Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager Company: Sisk Location: Dublin, Ireland Job Type: Full-Time Category: Construction Operations / Design Management Date Posted: January 15, 2026 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead design management for construction projects, ensuring seamless integration of building engineering principles and local authority requirements.
• Lead and mentor a team of design coordinators, fostering a culture of technical excellence and efficient project execution.
• Drive the timely delivery of all design-related information, crucial for the successful on-site execution of works.
• Actively contribute to pre-construction planning, including input into Employer's Requirements and Contractor Proposals.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration through the chairing of design meetings and diligent minute-taking.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the construction industry, focusing on the operational and managerial aspects of the design process. The emphasis on "building engineering experience" and "local authority projects" suggests a need for specialized knowledge in regulated construction environments. The target candidate will likely be responsible for translating project requirements into actionable design plans and managing the consultants and subcontractors responsible for their execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage design consultants, sub-consultants, and design sub-contractors to ensure the correct and timely delivery of all design-related information for project execution.
• Lead, mentor, and guide Design Coordinators throughout their involvement in projects, fostering their professional development and ensuring adherence to design standards.
• Provide critical input into the development and compatibility of Employer's Requirements and Contractor Proposals, ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Actively manage and support Design Coordinators during the construction phase, addressing challenges and ensuring design integrity.
• Chair and professionally minute Design meetings, ensuring clear action points and timely production of information aligned with the project's design intent.
• Ensure compliance with various client procurement routes and understand their implications for the design process.
• Contribute effectively during the pre-construction phase, shaping the project's foundational design strategy.
• Maintain strong commercial awareness throughout the design process, understanding its impact on project costs and timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical oversight, team leadership, and strategic input. The emphasis on managing external consultants and subcontractors, alongside internal mentorship, indicates a significant leadership component. The requirement to understand different client procurement routes and D&B (Design & Build) contracts points to a need for a candidate with a broad understanding of construction project delivery methodologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a construction-related discipline (e.g., Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Building Services Engineering).

Experience:

• Minimum of six (6) years of progressive experience within the construction industry.
• Proven track record of managing design processes and teams on complex construction projects.
• Demonstrated experience working at the pre-construction stage, contributing to project strategy and feasibility.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Comprehensive understanding of the entire design lifecycle, from conception to execution in a construction context.
• Building Engineering: Solid knowledge of building systems, structural integrity, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), and other essential engineering disciplines relevant to construction projects.
• Local Authority Projects: Experience navigating and complying with the specific requirements and regulations associated with local authority or public sector construction projects.
• Design Coordination: Ability to effectively coordinate designs from multiple disciplines, ensuring clash detection and constructability.
• Contract Administration: Understanding of Design & Build (D&B) contracts and other relevant construction contract types, including their implications for design responsibility.
• Commercial Awareness: Aptitude for understanding the commercial impact of design decisions, including cost implications and value engineering.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for reporting, analysis, and presentations.
• Project Management Software: Experience with View Point for Projects (4Projects) or similar document management and collaboration platforms.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with BIM (Building Information Modeling) software and workflows.
• Knowledge of sustainability and green building practices.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Familiarity with project scheduling software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6).

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in construction engineering and practical experience in managing design on-site and in pre-construction phases. The explicit mention of "local authority projects" is a key differentiator, suggesting a need for familiarity with public sector procurement and regulatory frameworks. Proficiency in View Point for Projects indicates a specific tool requirement for document control and project communication.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 significant construction projects managed, detailing the design challenges, your role, the solutions implemented, and the final outcomes.
• Process Optimization Examples: Include documentation or descriptions of how you have improved design workflows, reduced RFI (Request for Information) volumes, or enhanced collaboration between design teams.
• System Implementation Evidence: Demonstrate experience with implementing or optimizing design management systems, such as document control platforms, collaboration tools, or BIM integration.
• ROI Demonstration: Where possible, quantify the impact of your design management contributions in terms of cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, or risk mitigation.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing and implementing design management plans or protocols.
• Examples of design meeting agendas, minutes, and action tracking mechanisms.
• Documentation of RFI and submittal management processes.
• Workflow diagrams illustrating the flow of design information and approvals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to demonstrate practical application of their skills through a portfolio. This should go beyond simply listing responsibilities and instead provide tangible evidence of process improvement, system utilization, and measurable impact on construction projects, particularly regarding design delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 6+ years of experience in Dublin, Ireland, the estimated annual salary range is €65,000 - €85,000. This can vary based on the specific project complexity, the candidate's exact experience, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package.
• 26 days of annual leave plus additional company-specific days.
• Pension scheme.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Unlimited learning and development opportunities, including training and professional certifications.
• Potential for career advancement within a global construction firm.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands. On-site presence is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Design Manager in Dublin, Ireland, considering the specified experience level and industry. The benefits listed are directly from the job description and are standard for mid-to-senior level roles in the construction sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction. Sisk is a prominent global construction company with a significant presence in Ireland and the UK, known for delivering complex projects across various sectors including infrastructure, commercial, and residential. Company Size: Part of the larger John Sisk & Son Holdings Ltd group, which is a substantial, family-owned business with a global reach. This implies a stable and established organization with robust resources and a long-term perspective. Founded: John Sisk & Son was founded in 1859, indicating a rich history and deep-rooted expertise in the construction industry. This legacy often translates to a culture that values experience, reliability, and enduring relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will report into the project team, likely a Project Director or Senior Project Manager.
• They will manage a team of Design Coordinators, acting as a mentor and technical lead for this group.
• Close collaboration with site teams, commercial teams, procurement, and external consultants is expected.

Methodology:

• Sisk emphasizes "building excellence," suggesting a commitment to quality and high standards in all project phases, including design.
• As a family-owned business, there's likely a culture that values long-term relationships, collaboration, and a sense of shared purpose.
• The company's global reach implies adherence to international best practices and potentially a structured approach to project management and design processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Sisk's long history and family ownership suggest a culture that balances tradition with innovation. The emphasis on "building excellence" and "global reach" indicates a professional environment focused on delivering high-quality projects with robust processes. The role of Design Manager is central to ensuring this excellence is achieved from the design phase through to construction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level management position within the operations and design function of a construction project. It requires a blend of technical expertise, project management acumen, and leadership capabilities. Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to senior project leadership (e.g., Project Director, Senior Project Manager) and directly manages Design Coordinators. This structure positions them as a key interface between design consultants, site teams, and executive project management. Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a critical impact on project success by ensuring designs are buildable, compliant, cost-effective, and delivered on time. Their work directly influences project timelines, budget adherence, safety, and the overall quality of the final built asset. Efficient design management minimizes costly on-site changes and delays.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Manager / Head of Design: Progression to managing design across multiple projects or leading the entire design function for a business unit.
• Technical Director: Moving into a more specialized technical advisory role, focusing on complex engineering challenges or innovation.
• Project Director / Project Manager: Transitioning into broader project leadership roles, taking full responsibility for project delivery.
• Specialization: Developing expertise in specific areas such as BIM management, sustainable design, or particular construction methodologies.
• Continuous Professional Development: Access to unlimited learning and development opportunities provided by Sisk, allowing for skill enhancement and career diversification.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within the construction industry, particularly within a large, established firm like Sisk. The opportunities range from deepening technical expertise to broadening management responsibilities, with a strong emphasis on continuous learning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, implying a need for regular presence at the project location in Dublin. This office environment will likely be project-specific, possibly within a site office or a dedicated project management hub. Office Location(s): Dublin, Ireland. Specific project sites may vary within the Dublin region. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be collaborative, requiring close interaction with project managers, site engineers, quantity surveyors, and external design consultants.
• Access to project documentation, drawing management systems (like View Point for Projects), and standard office technology will be provided.
• The environment will be dynamic and fast-paced, typical of construction project settings, demanding adaptability and problem-solving skills.
• Opportunities for team interaction will be high, especially during design meetings and coordination sessions.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (likely 40 hours/week).
• Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, especially during critical design phases or pre-construction.
• On-site presence is a fundamental requirement for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role in Dublin means candidates should be comfortable working within a project-centric environment, which often involves a mix of office-based coordination and site visits. The collaborative aspect is key, as the Design Manager acts as a central point for design-related communication.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application against the core requirements (degree, experience, specific skills like local authority projects).
• First Interview: Likely with an HR representative and/or a senior member of the project team. Focus on your background, motivations, and understanding of the Design Manager role.
• Technical Interview / Portfolio Review: A deeper dive into your experience, potentially involving a presentation of your portfolio. This stage will assess your technical knowledge in building engineering, design management, contract understanding, and your ability to articulate project successes and challenges.
• Final Interview: May involve senior project leadership or a director. This stage will focus on cultural fit, leadership potential, strategic thinking, and alignment with Sisk's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the project type, your role, key design challenges, your specific contributions, and the outcomes (e.g., schedule adherence, cost savings, quality improvements).
• Quantify Impact: Use metrics wherever possible. For example, "Reduced design queries by 20%," "Ensured on-time delivery of critical design packages, preventing schedule delays," or "Contributed to value engineering savings of X%."
• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio explicitly demonstrates experience with local authority projects, D&B contracts, and the use of tools like View Point for Projects.
• Process Focus: Include examples of process improvements you've implemented or managed, such as improved RFI workflows, design meeting efficiency, or collaborative platforms.
• Conciseness: Prepare a concise overview presentation (e.g., 10-15 slides) that highlights your most impactful projects and contributions. Be ready to discuss any project in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss hypothetical design challenges on a construction project (e.g., unexpected site conditions, design conflicts, contractor queries).
• Think about how you would approach problem-solving, stakeholder management, and decision-making under pressure, always considering the impact on schedule, cost, and quality.
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically, demonstrating your commercial awareness and understanding of construction risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should anticipate a rigorous interview process that includes a strong emphasis on portfolio review. Demonstrating practical, quantifiable achievements in design management, particularly within the context of local authority projects and D&B contracts, will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• View Point for Projects (4Projects): Essential for document control, collaboration, and managing project information. Proficiency is explicitly required.
• Microsoft Office Suite:
  • Word: For formal documentation, reports, and correspondence.
  • Excel: For data analysis, tracking, budget monitoring, and creating reports.
  • PowerPoint: For presentations to stakeholders, project teams, and management.
• Design Software (General Awareness): While not explicitly stated as a requirement to use, a Design Manager should have a general understanding of how architectural, structural, and MEP design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) is utilized and how to coordinate outputs from these systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: For ad-hoc analysis and reporting on design progress, RFI logs, and potential cost impacts.
• View Point for Projects Reporting Features: To extract data on document status, project correspondence, and issue tracking.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable in the traditional CRM sense, but project management and document control systems like View Point for Projects function as specialized operational platforms for managing project workflows and data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary technical requirement highlighted is proficiency with View Point for Projects. While general IT literacy is assumed, specific expertise in this document management system is critical for managing design information flow and collaboration within Sisk's project environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Building Excellence: A core value at Sisk, emphasizing high standards in project delivery, quality, and client satisfaction.
• Integrity: Honesty and ethical conduct in all dealings, particularly important when managing contracts and stakeholders.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working together across different disciplines and with external partners to achieve common goals.
• Innovation: While rooted in tradition, Sisk seeks innovative solutions to improve construction processes and outcomes.
• Commitment: Dedication to projects, clients, and employees, reflecting the long-term perspective of a family-owned business.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The Design Manager must foster strong working relationships with site teams, commercial departments, procurement, and health & safety officers to ensure design is integrated with all project aspects.
• Stakeholder Management: Effective communication and negotiation with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and local authorities are paramount.
• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open dialogue and early resolution of design issues through regular meetings and clear documentation.
• Mentorship and Support: Creating an environment where Design Coordinators feel supported and empowered to raise issues and develop their skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sisk's values, particularly "Building Excellence" and "Teamwork," are central to the Design Manager role. The emphasis on integrity and commitment aligns with the long-term nature of construction projects and client relationships. The collaborative style is essential for navigating the complex web of stakeholders involved in large construction projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Design Scope Creep: Effectively controlling changes to the design scope to prevent budget overruns and schedule delays, especially in complex projects.
• Coordination of Multiple Disciplines: Ensuring seamless integration of architectural, structural, MEP, and specialist designs to avoid clashes and conflicts.
• Navigating Local Authority Requirements: Staying abreast of and complying with evolving regulations, planning permissions, and inspection protocols specific to Irish local authorities.
• Balancing Design Rigor with Project Timelines: Achieving high-quality, compliant designs within demanding construction schedules.
• Mentoring and Developing Design Coordinators: Effectively guiding less experienced team members to enhance their capabilities and ensure project success.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Management Techniques: Training in modern design management methodologies, including integrated project delivery (IPD) and advanced BIM coordination.
• Contractual Expertise: Deeper dives into various construction contract types and their implications for design risk and management.
• Leadership and People Management: Development programs focused on enhancing leadership, team motivation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Industry Certifications: Support for pursuing relevant professional certifications (e.g., MCIOB, PMP, specific engineering accreditations).
• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Gaining experience across Sisk's varied project portfolio, from infrastructure to commercial developments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a Design Manager in construction, revolving around managing complexity, time, and stakeholders. Sisk's commitment to "unlimited learning and development" provides a strong framework for addressing these challenges and fostering professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Management Strategy: "Describe how you would establish a design management plan for a complex Dublin-based local authority project. What are the key phases and critical success factors?" (Focus on process, documentation, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation).
• Team Leadership: "How do you mentor and develop junior design coordinators? Provide an example of a time you helped a team member overcome a technical or professional challenge." (Focus on leadership style, coaching techniques, and fostering growth).
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a significant design conflict arises between structural and MEP consultants late in the pre-construction phase. How would you resolve this, considering the impact on cost, schedule, and buildability?" (Focus on analytical skills, negotiation, decision-making under pressure, and commercial awareness).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Sisk, and how do you see your values aligning with our commitment to 'Building Excellence'?" (Research Sisk's history, projects, and stated values).
• "How do you ensure effective collaboration between design teams and site teams, especially on an on-site project?" (Demonstrate understanding of cross-functional dynamics and communication strategies).
• "How do you measure the success of your design management efforts beyond just delivering drawings?" (Focus on metrics related to cost, schedule, quality, safety, and stakeholder satisfaction).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your experience with local authority projects, D&B contracts, and complex building engineering.
• Tell a Story: For each project, outline the context, the challenge, your specific actions, and the positive outcomes. Use visuals (drawings, diagrams, photos) if possible.
• Highlight Key Deliverables: Clearly articulate your role in managing design consultants, coordinating information, and ensuring timely delivery.
• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Mention your experience with View Point for Projects and other relevant software.
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about any aspect of your portfolio projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of construction project lifecycles, from pre-construction to execution, with a particular emphasis on the technical and managerial aspects of design. Highlighting experience with specific project types and contract forms relevant to Sisk will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Sisk careers portal.
• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV clearly highlights your degree, 6+ years of construction industry experience, and specific experience with building engineering, local authority projects, and D&B contracts. Quantify your achievements where possible.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most relevant projects and process improvements. Be ready to present this, focusing on your role, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable outcomes.
• Research Sisk: Understand their company history, values, recent projects, and their commitment to building excellence. Prepare to articulate why you are a good cultural fit.
• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples and strategy-based scenarios relevant to design management in construction.

⚠️ 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.