Design Project Manager

Lead and manage the pre-construction phase of schemes, creating construction-ready plans that deliver robust technical solutions, enhanced margins, and reduced project risk. Work across multi-disciplinary teams to shape projects, manage design, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with client, statutory, and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the pre-construction phase, securing sustainable design/build contracts

• Coordinate multi-disciplinary consultants and manage design packages

• Chair and record weekly progress meetings, track programmes and budgets

• Identify and manage risks, opportunities, and change control processes

• Ensure compliance with assurance, governance, quality, and HSE standards

• Oversee site investigations, surveys, and early construction planning activities

• Lead internal/external design reviews, ensuring buildability, safety, and efficiency

• Respond to TQs, manage temporary/permanent works interfaces

• Support bids and tenders, advising on risks, assumptions, and delivery strategy

• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across design and construction techniques

• Monitor costs, forecasts, and financial reporting in pre-construction phase

• Manage suppliers, subcontractors, procurement of plant and materials

• Ensure HSE compliance under CDM 2015 and deliver high-quality outputs

Requirements

• Previous experience in design/commercial leadership or project team management

• Degree/HNC in Civil Engineering (or equivalent)

• Strong knowledge of contract conditions, CDM regs, design management, programme & risk management, cost control, and forecasting

• Primavera P6 (or equivalent) experience

• Excellent communication, leadership, and team management skills

• Ability to challenge designs, resolve problems, and deliver projects with minimal guidance

• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking

Desirable

• Professional qualification/membership with an industry body

• Experience on Affinity Water or similar frameworks

Benefits

• Competitive salary & profit share scheme

• Company pension & life assurance

• Private medical insurance

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + loyalty days

• Additional volunteering leave

• Company car/green car scheme/car allowance/van (role dependent)

• Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice

• Employee Assistance Programme (mental, financial, physical wellbeing support)

• Leadership & management training, coaching, and structured career progression

• Continuous service awards