Full-time
Department: Design Management
Project: Science and Research Based Project
Location: London
About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Design Manager to join our Design Management team in London. As a senior member of the Design Job Family and Technical Function, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring technical excellence, assurance, and performance across projects — from early engagement and work winning through to delivery and handover.
You will be responsible for ensuring that all design information is reviewed, coordinated, and delivered in line with our design management procedures. This includes managing programme, buildability, safety, maintenance, and technical suitability requirements. The role also involves overseeing the production, control, and distribution of design information across project stages, with regular progress reporting in place.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage design processes from concept through to handover.
Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, statutory regulations, and technical standards.
Coordinate and oversee the production, review, and distribution of design information.
Support the selection and appointment of designers, ensuring scope, requirements, and responsibilities are clearly defined.
Facilitate collaborative design reviews and manage queries throughout project delivery.
Monitor and manage design risks, opportunities, and change control.
Support construction and handover activities, including quality assurance, commissioning, and documentation.
Drive continuous improvement by embedding lessons learned, feedback, and innovative practices into design processes.
Qualifications & Experience (Recommended)
Degree in an Architectural or Engineering discipline (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Structural) or equivalent construction-related qualification with design management experience.
Chartered membership of a relevant professional body.
5+ years' experience managing design across multiple procurement routes and sectors.
Proven track record of managing design from early concept through to handover.
Capabilities & Skills
Strong knowledge of design strategy at enterprise and project level.
Ability to independently manage design requirements, optimisation, planning, and reporting.
Skilled in appointing and managing designers, ensuring alignment with governance and compliance frameworks.
Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to chair multi-stakeholder design reviews.
Agile thinker with problem-solving capability and adaptability in dynamic project environments.
Commitment to sustainability, innovation, digital literacy, and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.
What We're Looking For
This role requires a proactive leader who can balance technical detail with strategic oversight, while empowering teams and driving continuous improvement. You'll be someone who thrives in complex environments, adapts to change, and maintains a performance focus throughout project lifecycles.
Why Join Us?
Opportunity to lead design delivery on high-profile projects.
Work within a collaborative and innovative environment.
Be part of an organisation committed to technical excellence, sustainability, and inclusion.
Competitive salary and benefits package
As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long term health conditions and disabilities through the ‘Offer an interview scheme'. This supports applicants that meet the essential criteria by offering an interview for the advertised position. Please let us know prior to interview what adjustments are required as well as discussing how we can support you in the workplace.
We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you need the application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please email resourcingteam@laingorourke.com
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