Assistant Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Design Manager

Company: Mace

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Construction & Project Management Operations

Date Posted: 2025-11-03T10:29:07

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is instrumental in overseeing and facilitating the design process from conceptualization through to project handover, ensuring seamless integration between design and construction phases.

• The position demands proactive engagement with clients and stakeholders, representing the project team effectively in review meetings and driving collaborative design development.

• Key focus areas include rigorous review of design documentation for completeness, constructability, quality, and lead-time optimization, alongside managing critical project communication channels like RFIs and NCRs.

• Success in this role hinges on strong project management acumen, digital proficiency, and the ability to foster robust client and contractor relationships within a complex construction environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The title "Assistant Design Manager" within Mace's construction context strongly suggests a role focused on the operational execution and management of design processes on large-scale construction projects, rather than a purely creative design role. The emphasis on client meetings, coordination, and managing RFIs/NCRs aligns with operations management within the construction lifecycle. The provided experience level of 2-5 years indicates a mid-level operational role, requiring foundational knowledge and some practical experience in construction design coordination.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist the design team throughout the scheme and production design stages, ensuring all design documentation meets project specifications and timelines.

• Support the delivery team during the implementation phase, bridging the gap between design intent and on-site execution.

• Represent the project team at client review meetings, articulating design progress, addressing queries, and ensuring client satisfaction.

• Develop and manage a detailed design program in collaboration with all relevant parties, synchronizing design, procurement, and construction timelines.

• Conduct thorough reviews of design submissions, assessing completeness, buildability, potential quality issues, lead-time implications, and scope packaging in conjunction with the Mace project team.

• Facilitate and attend coordination meetings with subcontractors during the design development phase to ensure alignment and resolve design-related queries.

• Lead and document internal design review meetings, ensuring all comments from the design team and subcontractors are actioned and relevant project instructions are issued.

• Provide comprehensive design support to construction managers, addressing any design-related issues that arise during the construction phase.

• Efficiently manage the Request for Information (RFI) and Non-Conformance Report (NCR) processes, ensuring timely responses and resolutions to maintain project momentum.

• Oversee and ensure the closure of all design manager gateways in strict adherence to Heathrow Airport Limited's (HAL) established processes.

• Verify and ensure that all designs comply with statutory requirements, building codes, and applicable industry standards to maintain legal and safety compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are highly operational and process-driven, typical for a design coordination role within a large construction firm like Mace. The emphasis on managing specific processes (RFIs, NCRs, gateways), attending coordination meetings, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements underscores the operational nature of this position. The need to "assist" and "support" suggests a role that is hands-on in executing established operational procedures.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this nature within the construction industry.

Experience:

• A minimum of 2-5 years of progressive experience in construction project management or design coordination roles is required.

• Proven experience in managing design processes, from early-stage development through to construction implementation, is essential.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Foundational understanding of construction design phases and processes.

• Construction Management: Practical knowledge of construction methodologies, site operations, and project execution.

• Project Management: Skills in planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management within construction projects.

• Client Relations: Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with clients and stakeholders, representing the project team professionally.

• Design Development: Experience in reviewing and contributing to the development of design documentation.

• MEP Refurbishment: Familiarity with Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems and refurbishment projects.

• Statutory Compliance: Understanding of building codes, regulations, and legal requirements in construction.

• Quality Assurance: Ability to identify and address potential quality issues in design and construction.

• Buildability Review: Competence in assessing designs for practical construction feasibility.

• Coordination Meetings: Experience in planning and conducting effective stakeholder and subcontractor meetings.

• RFI Management: Proficiency in managing the Request for Information process.

• NCR Management: Experience in handling Non-Conformance Reports.

• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary project team.

• Problem Solving: Aptitude for identifying and resolving complex design and construction challenges.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical information clearly.

• Digital Savvy: Proficiency with digital tools and technologies relevant to design and construction management.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific construction project management software (e.g., Autodesk BIM 360, Procore).

• Knowledge of Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes and tools.

• Familiarity with airport or aviation-related construction projects.

• Experience in risk assessment and mitigation specific to design elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "About you" section implies a need for strong interpersonal and client-facing skills, alongside a construction background. The "key skills" array provided by the AI further details these requirements, confirming the operational and project-execution focus of the role. The experience level of 2-5 years suggests that while practical experience is necessary, deep expertise in all areas might not be, allowing for growth within the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Lifecycle Documentation: Showcase examples of involvement in design documentation from early-stage schemes through to final implementation and handover phases. This should highlight your role in managing the flow of information.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Include specific examples where you identified an inefficiency in a design or construction process (e.g., RFI turnaround, coordination meeting effectiveness) and implemented a solution that improved outcomes, ideally with quantifiable results.

• System Implementation Support: Evidence of supporting or implementing design management systems or workflows, demonstrating an understanding of how technology aids in process control and documentation.

• Compliance & Quality Assurance: Examples of how you ensured designs met statutory requirements and quality standards, perhaps through checklists, review logs, or by documenting problem-solving for compliance issues.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate an understanding of how to map out and optimize design workflows, including the interaction between design teams, subcontractors, and construction management.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase experience in implementing defined processes, such as RFI/NCR management systems, and any efforts made to streamline or automate these through digital tools.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how you tracked design progress, managed risks, and reported on performance metrics related to design delivery and compliance. This could include RFI response times, design review cycles, or adherence to program milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" might not be strictly required for an "Assistant" role, candidates are often expected to demonstrate their experience through their CV and during interviews by discussing past projects and their specific contributions. The emphasis here is on showcasing practical experience with key project processes and systems relevant to design management within construction. The AI's "key skills" list provides excellent clues for what to highlight in such a portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the role (Assistant Design Manager), location (London, UK), experience level (2-5 years), and industry (Construction, Mace), a competitive salary range is estimated to be between £40,000 and £60,000 per annum.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Typically includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, often with options for family inclusion.

• Pension Scheme: A robust employer-matched pension plan to support long-term financial security.

• Life Assurance: Coverage providing financial support to beneficiaries in the event of an employee's passing.

• Professional Development & Training: Opportunities for continued learning, certifications, and career advancement, including support for relevant professional body memberships.

• Holiday Allowance: Generous annual leave entitlement, often increasing with tenure.

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

• Potential for Bonuses: Performance-related bonuses may be offered based on individual and company performance.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with the typical full-time commitment in the UK construction industry.

• While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility required depending on project demands and meeting schedules, with occasional overtime potentially needed to meet critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for Assistant Design Manager roles in London with 2-5 years of experience in construction typically fall within this bracket. Mace, as a large, reputable firm, is expected to offer a comprehensive benefits package beyond the statutory minimum. The AI's indication of "40" working hours aligns with standard full-time employment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Consultancy. Mace operates globally, offering a wide range of services from construction and project management to consultancy and facilities management, with a significant presence in large-scale infrastructure and property development.

Company Size: Mace is a large, multinational corporation, employing thousands of people worldwide. This scale offers stability, diverse project opportunities, and structured career paths.

Founded: Mace was founded in 1990. Its history is marked by growth and diversification, establishing a strong reputation for delivering complex and high-profile projects.

Team Structure:

• The operations team at Heathrow will likely be structured around specific projects or functional areas. As an Assistant Design Manager, you would typically report to a Design Manager or Project Manager.

• The team will comprise various specialists, including project managers, construction managers, engineers, site supervisors, and other design professionals.

Methodology:

• Mace emphasizes a data-driven approach to project management, leveraging analytics for planning, risk assessment, and performance monitoring.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, focusing on efficiency, safety, and quality throughout the project lifecycle.

• The company encourages the adoption of digital tools and innovative practices to enhance project delivery and stakeholder collaboration.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided company description and industry context suggest a professional, structured, and safety-conscious environment. Mace's reputation implies a focus on quality, client satisfaction, and innovation within project delivery. The "Assistant" title suggests a role within a larger, established departmental structure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Assistant Design Manager role is positioned at an early to mid-career stage within the construction operations field. It requires foundational knowledge and practical application of design coordination principles, project management support, and stakeholder communication within a project lifecycle. The role is designed to build experience towards becoming a Design Manager or a more senior Project Manager.

Reporting Structure: You will report to a Design Manager or a Senior Project Manager, who will provide guidance, oversight, and career development support. This structure ensures mentorship and clear lines of accountability.

Operations Impact: This role directly influences project success by ensuring designs are robust, compliant, and constructible, thereby minimizing costly delays, rework, and safety incidents. Effective design management is crucial for meeting project timelines, budget constraints, and quality standards, ultimately contributing to client satisfaction and Mace's reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Promotion to Design Manager: With demonstrated success and further experience, progression to a Design Manager role is a primary growth path, involving greater responsibility for design strategy and team leadership.

• Specialization: Opportunities to specialize in specific areas like MEP design, BIM coordination, or particular project types (e.g., aviation, commercial).

• Project Management Track: Development into a broader Project Management role, overseeing all aspects of construction projects, leveraging the design coordination experience gained.

• Continuous Learning: Access to Mace's internal training programs, external courses, and support for professional accreditations (e.g., RICS, CIOB) to enhance technical and managerial skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Assistant" title and the 2-5 year experience range clearly indicate an entry-to-mid-level operational role with significant potential for advancement within Mace's established career frameworks in construction project management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based on-site at Heathrow, likely involving a mix of site-based work and potentially a site office or project hub. The environment will be dynamic and fast-paced, typical of major construction projects.

Office Location(s): Heathrow Airport, London, UK. This location implies working within a secure, highly regulated, and logistically complex environment.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will involve regular site visits, requiring appropriate PPE and adherence to stringent safety protocols.

• Access to project management software, communication platforms, and potentially BIM viewers will be provided to support design coordination tasks.

• You will interact regularly with site teams, contractors, and client representatives, fostering a collaborative and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is on-site, with the possibility of flexible arrangements or adjusted hours to accommodate project needs and site operations. Adherence to site access times and security protocols will be paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in a complex environment like Heathrow is a key characteristic. This means adaptability, attention to safety, and effective communication in person are critical.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess suitability against the core requirements. Prepare to highlight your experience in design coordination, project phases, and stakeholder management.

• First Interview: Typically with an HR representative and/or a hiring manager. Focus on behavioral questions, your career aspirations, understanding of the role, and initial assessment of your construction/project management background.

• Second Interview/Assessment: This may involve a more technical discussion, a case study, or a presentation. Be prepared to discuss specific projects, how you managed design processes, dealt with challenges (e.g., RFIs, compliance issues), and your approach to client relations. A review of your experience in managing design programs and coordination meetings would be expected.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior management, to assess cultural fit and overall strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process Ownership: Showcase specific instances where you took ownership of a process (e.g., RFI tracking, design review coordination), detailing your actions and the outcomes.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, "Reduced RFI response time by X%", "Contributed to a Y% reduction in design-related site queries."

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively collaborated with different teams (designers, site engineers, subcontractors) to achieve project goals.

• Focus on Problem-Solving: Select case studies that illustrate your ability to identify and resolve design challenges, compliance issues, or buildability concerns.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Coordination Scenario: You might be presented with a scenario involving conflicting design information or a critical design query and asked how you would approach resolving it. Focus on your process: identifying stakeholders, gathering information, proposing solutions, and communicating decisions.

• Program Management Question: Expect questions about how you would develop or manage a design program, ensuring it aligns with construction timelines and procurement needs.

• Client Interaction: Be ready to discuss how you would handle a difficult client query regarding a design element or project delay.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an "Assistant" role, the focus will be on demonstrating potential, a solid understanding of processes, and the ability to learn and apply knowledge. The interview process will likely assess your foundational project management and coordination skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in platforms like Procore, Oracle Aconex, or similar construction project management systems for document control, task management, and communication.

• Design Software Familiarity: While not a direct user, understanding and ability to navigate or review outputs from CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD) and BIM platforms (e.g., Revit, Navisworks) is beneficial.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel (for scheduling, tracking, data analysis), PowerPoint (for presentations), and Outlook (for communication).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: For data analysis, tracking RFI/NCR logs, creating simple dashboards, and generating reports on design progress.

• Project Management Software Reporting: Ability to generate reports from chosen PM software regarding design status, document control, and issue tracking.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how client relationship management is handled within project contexts is important.

• Familiarity with document management systems and workflows that may incorporate some level of automation for notifications and approvals.

• Integration Tool Awareness: Understanding how different project systems (e.g., design software, PM software) may integrate or require manual data transfer.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a good grasp of standard project management and design coordination tools within the construction industry. A proactive approach to learning new digital tools is also valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in construction; all operations must prioritize safety for oneself and others.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, subcontractors, and colleagues.

• Collaboration: Working effectively as a team, with open communication and mutual support to achieve project objectives.

• Excellence: Striving for high quality in all aspects of work, from design review to project delivery.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and methods to improve efficiency, safety, and project outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• The collaboration style is expected to be proactive and communicative. You will be expected to engage actively with design teams, site personnel, and external stakeholders to resolve issues and ensure alignment.

• A culture of open feedback and continuous improvement is likely, encouraging team members to share insights and best practices.

• Knowledge sharing is vital, especially in a complex environment like Heathrow, to ensure lessons learned are disseminated across projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's stated values and the nature of construction project work emphasize teamwork, accountability, and a commitment to high standards, particularly regarding safety and quality.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Coordinating diverse needs and expectations from clients, designers, subcontractors, and internal teams can be complex.

• Fast-Paced Environment: The construction industry, especially at a major hub like Heathrow, demands rapid decision-making and adaptability to changing project conditions.

• Ensuring Compliance: Navigating and ensuring adherence to a multitude of statutory regulations, airport-specific requirements, and quality standards.

• Technical Complexity: Dealing with intricate design details, particularly in MEP systems and refurbishment projects, requires continuous learning and attention to detail.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• On-the-Job Training: Gaining practical experience on significant projects under the guidance of experienced professionals.

• Formal Training: Access to Mace's internal training programs covering project management, design coordination, safety, and leadership skills.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining relevant professional qualifications and certifications.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior members of the Mace team, providing guidance on career progression and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of large-scale construction projects, offering significant learning opportunities for those seeking to grow in project and operations management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between design, cost, and schedule. How did you resolve it?" Prepare to discuss your problem-solving process, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making criteria.

• "How would you ensure that a design is fully compliant with all statutory requirements and airport-specific regulations?" Focus on your methodology for review, documentation, and escalation.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Mace and our work, particularly at Heathrow?" Research recent projects, company values, and the specific context of airport infrastructure.

• "How do you approach building relationships with clients and subcontractors?" Highlight your communication style, client-centric approach, and negotiation skills.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Examples: When discussing projects, clearly delineate your role, the specific challenges faced (e.g., design issues, coordination gaps), the actions you took, and the positive outcomes achieved (e.g., improved efficiency, compliance met, issues resolved).

• Focus on Processes: For this role, emphasize your experience with design review, RFI/NCR management, program development, and coordination meetings.

• Highlight Collaboration: Articulate how you worked with different teams and stakeholders to achieve project objectives, showcasing your communication and interpersonal skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a structured approach to problem-solving, strong communication skills, an understanding of construction project lifecycles, and a commitment to safety and quality.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Mace careers portal.

• Tailor Your CV: Emphasize experience in design coordination, construction project management, stakeholder liaison, and familiarity with project lifecycle stages. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to discuss specific projects from your past that demonstrate your ability to manage design processes, coordinate teams, and ensure compliance.

• Research Mace: Understand the company's values, recent projects, and its role in major infrastructure developments, particularly at Heathrow.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare responses for behavioral, situational, and technical questions related to design management and construction operations.

⚠️ 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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