Assistant Design Manager (Formwork)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Design Manager (Formwork)

Company: Umdasch Group (MFE Formwork Technology)

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: June 09, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead and manage the India-based formwork design team, ensuring the punctual delivery of high-quality, compliant formwork designs for factory production and project needs.

• Drive team performance, effectively manage workloads, and achieve agreed-upon production and delivery targets for formwork systems.

• Serve as the primary design interface, collaborating closely with Factory, Business Development, and Project Management teams to align design strategies with business objectives.

• Uphold rigorous quality and safety standards in all formwork designs, ensuring they are fit for purpose and meet project specifications.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes, standards, and operational workflows within the formwork engineering function.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong blend of technical design expertise in formwork systems and leadership acumen to manage a team. The focus is on efficient design delivery that directly supports manufacturing and project execution, aligning with the company's emphasis on monolithic solutions and rapid construction cycles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the formwork design team based in Mumbai, fostering a high-performance culture.

• Strategically plan, coordinate, and prioritize design workloads to consistently meet monthly production and delivery targets for formwork systems.

• Ensure all formwork designs are technically sound, fit for purpose, compliant with project-specific requirements, and optimized for efficient factory manufacturing.

• Act as the key design liaison, facilitating seamless communication and collaboration between the design team, factory operations, business development, and project execution teams.

• Proactively manage design deliverables, changes, and priorities across a portfolio of multiple construction projects.

• Monitor team and project performance, identify potential risks to quality, safety, cost, or program, and escalate issues promptly to relevant stakeholders.

• Identify skill gaps within the design team and collaborate with management to implement appropriate training and development programs.

• Champion the continuous improvement of design processes, standards, and operational methodologies to enhance efficiency and quality.

• Uphold professional standards, maintain confidentiality, and exhibit flexibility to support business needs, especially during peak operational periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on people management and technical oversight. The Assistant Design Manager is expected to not only manage output but also to actively contribute to the technical integrity and efficiency of the design process, acting as a critical link between ideation and execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, or Construction)

Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of dedicated formwork design experience.

Required Skills:

• Proven leadership and team management capabilities, with experience in developing and guiding engineering teams.

• Strong technical proficiency in formwork design principles and applications.

• Advanced design skills in AutoCAD 2D and 3D, essential for creating detailed formwork plans.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reporting, analysis, and communication.

• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex design challenges and optimize processes.

• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal, for effective stakeholder engagement.

• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, ensuring adherence to strict deadlines and budget constraints.

• Capacity to work effectively both independently and as a collaborative team player in a results-driven, fast-paced construction environment.

• Aptitude for hands-on involvement in projects when necessary to ensure successful outcomes.

• Confident and engaging personality with a proactive attitude. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with in-house 3D design software for bespoke formwork solutions.

• Familiarity with monolithic formwork systems and their applications.

• Understanding of manufacturing processes for aluminium formwork.

• Experience in construction project management or coordination.

• Knowledge of cost management and budget adherence within design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong foundation in formwork design and AutoCAD, coupled with essential leadership and project management skills. The ability to adapt and be hands-on is crucial, indicating a dynamic work environment where team members contribute across various aspects of project delivery.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successful formwork design projects, showcasing technical complexity and innovative solutions.

• Examples of project documentation, including design drawings, calculations, and technical specifications.

• Evidence of workload management and project prioritization in previous roles.

• Case studies detailing how designs contributed to efficiency, cost savings, or improved construction cycles.

• Documentation of problem-solving approaches to design challenges and their resolutions. Process Documentation:

• Showcase understanding of the formwork design lifecycle, from initial concept to final production drawings.

• Present examples of workflow optimization or process improvements implemented in previous roles.

• Illustrate experience with design review processes, including quality checks and compliance verification.

• Detail experience in coordinating design efforts with manufacturing and project execution teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a portfolio showcasing successful formwork design projects, demonstrated through technical drawings, project documentation, and case studies highlighting efficiency and problem-solving, would be highly advantageous for this role. This demonstrates practical application of skills and impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the location (Mumbai, India), experience level (5-10 years), and the specific nature of formwork design management, a competitive salary range is estimated. For an Assistant Design Manager in this specialized field in Mumbai, the typical annual salary could range from ₹10,00,000 to ₹18,00,000 (Indian Rupees). This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for engineering management roles in the construction sector in major Indian metropolitan areas, considering factors like responsibility, team size, and technical expertise.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Opportunities for professional development and specialized training in formwork systems and design software.

• Contribution to provident fund and other statutory benefits as per Indian labor laws.

• Paid time off, including annual leave and sick leave.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Exposure to large-scale, international construction projects. Working Hours:

The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, typically from Monday to Friday. However, the role requires flexibility to meet project deadlines and peak production periods, which may involve working additional hours or on weekends when necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is derived from research into engineering management roles in the Indian construction industry, particularly in major cities like Mumbai, considering typical compensation for a 5-10 year experience bracket. Benefits are standard for professional roles in India, with specific emphasis on professional development relevant to the formwork industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Engineering Services, specializing in Formwork Systems. MFE, a Doka company, is a global leader in high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective aluminium formwork systems.

Company Size: MFE is part of the Doka Group, a significant global entity. While MFE's specific India presence size isn't detailed, its global operations and manufacturing capacity (exceeding 1.5 million m² annually) suggest a substantial organizational backing and reach. The acquisition by Doka further solidifies its position.

Founded: MFE was established in Malaysia in 1991, acquired by Doka in 2024. This history indicates a company with deep roots in innovation and a strong track record of growth.

Team Structure:

• The design team in India is led by the Assistant Design Manager and is a crucial component of the broader technical and project delivery functions.

• It likely collaborates closely with the factory in Malaysia, a dedicated Business Development team, and various Project Management teams handling client projects across India.

• The reporting structure would typically involve the Assistant Design Manager reporting to a Technical Design Manager or a similar senior engineering lead. Methodology:

• Emphasis on bespoke formwork design utilizing in-house 3D software to create tailored solutions.

• End-to-end support, from design to on-site technical assistance, indicating a comprehensive service model.

• Focus on state-of-the-art, eco-friendly manufacturing processes in Malaysia.

• Commitment to rapid construction cycles for clients through efficient formwork systems and on-site support.

• Data-driven approach to design optimization and performance monitoring.

Company Website: https://www.umdaschgroup.com/ (Note: MFE is part of Doka, which is itself part of the Umdasch Group. The primary operational brand is Doka, and MFE is a specific product/system line.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is characterized by innovation, customer focus, and a commitment to quality and efficiency in construction. Being part of Doka, a global leader, means access to robust resources and international standards. The operations team plays a pivotal role in delivering these advanced formwork solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior management level within the engineering operations function. It requires a candidate who can not only execute design tasks but also lead and develop a team, manage operational workflows, and contribute to strategic process improvements.

Reporting Structure: The Assistant Design Manager will likely report to a senior figure within the Technical Design or Engineering department, such as a Technical Design Manager or Head of Engineering. They will, in turn, manage a team of formwork designers. Collaboration will be extensive with other departments like Business Development, Project Management, and Factory Operations.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on the company's ability to win and execute projects efficiently. High-quality, timely formwork designs are critical for enabling rapid construction, ensuring safety on-site, controlling project costs, and ultimately contributing to client satisfaction and the company's revenue generation and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced formwork design, materials (like aluminium), and 3D modeling software, potentially leading to senior technical specialist roles.

• Leadership Progression: Advance to a Design Manager or Head of Engineering position, overseeing larger teams and broader design operations.

• Project Management: Transition into project management roles, leveraging design and technical understanding to oversee entire construction projects.

• Process Improvement: Focus on driving operational excellence within the design function, potentially leading initiatives in automation or workflow optimization.

• International Exposure: Gain experience working within a global organization (Doka/Umdasch Group), with potential opportunities for international assignments or collaborations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within specialized engineering operations, balancing technical depth with leadership development. The emphasis on process improvement and efficiency aligns with broader trends in GTM and operational excellence, making it a strong stepping stone for ambitious professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at MFE Formwork Technology (I) Pvt. Ltd.'s office in Mumbai, India. This is an on-site position within a professional office setting.

Office Location(s): Unit No. 604, Tower-1 Star Hub, Airport Road, Behind ITC Grand Maratha Hotel, Andheri (East), Mumbai 400099, India. This location in Andheri (East) is a well-established commercial hub in Mumbai, offering good connectivity.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be a collaborative office environment, fostering interaction among the design team and with other departments.

• Access to necessary design software (AutoCAD 2D/3D), hardware, and other operational tools will be provided to support design tasks.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with project teams and potentially business development to understand client needs and project specifics.

• A professional atmosphere geared towards meeting deadlines and achieving production targets.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, aligning with a 40-hour work week. However, as is common in project-driven environments within construction and engineering, there may be a requirement for flexibility to work extended hours or occasional weekends to meet critical project milestones or production demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role in a bustling Mumbai business district emphasizes the need for strong in-person collaboration and a commitment to being physically present to manage the team and interface with stakeholders. The office environment is geared towards operational efficiency and project delivery.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and qualifications to assess basic requirements and experience in formwork design and team leadership.

• Technical Interview: Focused discussion on formwork design principles, AutoCAD proficiency (2D/3D), and problem-solving skills. You may be asked to walk through specific design challenges from your past.

• Leadership & Management Interview: Assessment of your experience leading teams, managing workloads, and handling performance issues. Behavioral questions will likely be used to gauge your management style and approach.

• Case Study/Design Challenge (Potential): You might be presented with a hypothetical formwork design scenario or a problem from a past project to assess your approach to problem-solving, design optimization, and stakeholder communication.

• Final Interview: Meeting with senior management to discuss your fit with the company culture, long-term career aspirations, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Team Leadership: If possible, showcase projects where you led a team, detailing team size, roles, and your management approach.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Clearly present your best formwork design examples, emphasizing complexity, innovative solutions, and adherence to standards. Use clear visuals (drawings, renderings).

• Quantify Impact: For each project, provide metrics on how your designs contributed to efficiency, cost savings, safety improvements, or faster construction timelines. Use numbers and data wherever possible.

• Showcase AutoCAD Skills: Be prepared to discuss your specific use of AutoCAD 2D and 3D, including any advanced techniques or customisations you've employed.

• Problem-Solving: Include a case study or example of a significant design challenge you faced and how you successfully resolved it, detailing your thought process and the outcome.

• Process Improvement: If you've implemented any process improvements within a design team, present them with clear before-and-after scenarios and measurable results.

Challenge Preparation:

• Formwork Design Scenarios: Familiarize yourself with common formwork challenges in different construction types (residential, commercial, infrastructure) and how to approach their design.

• AutoCAD Proficiency: Be ready for practical exercises or detailed questions about your AutoCAD capabilities.

• Team Management Scenarios: Prepare answers for questions about motivating teams, resolving conflicts, managing underperformance, and prioritizing tasks for multiple team members.

• Company Research: Understand MFE's role within Doka, their focus on aluminium formwork, monolithic solutions, and their presence in the Indian market.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio that balances technical design expertise with demonstrated leadership and process improvement capabilities will be key. Candidates should be ready to articulate their contributions with data and specific examples, especially concerning efficiency and team management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD 2D & 3D: Essential for all formwork design tasks, requiring advanced proficiency.

• In-house 3D Software: Likely a proprietary or specialized 3D modeling tool for bespoke formwork design, crucial for creating unique solutions.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard for reporting, documentation, analysis, and communication (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: For data analysis, basic calculations, and reporting on design metrics, team performance, and project progress.

• Potential for BI Tools: While not specified, larger organizations might use Business Intelligence tools for more advanced analytics and dashboarding.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Likely used for tracking project progress, managing deliverables, and coordinating with other teams (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, or custom internal systems).

• ERP Systems: For broader organizational integration of project data, resource planning, and financial tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD 2D/3D is a hard requirement. Familiarity with specialized 3D design software used for bespoke formwork and standard office productivity tools is also critical. The company's emphasis on end-to-end support suggests an integrated approach to project management tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Compliance: A strong commitment to delivering designs that meet rigorous project specifications and safety standards.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Driving rapid construction cycles and optimizing manufacturing processes through effective formwork solutions.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking better ways to design and deliver formwork, leveraging advanced technologies and materials like aluminium.

• Customer Focus: Understanding and meeting the specific needs of clients and project teams, providing end-to-end support.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative environment where the design team works effectively with factory, business development, and project teams.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with factory operations, business development, and project management teams. This involves clear communication, shared understanding of objectives, and joint problem-solving.

• Process-Oriented: A culture that values well-defined processes for design, review, and delivery, with a continuous drive for improvement.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and giving constructive feedback to enhance design quality and team performance.

• Proactive Communication: Emphasis on anticipating needs and potential issues, and communicating them proactively to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be results-driven, with a strong emphasis on technical excellence, efficiency, and collaborative problem-solving. Professionals who thrive in a structured yet dynamic environment and can effectively bridge technical design with business and project needs will be a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Projects: Juggling design requirements for a variety of construction projects simultaneously, each with unique specifications and timelines.

• Team Development & Performance: Leading and motivating a team to consistently meet high standards and production targets, especially during peak periods.

• Technical Complexity: Addressing intricate design challenges that require innovative solutions and deep technical understanding of formwork systems.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring smooth coordination and communication between the design team, factory, and project management to avoid delays or misinterpretations.

• Adapting to Market Demands: Staying abreast of evolving construction techniques and client needs to ensure formwork solutions remain competitive and relevant.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Formwork Techniques: Deepen knowledge in specialized formwork systems, materials, and their application in complex construction projects.

• Leadership and Management Skills: Opportunities to hone management capabilities, including team leadership, performance management, and strategic planning.

• Software Proficiency: Advanced training in AutoCAD and potentially specialized 3D design software for formwork.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to global best practices in formwork design and construction through working with Doka and Umdasch Group.

• Project Exposure: Gaining experience on significant infrastructure and urban development projects in India.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a significant opportunity for professional growth by tackling complex engineering challenges and developing leadership skills within a globally recognized organization. Continuous learning in formwork technology and management practices will be key to long-term success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage competing priorities from multiple projects. How did you prioritize and ensure all deadlines were met?" (Assesses workload management and prioritization skills)

• "How do you ensure the quality and compliance of formwork designs produced by your team, especially when working under tight deadlines?" (Evaluates quality control and process adherence)

• "Tell me about a challenging design problem you or your team encountered. What was your approach to solving it, and what was the outcome?" (Gauges problem-solving skills and technical depth)

• "How do you motivate and develop a team of engineers to achieve high performance and maintain morale?" (Assesses leadership and team management style) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about MFE and Doka's approach to formwork systems, particularly aluminium formwork?" (Tests research and interest in the company's specialization)

• "How do you see your role contributing to MFE's goal of enabling rapid construction cycles?" (Connects your responsibilities to company objectives)

• "Describe your ideal working relationship with factory operations and project management teams." (Evaluates collaboration and cross-functional understanding) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly stating your role, the project's context, the design challenge, your solution, and the quantifiable results (e.g., time saved, cost reduced, safety improved).

• Visuals: Use high-quality images of drawings, 3D models, and actual construction sites where your formwork was used.

• Storytelling: For each case study, tell a concise story that highlights the problem, your innovative solution, and the positive impact.

• Quantify: Be ready to discuss the metrics and data that demonstrate the success of your designs and your team's efforts.

• Team Aspect: Emphasize your role in leading and supporting your team to achieve these outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your experience with specific examples, focusing on both technical design acumen and leadership capabilities. Demonstrating how you've driven efficiency and managed teams effectively will be crucial for success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Assistant Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided SmartRecruiters link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of formwork design experience, proficiency in AutoCAD 2D/3D, and any team leadership or project management accomplishments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a portfolio that showcases your best formwork design projects. Include technical drawings, 3D models, and case studies detailing your problem-solving approaches, process improvements, and quantifiable results.

• Interview Preparation: Prepare to discuss your leadership style, technical expertise, and experience managing design workflows. Research MFE and Doka's company profile, products, and values.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions related to engineering management, design challenges, and team leadership.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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