• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Proactive attitude with a results-driven approach.
• Ability to drive issues to completion with project team satisfaction.
• Strong teamwork and leadership skills, including mentoring and talent development.
• Knowledge of design requirements for procurement and construction.
• Understanding of construction project sequencing, including design and pre-construction activities.
• Awareness of building legislation and industry standards.
• Commitment to continuous learning and personal development.
• Experience using Common Data Environments (e.g., Viewpoint for Projects, Fieldview).
• Familiarity with digital design tools and BIM processes.
  
  
  

Essential:

• Relevant qualification in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
  
  
  

Who are we?

EQUANS is a world leader in energy services with nearly 100,000 employees working in more than 50 countries, with an annual turnover of over 17 billion euros.  

In the UK & Ireland, EQUANS is a provider of technical, FM, regeneration and energy services – with specialist capabilities in smart buildings, green mobility, district & embedded energy and decentralised renewables.

EQUANS’ 13,500 UK & Ireland employees combine these activities to help businesses, public sector organisations and government to embrace the energy transition towards net zero, and also the digital & industrial transitions that are redesigning the way we move, work and live.

EQUANS is a Bouygues group company.

What’s next?

If this role is of interest to you, please click below to register, apply, and track your progress! A member of our Resourcing Team will review your application and be in touch.

At Equans we’re committed to delivering a culture where everyone’s voice is heard and supported. We know the value a diverse workforce creates, delivering better results for our people, customers, and stakeholders. Diversity and inclusion is at the core of what we do, should you join Equans you’ll find a welcoming and open workplace where you’re supported and encouraged to be your true self at work. You’ll also have access to our growing employee networks including WiE (Women in Equans), RISE (BAME), LGBTQI+, Working Parents, YPN (Young Professionals Network) and our Disability Network.

For this role, you must have evidence of the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer a re-location package with this job role.  Certain roles may require applicants to undergo a Disclosure check, as noted in the role requirements.

The EQUANS Resourcing Team supports this job advert. Agency involvement is not required. All related enquiries must come to the resourcing team not direct to EQUANS Managers.