Design Manager (Pre-Construction)

Overview

STRABAG UK’s Build Sub Division is seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Design Manager to join our Preconstruction team, supporting the successful delivery of industrial and logistics projects across the UK. The role sits at the heart of our project development phase, where you will lead and coordinate the design process from early concept through to construction readiness, ensuring innovative, cost‑effective and buildable solutions are achieved.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design process during work‑winning and pre‑construction stages
• Review and interpret Employer’s Requirements (ERs), contractor proposals, and tender documentation
• Develop and manage the Design Responsibility Matrix (DRM)
• Prepare and manage the Design Deliverables Schedule aligned with the tender programme
• Establish clear design management protocols and communication structures
• Manage RFI processes during tender stage
• Ensure design deliverables support procurement strategy and early package engagement
• Appoint, brief and manage external design consultants during bid stage
• Chair and coordinate design team meetings
• Ensure effective communication between estimators, planners, commercial, and operational teams
• Interface with client technical teams, statutory authorities, and key stakeholders
• Represent the contractor in client design meetings
• Ensure designs comply with Planning conditions, Building Regulations, CDM Regulations, Fire strategy and Building Safety requirements, Relevant British Standards and codes
• Lead design risk reviews and ensure risks are identified, mitigated, and priced appropriately
• Review and challenge consultant proposals to ensure Buildability, Cost efficiency, Programme alignment, Temporary works considerations, Health & safety integration
• Coordinate design reviews, clash detection, and BIM integration (where applicable)
• Work closely with Estimating to ensure design solutions align with cost plans
• Identify value engineering opportunities
• Quantify and articulate design risk within tender submissions
• Ensure scope gaps are identified and clarified pre‑contract
• Support bid settlement and client interviews with technical input
• Align design deliverables with procurement schedules
• Identify long‑lead design elements
• Support early engagement with key subcontractors and specialists
• Facilitate design input from supply chain partners
• Ensure structured and complete design handover to the project delivery team
• Provide clarity on design assumptions, qualifications, and outstanding risks
• Assist in transition from PCSA to construction phase where applicable
• Identify process improvements within pre‑construction design management
• Support development of design management best practice within the business
• Contribute to lessons learned reviews post‑tender and post‑project award

Qualifications

• Degree in Construction, Architecture, Engineering, or a related discipline
• Proven experience as a Design Manager within a main contractor, ideally in Industrial or Logistics/Build projects
• Management skills and confidence when dealing with staff, clients, figures, design issues and programmes
• Strong understanding of pre‑construction processes, design management, and procurement routes
• Excellent knowledge of UK Building Regulations and construction standards

Desirable: Member of CIOB / ICE

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