Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager
Company: Lendlease
Location: Gloucestershire, United Kingdom Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Construction Design Operations / Project Management Date Posted: 2025-08-27
Experience Level: 10+ Years (Senior Level)
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for managing the design lifecycle within complex construction projects, ensuring seamless integration between design, construction, and client requirements.
• The Design Manager will act as a key liaison, facilitating communication and collaboration across internal teams, external consultants, and statutory authorities to achieve project objectives.
• A strong emphasis is placed on driving value engineering and ensuring constructability, quality, and adherence to project briefs and proposals.
• The position requires a professional with deep industry knowledge, capable of leading design teams and contributing strategically to project success, particularly within the public sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the title "Design Manager" and the mention of the Defence Optimisation Programme (DEOP), this role likely sits within a broader project management or construction operations framework, focusing on the technical and collaborative aspects of design delivery. The emphasis on "buildable in a safe manner" and "quality matching the project design stage" highlights the operational execution of design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Information Delivery: Ensure all design information is delivered punctually to meet project program milestones and cost plan objectives.
• Buildability & Quality Assurance: Guarantee that all design information is practical for construction, safe to implement, and meets the quality standards defined for each project design stage.
• Contractual Alignment: Verify that design information aligns with Contractor’s Proposals and Employer’s Requirements, proactively identifying and scheduling any deviations.
• Value Engineering & Innovation: Drive value engineering initiatives by proposing sensible and practical alternative design options, maintaining design essence and quality throughout the process.
• Design Team Leadership: Lead, motivate, and manage external design consultants, ensuring effective supply chain management for the finished product.
• Design Responsibility Management: Define the scope of services for each design team consultant using a Design Responsibility Matrix.
• BIM Integration: Review the design team’s BIM capabilities and deliverables, contributing to the preparation and execution of the Project BIM Execution Plan.
• Client & Stakeholder Liaison: Establish and maintain effective liaison with client teams and statutory authorities, ensuring clear communication and alignment.
• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify potential design-related risks and implement strategies to minimize their impact on project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on the operational aspects of design, including delivery timelines, quality control, cost-efficiency (value engineering), and team management within a construction context. The mention of BIM and the Defence Optimisation Programme suggests a need for robust process management and adherence to specific project methodologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Registered and qualified construction industry professional, such as a Registered Architect or Chartered Engineer (e.g., CEng, MIStructE, RIBA, CIOB).

Experience:

• Extensive experience within the construction industry post-qualification, demonstrating a strong track record in managing design processes.
• Proven experience in leading and managing external design teams and consultants.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate into and contribute positively to a site-based project team.
• Experience with public sector projects, particularly within defence or similar regulated environments, is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in overseeing the entire design process from inception to completion.
• Team Leadership: Ability to lead, motivate, and manage diverse design teams and external consultants.
• Value Engineering: Proficiency in identifying and implementing cost-saving design alternatives without compromising quality or function.
• BIM Capabilities: Understanding and experience with Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes, including BIM Execution Plans.
• Project Management Fundamentals: Solid understanding of project planning, scheduling, cost control, and risk management within construction.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address design challenges and conflicts.
• Client Liaison: Experience in building and maintaining relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Construction Safety: Awareness of construction safety regulations and the ability to ensure designs are safe to build.
• Quality Assurance: Commitment to maintaining high standards of design quality.
• Supply Chain Management: Ability to manage the output and integration of external design partners.
• Statutory Compliance: Understanding of relevant building codes, regulations, and statutory requirements.

Preferred Skills:

• Specific experience with the Defence Optimisation Programme (DEOP) or similar large-scale public infrastructure projects.
• Advanced knowledge of BIM software and workflows.
• Contract administration and management experience.
• Financial acumen related to project cost control and value engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a chartered professional (Architect or Engineer) with extensive post-qualification experience signifies a senior-level operations role focused on technical leadership and strategic input into project delivery. The emphasis on BIM and public sector work suggests a need for specialized operational knowledge in these areas.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Delivery Case Studies: Showcase examples of successfully managed design processes from concept to construction, highlighting project scope, timelines, and key challenges overcome.
• Value Engineering Demonstrations: Present specific instances where value engineering was implemented, detailing the proposed changes, cost savings achieved, and impact on project quality or functionality.
• BIM Integration Examples: Include documentation or visualizations that illustrate the application of BIM in design coordination, clash detection, and information delivery.
• Team Leadership & Collaboration Evidence: Provide examples of how design teams were managed, including communication strategies, conflict resolution, and successful cross-functional integration.
• Risk Management Documentation: Demonstrate processes for identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks, with examples of risk registers or mitigation plans.

Process Documentation:

• Design Process Workflows: Documented standard operating procedures (SOPs) for design review, approval, and information release cycles.
• BIM Execution Plan (BEP) Contributions: Examples of input or contribution to BEPs, outlining how BIM was utilized for specific project phases or deliverables.
• Design Responsibility Matrix (DRM) Framework: Templates or examples of DRMs used to clearly define consultant responsibilities and deliverables.
• Value Engineering Proposal Templates: Standardized formats for submitting and evaluating value engineering proposals.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of design management principles, value engineering, and BIM integration will be crucial. The focus should be on tangible results, process efficiency, and collaborative problem-solving, aligning with operational excellence in construction design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in the UK construction sector, particularly for large-scale or public sector projects, the estimated salary range is likely to be between £65,000 and £85,000 per annum. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the specialist nature of the work (DEOP), and the required professional qualifications.

Benefits:

• Car Allowance: Provided, offering flexibility for travel related to the role.
• Flexible and Hybrid Work Options: Supports work-life balance through adaptable working arrangements.
• Pension Contribution: Up to 10% employer contribution to a pension scheme, indicating a strong commitment to long-term financial well-being.
• Private Medical Health Benefit: Comprehensive private medical insurance for employees and potentially dependents.
• Life Assurance: Financial protection for beneficiaries in the event of death.
• Annual Leave: 25 days of annual leave, with the option to buy or sell additional days, providing flexibility for personal time.
• Wellbeing Leave: 3 additional days of leave dedicated to employee well-being.
• Health and Wellbeing Support: Access to various initiatives and support services focused on employee health.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): 24/7 confidential support, including direct access to talking therapies and coaching services.
• Discounted Gym Membership: Access to a network of over 2,500 gyms nationwide.
• Industry Leading Parental Leave: Generous parental leave policies, reflecting a commitment to supporting families.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with the hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility in how and where these hours are fulfilled.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for senior design management roles in the UK construction industry. The comprehensive benefits package highlights Lendlease's investment in employee well-being and long-term engagement, which are attractive factors for experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Property & Infrastructure Development and Investment. Lendlease is a global company with a significant presence in construction, development, and investment, focusing on creating sustainable and innovative places. Company Size: Lendlease is a large, global organization, typically employing thousands of people worldwide. This scale offers opportunities for diverse career paths and exposure to a wide range of projects. Founded: Lendlease was founded in 1961, indicating a long history and established presence in the industry, suggesting stability and deep expertise.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a larger project delivery team, working closely with Project Managers, Construction Managers, Commercial Managers, Estimators, and Site Engineers.
• The reporting structure would typically involve reporting to a Senior Project Manager or a Head of Design for the region or specific program.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring close working relationships with external design consultants (architects, engineers, specialists), subcontractors, clients, and statutory bodies.

Methodology:

• Lendlease emphasizes building enduring partnerships and collaborative approaches through the supply chain.
• The company focuses on anticipating challenges and simplifying complexity through experienced, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Data-driven decision-making and process optimization are likely core to their operational philosophy, particularly for large programs like DEOP.
• A commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability is a hallmark of their operations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Lendlease's global scale and focus on long-term partnerships suggest a professional and structured operational environment. The emphasis on collaboration and innovation is key for candidates to understand when approaching this role, especially within the context of a large public sector program.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior-level position within the operations and project delivery functions. It requires significant experience and the ability to lead complex design processes and teams independently. Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior member of the project management or construction leadership team, such as a Project Director or Senior Project Manager. This position has a significant influence on project outcomes. Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct impact on project success by ensuring that designs are buildable, cost-effective, safe, and meet client expectations. Their role is crucial in mitigating risks, optimizing project delivery, and maintaining quality standards, which directly influences project profitability and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into roles such as Senior Design Manager, Head of Design, or Project Director, leading larger and more complex projects or portfolios.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like BIM, sustainable design, or complex infrastructure projects within the defence sector.
• Cross-Functional Development: Possibility to move into broader project management, commercial management, or construction management roles by leveraging design expertise.
• Professional Development: Access to Lendlease's training programs, industry certifications, and potentially support for further academic study relevant to construction and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, this role offers a clear path for career advancement within a reputable global firm. The opportunity to work on significant public sector projects like DEOP provides valuable experience that enhances career mobility and specialization within the construction industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as having flexible and hybrid work options, suggesting a modern office environment that supports both focused work and collaboration. It's likely a professional office setting with access to necessary technology and meeting facilities. Office Location(s): Primarily based in Gloucestershire, with potential travel to other sites or offices, including Birmingham, as indicated in the location data. This suggests a need for flexibility and willingness to travel.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The hybrid model implies access to collaborative zones, meeting rooms, and potentially hot-desking facilities for team interactions.
• Technology & Tools: Expect access to standard office technology, project management software, and potentially BIM software and collaboration platforms.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with project teams, both on-site and remotely, fostering a dynamic and communicative work environment. The role requires being a "valued member of a site-based team," indicating a need for regular physical presence.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours per week) with a hybrid arrangement. This means a blend of working from home and in the office, offering flexibility while ensuring project needs and team collaboration are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key aspect of this role, requiring candidates to manage their time effectively across different locations and to be comfortable with a mix of remote and in-person collaboration. The need to be part of a "site-based team" suggests that in-office days will be crucial for site engagement and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of CV and application by HR or a recruitment specialist to assess basic qualifications and experience.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager to assess technical skills, experience, and cultural fit. Expect questions focused on design management, problem-solving, and leadership.
• Portfolio Review (Potential): Candidates may be asked to present or discuss specific examples from their portfolio, demonstrating their capabilities in design management, value engineering, and team leadership.
• Technical Assessment/Case Study: A practical exercise or case study related to design challenges, value engineering proposals, or BIM integration might be part of the process.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or a panel to confirm suitability and discuss career aspirations.
• Security Vetting: As noted, national security vetting procedures will apply to the successful candidate.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Showcase projects with clear outcomes, highlighting how your design management contributed to project success (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements).
• Structure Your Narratives: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your approach/solution, and the results achieved. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the scale of your impact (e.g., "managed a design team of 15 consultants," "achieved £2M in value engineering savings," "reduced design clashes by 30% through BIM coordination").
• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively managed external teams and collaborated with internal stakeholders and clients.
• Showcase BIM Proficiency: If possible, include visual aids or descriptions of your involvement in BIM processes, demonstrating technical understanding.
• Address DEOP Context: If you have relevant public sector or defence project experience, explicitly link it to the requirements of this role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach common design challenges, such as conflicting requirements, unforeseen site conditions, or scope changes.
• Value Engineering Scenarios: Practice articulating how you would identify and propose value engineering solutions within a construction project context.
• BIM Strategy: Understand how to contribute to a BIM Execution Plan and the benefits of BIM in design coordination and delivery.
• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you have managed difficult stakeholders or navigated complex client relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of security vetting is a significant factor. Candidates should be prepared for this process and ensure they meet the eligibility requirements. Portfolio preparation should focus on demonstrating operational excellence and quantifiable results in design management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency with common architectural and engineering design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks) is expected, particularly Revit for BIM.
• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management platforms such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling and progress tracking.
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or other project collaboration suites for team communication and document sharing.
• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for storing, organizing, and versioning project documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• BIM Coordination Tools: Software for clash detection and model aggregation (e.g., Navisworks Manage, BIM 360).
• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and interpret reports from project management and design software.
• Data Analysis: Basic data analysis skills to interpret project performance metrics and design-related data.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary CRM role, understanding how design information integrates with broader project management or construction management systems is beneficial.
• Experience with workflow automation tools for design review or approval processes would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong understanding of BIM software (Revit, Navisworks) and project management tools is essential for this role. The ability to leverage these technologies for design coordination, clash detection, and efficient information delivery is a key operational requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Doing What's Right, Always: Emphasizes ethical conduct, integrity, and adherence to company policies and project standards. For operations, this means ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and contractual obligations.
• Succeeding Together: Fosters a collaborative environment where teamwork and mutual support are valued. Operations professionals need to actively contribute to team goals and support colleagues.
• Bringing Energy: Encourages enthusiasm, proactivity, and a positive attitude towards challenges and project delivery. Operations roles often require resilience and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Being Bovis/Lendlease: Promotes a sense of ownership and commitment to the company's mission and values. This translates to taking responsibility for design outcomes and contributing to the company's reputation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expected to work seamlessly with diverse project teams, bridging the gap between design, construction, commercial, and client functions.
• Process Review & Feedback: An environment that encourages constructive feedback on design processes and workflows to drive continuous improvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches to design management and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate alignment with Lendlease's core values, particularly in their approach to collaboration, problem-solving, and ethical conduct within a project operations context. The emphasis on "Succeeding Together" highlights the importance of teamwork in achieving project goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and demands of clients, internal teams, consultants, and statutory authorities on large public sector projects.
• Ensuring Design Compliance and Quality: Maintaining rigorous quality control and ensuring adherence to all technical specifications and regulatory requirements, especially within a defence programme context.
• Integrating BIM Effectively: Overcoming potential resistance to BIM adoption or technical challenges in integrating BIM workflows across different disciplines and software.
• Driving Value Engineering: Implementing cost-saving measures without compromising the integrity or functionality of the design, which can sometimes involve difficult negotiations.
• Security Vetting Process: Navigating the national security vetting procedures, which can be a lengthy and detailed process.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM Training: Opportunities to enhance skills in BIM software, management, and implementation strategies.
• Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining industry-recognized certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, or APM qualifications.
• Leadership Development Programs: Access to internal and external training focused on leadership, negotiation, and advanced project management skills.
• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Gaining experience across various project types within Lendlease's portfolio, broadening expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior operations roles in large construction projects. Preparing for these, particularly the security vetting and stakeholder management aspects, will be key. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career advancement and skill enhancement within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Strategy & Methodology: "Describe your approach to managing the design process for a complex £100M+ infrastructure project. How do you ensure alignment with the overall project strategy and objectives?" (Focus on process, risk management, and team coordination.)
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you build trust and effective working relationships with external design consultants, especially when facing conflicting priorities or technical disagreements?" (Prepare examples of stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution.)
• Problem-Solving & Efficiency: "Describe a situation where a design issue threatened to derail a project schedule or budget. What steps did you take to resolve it, and what was the outcome? How did you ensure efficiency?" (Highlight analytical skills and process improvement.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Lendlease's approach to sustainability and community engagement, and how might that influence your role as a Design Manager?" (Research company values and apply them to operational context.)
• "How do you see yourself fitting into our collaborative team culture, and what contributions would you make to foster a positive and productive environment?" (Prepare to discuss your team dynamics and preferred working style.)
• "How do you measure the success of your design management efforts, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) do you typically track?" (Focus on quantifiable results and operational metrics.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Case Studies: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your capabilities. Structure each with a clear problem, your specific actions, and measurable results.
• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, timelines, or model screenshots to illustrate complex design processes or BIM coordination efforts.
• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions and leadership within each project, not just the team's overall achievements.
• Address DEOP Relevance: If possible, draw parallels between your past projects and the requirements of the Defence Optimisation Programme.
• Enthusiasm for Value Engineering: Be prepared to discuss your passion for finding innovative and cost-effective design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their practical experience in design management, emphasizing their ability to lead teams, manage risks, and drive efficiency. Demonstrating an understanding of Lendlease's values and the specific demands of public sector projects will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Lendlease Careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and any supplementary portfolio materials to highlight your experience in managing design processes, value engineering, BIM integration, and leadership within construction projects, particularly those with public sector or defence elements.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your qualifications as a registered professional (Architect, Engineer) and quantifies your achievements with specific metrics related to project delivery, cost savings, and team management.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral and situational questions, focusing on your design management philosophy, problem-solving approach, and collaborative skills. Be ready to present key case studies from your portfolio with a focus on operational impact.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Lendlease's projects, values, and commitment to sustainability and community. Understand the context of the Defence Optimisation Programme to align your application and interview responses with the company's strategic objectives.

⚠️ 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.