Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Equitix

Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Infrastructure Project Management / Design Coordination

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead design programme control and Building Information Modelling (BIM) coordination for a multi-billion-pound infrastructure project, ensuring adherence to project milestones and contractual obligations.

• Drive compliance with the HARP Information Management Requirements, meticulously managing the Reviewable Design Data (RDD) process and BIM model integrity.

• Facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among diverse design stakeholders, including contractors, project companies, and clients, through effective meeting coordination and reporting.

• Contribute to the optimization of design scope, cost, program, and performance through proactive risk management, value engineering, and optioneering initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities and required experience lean heavily towards a Design Coordinator or Design Management role within a large-scale infrastructure project. The emphasis on RDD, BIM coordination, and contractor alignment suggests a hands-on operational role rather than pure people management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the Design Management function of Cascade Infrastructure Limited (CIL) across the entire project lifecycle, with a strategic focus on design programme control and advanced Building Information Modelling (BIM) coordination.

• Ensure the appointed Contractor (Strabag (UK)) remains meticulously aligned with critical design milestones and strictly compliant with the contractual Review Procedure, actively monitoring progress and flagging deviations.

• Maintain a comprehensive and forward-looking lookahead planner specifically for the timely release and approval of Reviewable Design Data (RDD) under the established Review Procedure.

• Represent CIL by attending key design meetings and conducting essential site visits to ensure on-the-ground alignment with design intent and project progress.

• Contribute significantly to the development and compilation of crucial project reports, including the Monthly Progress Report, Quarterly Construction Report, and Board Report, providing data-driven insights.

• Ensure the BIM Model is consistently maintained as contemporary and fully compliant with the HARP Information Management Requirements, actively managing the data drop interface to maintain data integrity.

• Oversee and ensure the RDD process operates in strict compliance with the HARP Information Management Requirements, maintaining accurate records and documentation.

• Assist in the rigorous coordination of design submission reviews, Request For Information (RFI) submissions, checking, and approvals, guaranteeing compliance with client requirements and all relevant industry standards.

• Actively assist in the management of design risks, value engineering exercises, and optioneering studies to achieve optimal cost, programme, and performance outcomes for the project.

• Support the commercial management of the design scope, including the process for managing changes and ensuring adherence to contractual obligations related to design.

• Maintain highly effective communication channels between all various design stakeholders by coordinating Design Management meeting calendars, ensuring attendance at team meetings, and producing accurate meeting minutes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on process adherence, data management, and cross-functional coordination, typical of roles within large infrastructure projects. The emphasis on RDD, BIM, and contractual compliance indicates a need for meticulous attention to detail and a solid understanding of project delivery phases.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Construction Management, Engineering, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in roles directly involving design coordination, design assistance, BIM coordination, or similar within the construction or infrastructure sectors.

• Practical, hands-on experience working with BIM models and complex design documentation on live, large-scale projects.

• Proven experience in coordinating data management processes and ensuring strict compliance with established design management protocols and information management requirements.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Design Management principles and execution within project environments.

• Expertise in BIM Coordination and understanding of Building Information Modelling workflows and standards.

• Strong Project Management capabilities, including planning, scheduling, and execution oversight.

• Solid understanding of Construction Management practices and project delivery phases.

• Experience with Design Assurance processes and ensuring technical compliance.

• Proficiency in Data Management and maintaining information integrity.

• Effective Stakeholder Management and communication skills.

• Familiarity with ProjectWise for document management.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Experience in Value Engineering and Optioneering for cost and performance optimization.

• Understanding of Contractual Compliance and adherence to project agreements.

• Experience with Infrastructure Project Management methodologies.

• Skills in generating and presenting project Reporting.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Direct Procurement for Customer (DPC) contracting models.

• Knowledge of United Utilities' (UU) project requirements or similar utility infrastructure standards.

• Experience with specific project reporting tools or software used in large-scale infrastructure.

• Understanding of tunnel construction methodologies and associated design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of academic background in construction/project management and practical, hands-on experience. The specific mention of ProjectWise and BIM coordination, alongside the need for 3+ years of experience in infrastructure, points towards a candidate who can immediately contribute to the complex project environment. The "guide" nature of the qualifications suggests some flexibility for exceptional candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a track record of successfully coordinating design deliverables on large-scale construction or infrastructure projects, showcasing the impact of your coordination efforts on project timelines and outcomes.

• Provide evidence of managing and integrating Building Information Modelling (BIM) data, highlighting your role in ensuring model integrity, compliance with information management requirements, and successful data drops.

• Showcase examples of your involvement in the Reviewable Design Data (RDD) process, illustrating your ability to track progress, ensure compliance, and manage administrative obligations.

Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your approach to workflow design and optimization for design coordination processes, including how you would establish and manage lookahead planners for RDD release and approval.

• Detail your methods for implementing and automating data management and compliance checks within design coordination workflows, particularly concerning BIM and RDD adherence.

• Present examples of how you measure and analyze the performance of design coordination processes, including reporting on RDD progress, BIM model compliance, and stakeholder engagement metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of design coordination, BIM, and data management on complex projects is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to walk through specific examples of processes they've managed, challenges they've overcome, and the impact of their work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Pension Scheme: Contribution to a company-backed pension plan, supporting long-term financial security.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive private medical insurance to cover healthcare needs.

• Life Assurance: A death-in-service benefit providing financial support to beneficiaries.

• Holiday Entitlement: Generous annual leave allowance, typically starting at 25 days plus bank holidays, with potential for increases based on tenure.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for further training, certifications (e.g., in BIM or project management), and continuous learning to support career growth.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional well-being.

• Cycle to Work Scheme: An option to purchase bicycles and accessories through a salary sacrifice scheme.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Flexibility may be offered, but the hybrid nature of the role and the demands of a major infrastructure project will require significant on-site presence and potentially some flexibility to attend critical meetings or site visits outside of standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical UK market rates for Design Managers or Senior Design Coordinators in the infrastructure sector, considering the significant project value and location. Benefits are standard for professional roles in the UK construction and infrastructure industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

Company Size:

Founded:

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will report to the Design Lead within Cascade Infrastructure Limited (CIL). CIL is the project company appointed by United Utilities (UU) for the HARP project.

• The CIL team will likely comprise specialists in project management, design, construction, commercial, finance, and legal aspects, working collaboratively.

Methodology:

• CIL's operational methodology is centered around delivering the HARP project in line with stringent contractual requirements, emphasizing good industry practice, adherence to budget, quality standards, and project timelines.

• Data-driven decision-making is implicit, especially concerning design programme control, BIM coordination, and RDD management.

Company Website:

• https://equitix.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context provided about CIL and the HARP project is crucial. This isn't a typical corporate design role; it's deeply embedded within a major infrastructure delivery vehicle, requiring an understanding of project finance, construction delivery, and client management within a regulated environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in BIM coordination, information management, or specific aspects of infrastructure design through involvement in a project of this magnitude.

• Project Leadership: Progress to roles such as Senior Design Manager, Design Lead, or Project Manager on future large-scale infrastructure undertakings by leveraging the experience gained on HARP.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain broader experience in project controls, commercial management, or client liaison through active participation in various project meetings and reporting cycles.

• Industry Certifications: Pursue advanced certifications in BIM (e.g., BIM Management), Project Management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2), or specific infrastructure disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for career advancement within the specialized field of infrastructure project delivery. The experience gained on a project of HARP's scale and complexity is highly valuable and can open doors to leadership positions in major construction and engineering firms.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will facilitate collaboration with a dedicated project team, including the Design Lead, project managers, and commercial staff. Access to necessary project management software, BIM tools, and communication platforms will be provided. The environment will encourage proactive engagement and problem-solving among team members.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, the nature of large infrastructure projects often requires flexibility. Candidates should be prepared for potential variations in schedule to meet project deadlines, attend critical site visits, or participate in urgent meetings, especially during peak project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" designation is key. While offering flexibility, candidates should understand that significant on-site presence and potential for extended hours are inherent to managing complex infrastructure projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application by the HR team, focusing on relevant experience in design coordination, BIM, and infrastructure projects.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Design Lead or Hiring Manager to assess your technical skills, understanding of design processes (RDD, BIM), and experience with project management tools. Be prepared to discuss specific project examples.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: You may be given a practical exercise or case study related to design coordination, BIM clash detection, or RDD management. This will evaluate your problem-solving abilities and technical proficiency.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet other members of the CIL team to assess your collaborative style, communication skills, and alignment with the company's proactive and purpose-driven culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior management, focusing on strategic contribution, leadership potential, and overall fit for the project's demands.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project or by skill area (e.g., BIM Coordination, RDD Management, Risk Mitigation).

• Content: For each project or skill, clearly outline the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the processes you employed, the tools you used (especially BIM and ProjectWise), and the quantifiable results or impact of your work.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use numbers and metrics to demonstrate your achievements. For example, "Reduced design clashes by X% through proactive BIM coordination," or "Ensured 100% compliance with RDD submission timelines for key work packages."

• Visuals: Include relevant screenshots of BIM models, RDD registers, or project dashboards if permissible and appropriate.

• Tailoring: Highlight examples that directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements listed in this job description, emphasizing infrastructure projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• BIM Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach clash detection, model federation, and ensuring BIM model compliance with project standards.

• RDD Process: Prepare to explain your understanding of the RDD process, how you would manage it, and what potential issues you might anticipate and how to resolve them.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating how you would manage communication and resolve conflicts between different design stakeholders, especially between CIL and the Contractor.

• Problem-Solving: Think about common challenges in large-scale design coordination (e.g., delays, scope creep, technical issues) and how you would address them systematically.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential technical assessments indicates that practical demonstration of skills is highly valued. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their experience with specific tools and processes relevant to large infrastructure projects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Building Information Modelling (BIM) Software: Proficiency with industry-standard BIM platforms is essential. While not explicitly named, this typically includes software like Autodesk Revit, Navisworks for coordination and clash detection, and potentially Bentley Systems' solutions for infrastructure.

• ProjectWise: Explicitly mentioned as a desired familiarity. This is a robust document management and collaboration system widely used in engineering and construction for managing project data and workflows.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Core requirement, including Word for documentation, Excel for data analysis and tracking (e.g., RDD registers, lookahead planners), PowerPoint for presentations, and Outlook for communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• BIM Coordination Tools: Software like Navisworks or Solibri for clash detection and model aggregation will be critical for identifying design conflicts.

• Reporting Tools: While specific tools aren't named, expect to use Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting, potentially integrated with project management platforms for dashboard creation. The output will feed into Monthly Progress Reports and Board Reports.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: ProjectWise is the primary system mentioned. Understanding how to navigate and utilize its features for RDD and design data management is key.

• Workflow Automation: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with systems that can automate aspects of document review and approval workflows would be beneficial, though likely managed through ProjectWise or similar enterprise systems.

• Integration: Understanding how different design and data management systems integrate to ensure seamless data flow is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on BIM and document management within an infrastructure context. Experience with ProjectWise is a significant advantage. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency with these tools and how they leverage them for design coordination and data integrity.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality work, meeting stringent standards, and achieving project objectives for this critical infrastructure project.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication and mutual support are encouraged across CIL, the contractor, and client teams.

• Purpose-Driven: A shared focus on the importance of the HARP project in serving millions of customers and contributing to essential public services.

• Proactive & Progressive: Encouraging initiative, adaptability, and a forward-thinking approach to problem-solving and process improvement within a dynamic project setting.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and industry best practices in all operations.

Collaboration Style:

• The role necessitates a highly collaborative style, acting as a central point of contact for design-related information. This involves coordinating effectively with the Design Lead, the contractor's design team, and other project functions (e.g., commercial, project controls).

• A culture of continuous feedback and process review is likely, especially concerning the efficiency of design submissions, BIM coordination, and RDD management.

• Knowledge sharing is crucial, particularly in a large project environment, to ensure consistency and disseminate best practices across different work packages.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "dynamic, collaborative, purpose-driven company" suggests a work environment that values teamwork, initiative, and a shared commitment to the project's success. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to work effectively in such a setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scale and Complexity: Managing design coordination for a multi-billion-pound infrastructure project with ~50km of tunnels presents significant logistical and technical challenges. Ensuring consistency and integration across numerous design elements will be demanding.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Coordinating the expectations and deliverables of multiple parties, including CIL, United Utilities, and Strabag (UK), requires strong negotiation and communication skills to overcome potential conflicts or differing priorities.

• Data Integrity and Compliance: Maintaining the accuracy and compliance of BIM models and Reviewable Design Data (RDD) against strict project requirements and contractual obligations is a constant challenge, requiring meticulous attention to detail.

• Programme Pressure: Large infrastructure projects often operate under intense programme pressure. Balancing the need for thorough design review with tight deadlines will require effective time management and prioritization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Infrastructure Design: Gain in-depth knowledge of water supply infrastructure, tunnel design, and the specific challenges of working with existing aqueduct systems.

• BIM Management & Information Governance: Deepen expertise in advanced BIM coordination, information management protocols, and data governance within a large-scale project context.

• Contractual & Commercial Acumen: Develop a stronger understanding of complex infrastructure contracts, particularly the Direct Procurement for Customer (DPC) model, and project commercial management.

• Project Delivery Lifecycle: Gain comprehensive experience across the full spectrum of a major infrastructure project, from finance and design through to construction and long-term maintenance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to large-scale infrastructure projects. Candidates who can demonstrate resilience, proactive problem-solving, and a commitment to continuous learning will be well-suited for this role and its associated growth opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the Reviewable Design Data (RDD) process on a complex infrastructure project. What are the key steps and potential pitfalls?" (Focus on process, RDD register, compliance checks, and proactive issue resolution).

• "How would you ensure effective BIM coordination between the client (CIL) and the contractor (Strabag (UK)) to minimize clashes and ensure model compliance with HARP's Information Management Requirements?" (Highlight collaboration, clash detection strategies, software proficiency, and adherence to standards).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP) and Equitix's role in it?" (Research the project's significance, the DPC model, and Equitix's broader infrastructure portfolio).

• "How do you align with CIL's culture of being dynamic, collaborative, and purpose-driven?" (Provide examples of your collaborative work style, initiative, and commitment to project goals).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• STAR Method: For each example in your portfolio, use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method. Clearly define the context, your specific role, the actions you took, and the tangible outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Emphasize metrics. If you can't provide exact numbers, use descriptive terms like "significantly reduced," "substantially improved," or "ensured timely delivery."

• Tool Demonstration: Be prepared to briefly speak about your experience with ProjectWise and specific BIM coordination software (e.g., Navisworks) if asked.

• Focus on Process: Highlight your understanding of design management processes, RDD workflows, and BIM coordination protocols, showing how you applied them effectively.

• Tailor to HARP: Frame your examples to show how your experience is directly transferable to the challenges and requirements of the HARP project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate with a strong technical understanding of design coordination and BIM, combined with excellent communication and problem-solving skills, and an ability to thrive in a large, complex project environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Equitix careers portal at https://equitix.bamboohr.com/careers.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and, if requested, your portfolio to prominently feature your experience in infrastructure projects, BIM coordination, RDD management, and working with project management software like ProjectWise. Highlight achievements related to programme control and stakeholder liaison.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience in design coordination and BIM, using keywords from the job description such as "Design Management," "BIM Coordination," "Infrastructure," "ProjectWise," and "RDD." Quantify your achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common interview questions related to design coordination, BIM processes, stakeholder management, and risk mitigation. Prepare to discuss specific examples from your experience using the STAR method. Consider how you would approach a hypothetical design coordination challenge on the HARP project.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Equitix, Cascade Infrastructure Limited (CIL), the HARP project, and the Direct Procurement for Customer (DPC) model. Understand the company's culture, project goals, and the significance of this infrastructure initiative.

⚠️ 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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