Design Manager

Department: CWCL

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Company: Canary Wharf Contractors Limited

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Reporting to: Director - Structures

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JOB SUMMARY

To manage and co-ordinate the design team and contractor designers to produce complete and comprehensive construction details in due time, giving consideration to quality, buildability, cost, health, safety and environmental constraints.

Salary - circa £75,000 per annum dependent on experience
Closing Date - Monday 21 September 2026

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understand and support Client’s aims and objectives.
• Discharge responsibilities for Health and Safety as set out in the Canary Wharf Group Health Safety and Welfare manual also the Canary Wharf Group Construction Health and Safety Plan both in respect of the package and integration of the overall project.
• Empathise with overall design concept.
• Manage design process.
• Explore options and alternatives.
• Compare and benchmark design against other Canary Wharf and external projects.
• Ensure lessons learned from other projects are understood and taken into account.
• Assist with setting-up and implementing project systems and procedures
• Discharge responsibilities for Health and Safety as set out in the Canary Wharf Group Health Safety and Welfare manual also the Canary Wharf Group Construction Health and Safety Plan both in respect of the package and integration of the overall project.
• Assist other team members in dealing with queries and providing information on design matters such as:

Project Definition

• Assist with development of construction strategy.
• Identify and define design criteria.
• Assist with defining design scopes and interfaces.
• Assist with negotiation of fees and agreements.
• Assist with development of design programme.
• Assist with development of construction strategy.
• Agree consultants’ deliverables and issue dates.
• Obtain consultants’ quality plans.

Design Stages

• Monitor design team progress against programme.
• Review design against brief and buildability requirements.
• Check information for co-ordination and completeness.
• Identify need for samples and mock-ups.
• Manage design changes.
• Obtain design risk assessments.

Construction Procurement

• Assist in development of procurement strategy.
• Assist in defining package scopes and key interfaces.
• Assist with preparation of trade contract documentation.
• Review design capabilities of tenderers.
• Assist in evaluation of tenders.
• Assist in contractual negotiations.

Construction Phase

• Verify contractor design and submittal programmes.
• Monitor information flow to and from trade contractors.
• Assist with review of contractor design proposals, method statements and technical submittals.
• Assist with processing of technical queries and requests for information raised by contractors.
• Assist with co-ordination of interfaces between packages.
• Assist with inspection of works to check compliance with design intent.
• Assist with processing of interim valuations.
• Assist with agreement of contractual variations.

Handover and Completion

• Assist with final inspections.
• Assist with obtaining and recording as-built information.
• Assist with agreement of final accounts and design fee payments.
• Obtain feedback from client and professional team.
• Produce or update lessons learned reports for use on future projects.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the Director – Structures and/or Project Leader or other member of Senior Management.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Design consultancy / structural expertise is essential. Design Management experience on major multi-disciplinary, preferably high rise, projects, is required. Previous experience working for a contracting organisation is highly desirable.
• A proven commitment to continuing professional development and a background within Structural Engineering disciplines is essential. The successful post holder will be a Chartered Engineer, or a suitably qualified Technician, holding a UK or internationally equivalent engineering qualification, or be working towards the successful completion of a UK qualification (such as being chartered to MICE or MIStructE) or an internationally equivalent proven engineering qualification.
• Excellent inter-personal skills, and the ability to build relationships and influence decision-making is essential.
• Self-management and initiative; the ability to think analytically and laterally is essential.
• It is essential that the post holder be fully familiar with the coordination of interfaces between packages, to assist with processing of technical queries and requests for information raised by contractors.
• It is essential that the post holder be fully familiar with the integration of all design disciplines that are required for commercial and residential building (e.g. architectural, engineering, environmental, safety, services and structural disciplines, residential building).
• It is essential that the post holder be capable of handling meetings in difficult situations using skill and tact to achieve positive results.
• It is essential that the post holder be persuasive yet tactful in dealing with project teams and client.
• It is essential that the post holder possess excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) and organisation skills.
• Intermediate IT skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office Packages, particularly Word, Excel, Power Project or Microsoft Project.
• Experience of using document management software – and experience of ASITE software would be highly desirable.
• The post holder must be fully conversant in CDM regulations, as they apply to fast-track high rise construction. It is essential that the post holder be competent in assessing and commenting on the adequacy of Method Statements and Risk Assessments.

• Act with integrity and deliver high performance
• Put our customers at the heart of what we do
• Resolve issues by providing high quality solutions

Foster Collaboration

• Find opportunities to collaborate with others across the business to achieve shared goals
• Encourage inclusive networks and treat others with respect and fairness
• Use knowledge to work effectively with suppliers / contractors to meet shared goals

Encourage Engagement

• Confident in making decisions appropriate to the role
• Learn from mistakes and listen to constructive feedback to improve performance
• Prioritise safety and actively support community, wellbeing and sustainability programmes

Take Ownership

• Take pride in delivering high quality service which exceeds expectations
• Committed to opportunities for self-development
• Take responsibility for my own performance and look for ways to improve

Embrace Innovation

• Embrace change and innovation
• Proactively suggest ways to improve our business and encourage others to share ideas
• See new challenges as opportunities to deliver effective change

WHAT WE OFFER

Diversity and Inclusion

We recognise the importance of embracing diverse experience, skills and perspectives at all levels and operating in an inclusive working environment, in order for everyone to reach their full potential. We also recognise that it makes business sense, since being an inclusive employer leads to better business performance and higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skills and are committed to fostering a culture whereby everyone can reach their full potential.

Flexible Working

As an inclusive employer, we recognise the positive impact flexible working can have on an individual, their wellbeing, engagement and productivity. Therefore, we are open to consider flexible working arrangements, both temporary or permanent.

Learning and Development

At Canary Wharf Group, our employees receive a wide range of support to help improve their skills and achieve their career goals. We offer development opportunities through classroom and e-learning training, mentoring, cross department experience and on the job learning. We heavily invest in our staff attaining accreditations to develop existing and new skills, support chartered status, sponsorships and provide further educational opportunities which are job and business related. We never stand still and continually invest in developing skills and knowledge to ensure individual and company growth.

Other Benefits

We are committed to building a safe, happy and healthy community for our employees and we offer a comprehensive range of benefits, all designed with our employees and their wellbeing in mind. From generous pension and insurance plans, to health benefits, subsidised gym membership, store discounts and family leave, our benefits package allows our employees to choose the benefits that suit them and their individual needs.

If you are interested in joining our highly professional and skilled team for our next exciting phase of development, please complete the form on this page to apply online.

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to appoint at any point.