Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: IPS-Integrated Project Services

Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Project Delivery

Date Posted: September 15, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ Years (with AI-inferred 10+ years for leadership roles)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate architectural and engineering functions for complex projects, ensuring seamless design development and robust technical support.

• Drive the execution of design strategies, interface management, and multidisciplinary coordination to achieve project objectives within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

• Uphold the highest standards of quality assurance and compliance throughout the design lifecycle, from concept to construction.

• Foster a collaborative and proactive team environment, enhancing organizational development through continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

• Support client relationship management and project success through strategic planning and effective communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-generated experience level of "10+" suggests this role requires significant leadership and strategic oversight, going beyond a standard management position. The hybrid work arrangement indicates a need for strong self-management and effective remote collaboration tools.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate architectural and engineering activities, ensuring the provision of necessary manpower and technical resources for overall project design development and support.

• Support Project Sponsors and Project Managers in maintaining positive client relationships and ensuring project success.

• Drive continuous improvement of the Design Management Quality Management System (QMS) and identify opportunities for internal technical reviews and knowledge dissemination.

• Maintain team morale through proactive, collaborative working, and identify skill gaps to inform training, recruitment, and administrative needs.

• Ensure company reputation is protected by preventing the release of non-compliant Project Deliverables.

• Utilize and share best practices for efficient and effective multidiscipline design coordination.

• Coordinate the assessment of Client Project Briefs and provide documented responses based on project scale and complexity.

• Assist Project Managers in scope determination and rationalization of the Project Deliverables List.

• Create and manage the Design Execution and Quality Plan, defining the project communication strategy for design execution.

• Identify applicable statutory regulations and client standards, assessing the need for local expertise in new regions.

• Manage early-stage scope changes and communicate directives for implementation.

• Prepare the Design Responsibilities Matrix, defining ownership for design elements and BIM Level of Development (LOD) at each project stage.

• Define Level of Detail requirements for all project deliverables and manage coordination of critical design interfaces.

• Define and support the rules of credit for Earned Value tracking in collaboration with Workstream/Discipline Leads.

• Provide design input to the project Procurement Plan, including Equipment & Trade Packages.

• Support the engagement of 3rd Party Designers and coordinate their scope and delivery with Discipline Leads.

• Ensure space allocation and zonal stack-up for primary equipment and service routes are delivered through Architectural & BIM Coordinators.

• Coordinate and lead dynamic model development meetings, ensuring discipline preparation and progress delivery.

• Support internal and external model reviews to ensure contracted LOD information is achieved.

• Monitor Multi-Discipline Design Coordination engagement across the project.

• Support Engineering Leads in resolving technical challenges and issues in a timely manner.

• Evaluate potential design changes and review Design Decisions for justification and proper recording, including Target Value Design.

• Review Earned Value and Design Progress Reporting with the Project Controls team.

• Coordinate Design Safety and Process Safety Reviews at appropriate project milestones.

• Perform Design Stagegate Assessments at key project milestones and review/sign off on Concept and Basis of Design (BoD) Reports.

• Periodically review Checkprints (QA/QC Procedure) and Multidiscipline Squad Checks, ensuring actions are tracked to completion.

• Ensure Design Teams are prepared for Internal/External Design Reviews and Design Safety/Process Safety Reviews.

• Perform scheduled audits in line with the Design Execution and Quality Plan and QMS, tracking closeout of audit actions.

• Facilitate Design Handover to the Construction Management Team and support impact assessments of changes.

• Assess value engineering design solutions for effectiveness across the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are extensive, covering strategic planning, execution oversight, quality control, and stakeholder management, emphasizing a senior-level role. The detailed breakdown of design lifecycle phases (concept, procurement, construction, handover) highlights the need for a candidate with a holistic project understanding.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a relevant technical field. Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in Engineering Design, Project Delivery, or a related discipline.

• Essential experience working on projects within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

• Proven experience in the design lifecycle for complex projects, from concept through to construction.

• Prior Construction / Commissioning Experience is highly beneficial. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to oversee and direct design processes, ensuring alignment with project goals and quality standards.

• Architectural & Engineering Design: Comprehensive understanding of design principles, methodologies, and best practices across disciplines.

• Project Delivery: Strong experience in managing project lifecycles, from initiation to handover, with a focus on efficiency and quality.

• Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the specific requirements, regulations, and challenges within these sectors.

• BIM Proficiency: Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) standards, Level of Development (LOD), and its application in design coordination.

• Quality Management Systems (QMS): Experience in implementing, managing, and improving QMS for design processes.

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to dissect complex problems, identify root causes, and develop data-driven solutions.

• Structured Problem-Solving: Methodical approach to resolving technical and project-related challenges.

• Communication Skills: Superior written and verbal communication for effective stakeholder engagement, reporting, and team leadership.

• Team Building & Collaboration: Capacity to foster a positive, collaborative team environment and motivate diverse teams.

• Stakeholder Management: Skill in building rapport and managing relationships with clients, internal teams, and external partners.

• Value Engineering: Ability to assess and propose cost-effective design solutions without compromising quality or functionality.

Preferred Skills:

• Construction/Commissioning Experience: Hands-on experience in the later stages of project execution, providing valuable insights into constructability and operational readiness.

• Design Execution & Quality Planning: Experience in developing and implementing detailed design execution and quality plans.

• Interface Management: Expertise in identifying, defining, and managing critical design interfaces between different workstreams and disciplines.

• Procurement Planning: Understanding of how design input influences procurement strategies for equipment and trade packages.

• Process Safety & Design Safety: Familiarity with safety review processes and compliance requirements.

• Earned Value Tracking: Experience with performance measurement techniques like Earned Value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-inferred experience level of "10+" and the emphasis on the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry suggest that candidates with specialized, high-impact experience in these sectors will be highly competitive. The inclusion of BIM and QMS as required skills indicates a need for a technically proficient and process-oriented manager.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Detailed examples of complex projects managed from concept through construction, ideally within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sectors, showcasing your role in design coordination, problem-solving, and successful delivery.

• Design Execution & Quality Plans: Examples of plans you have developed and implemented, demonstrating your approach to scope definition, communication strategy, and quality assurance.

• Interface Management Documentation: Demonstrations of how you have managed critical design interfaces, including matrices and coordination strategies.

• BIM Integration Examples: Evidence of how BIM has been utilized in projects you've managed, showing your understanding of LOD requirements and coordination meetings.

• Value Engineering Proposals: Examples of value engineering solutions you have assessed or proposed, detailing the impact on project cost, schedule, and functionality.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase your ability to design and optimize multidisciplinary design workflows, ensuring efficiency and clear ownership.

• Implementation & Automation: Provide examples of how you have implemented design processes and leveraged technology (like BIM) to automate tasks or improve coordination.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrate how you track and report on design progress, quality, and performance, including the use of Earned Value tracking and audit outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's strategic thinking, process management capabilities, and ability to deliver complex projects. Focus on quantifiable achievements and demonstrate a deep understanding of the design lifecycle and the specific demands of the life sciences industry.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 8-10+ years of experience in the UK, particularly within specialized sectors like pharmaceutical/biotechnology, and considering the hybrid work arrangement, the estimated salary range is: £65,000 - £90,000 per annum.

📝 Enhancement Note: This estimate is derived from research into Design Manager and Senior Project Engineer roles in Birmingham and the wider UK, factoring in the specialized industry (pharma/biotech), the hybrid nature of the role, and the stated experience requirements. Specific salary will depend on the candidate's precise experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision).

• Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, public holidays).

• Pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.

• Life assurance and income protection benefits.

• Opportunities for career advancement within a global organization.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time role, typically 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid work arrangement allowing for a blend of office-based and remote work, offering flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-inferred "Hybrid" work arrangement suggests a flexible schedule, which is a key benefit for operations professionals balancing project demands with personal commitments.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Services, Engineering, Construction Management, and Project Controls. IPS is a global leader providing innovative business solutions to these sectors. The addition of Linesight expands their expertise into data centers, life sciences, and high-tech industries, indicating a broad and sophisticated operational footprint.

Company Size: IPS is part of Berkshire Hathaway, and with the acquisition of Linesight, it employs over 3,000 professionals across more than 45 offices in 17 countries. This signifies a large, established, and globally integrated organization.

Founded: IPS was founded with a mission to provide specialized consultancy services, and its growth through acquisitions like Linesight underscores a strategic approach to expanding capabilities and market reach.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of the industry-leading Architectural team in Birmingham.

• This role involves significant cross-functional collaboration with Project Managers, Project Sponsors, Discipline Leads, Workstream Leads, Architectural & BIM Coordinators, Project Controls, and 3rd Party Designers.

• The reporting structure likely involves reporting to a senior design leader (e.g., Head of Design) and managing/coordinating the efforts of various design disciplines and external consultants. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using data and analytical thinking for scope definition, problem-solving, and value engineering.

• Process Optimization: A strong focus on continuous improvement of the Design Management Quality Management System (QMS) and efficient design execution.

• Collaborative Coordination: Utilizing dynamic model development meetings and multidisciplinary coordination to ensure seamless integration of design efforts.

• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Rigorous adherence to QMS, conducting audits, and ensuring deliverables meet client and regulatory standards.

Company Website: https://www.ipsdb.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's affiliation with Berkshire Hathaway and its global scale suggest a stable, well-resourced organization with established processes and a commitment to excellence. The integration of Linesight points to an evolving company culture that values diverse expertise and broad project management capabilities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior management level within the design function. It requires not only technical expertise but also strong leadership, strategic planning, and process management capabilities. The Design Manager is responsible for the integrity and quality of the design output for significant projects.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Head of Design or a similar senior leadership role within the engineering or project delivery function. They will, in turn, coordinate and guide the work of various discipline leads, architectural coordinators, BIM specialists, and external design consultants. Collaboration with Project Managers is also a key aspect of the reporting dynamic.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical to project success. By ensuring efficient, compliant, and high-quality design, they directly influence project cost, schedule, risk, and client satisfaction. Their role is pivotal in translating client needs into constructible and functional facilities, thereby directly supporting the company's ability to deliver complex projects in the life sciences sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Progression to senior leadership roles such as Head of Design, Director of Engineering, or Program Director, overseeing larger portfolios or multiple project streams.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like advanced BIM strategies, process safety management for complex facilities, or sustainability in design.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or relocate to other IPS offices worldwide, leveraging global experience.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and engineers, contributing to the development of future talent within IPS.

• Strategic Development: Involvement in shaping the company's design methodologies, technological adoption, and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-inferred experience level of "10+" strongly suggests this is a role with clear pathways for senior leadership and significant strategic influence within the organization. The company's global reach and diverse industry involvement offer broad growth prospects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Birmingham, UK, and is described as Hybrid. This implies a professional office environment with designated workspaces for collaboration, individual work, and meetings, complemented by the ability to work remotely. The office is located at 2100 The Crescent, Birmingham Business Park, suggesting a modern business hub.

Office Location(s):

• Birmingham Business Park: A well-established business park offering good connectivity and amenities. The specific address is 2100 The Crescent, Birmingham, B37 7YE, United Kingdom.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and the nature of design management necessitate a collaborative workspace where teams can interact, brainstorm, and conduct reviews. Expect meeting rooms equipped for presentations and design discussions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to relevant design software, BIM platforms, project management tools, and communication technologies will be essential for both office-based and remote work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with the local architectural and engineering teams, as well as virtual collaboration with global colleagues and clients.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility typically afforded by the hybrid arrangement. This allows for effective management of design processes, coordination meetings, and personal work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid arrangement is a key feature of this role, requiring candidates to be proficient in managing their time and tasks autonomously while also being available for in-person collaboration and client engagement as needed.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter, focusing on your experience in pharmaceutical/biotechnology design, project delivery, and leadership qualifications.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on your design management philosophy, experience with complex projects, BIM integration, QMS implementation, and problem-solving capabilities. Expect scenario-based questions related to design coordination, interface management, and stakeholder conflict resolution.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session to present selected case studies from your portfolio, highlighting your specific contributions, methodologies, and project outcomes. This is crucial for demonstrating practical application of your skills.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of your leadership style, team-building approach, communication skills, and alignment with IPS's values and collaborative work environment. This may involve meeting with potential peers or senior management.

• Final Round: Likely a discussion with senior leadership to confirm suitability for the role and discuss compensation and benefits.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your most relevant and impactful projects. Prioritize those in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology sector that demonstrate your design management expertise, problem-solving skills, and ability to deliver complex projects.

• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly outline: the project's objectives, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, the design strategies implemented, the tools and methodologies used (e.g., BIM, QMS), key decisions made, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements).

• Demonstrate Process: Show, don't just tell. Illustrate your process for scope definition, interface management, design coordination meetings, quality checks, and value engineering assessments. Use visual aids where appropriate (e.g., flowcharts, sample diagrams).

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate your impact. For example, "Reduced design coordination issues by X% through improved BIM workflows," or "Achieved Y