Design Manager

Job description

Job Title: Design Manager – Pre Construction

Location: Leeds (Office based)

Salary: Upon Application

Employment Type: Full time, Permanent

Join the Disruption!

Domis Construction is a leading main contractor delivering high profile residential and commercial developments across the North West and beyond. Design.Deliver.Disrupt. We’re known for pace, quality and a practical, solutions led approach, bringing together design, delivery and commercial expertise to build with confidence. We are now seeking a Design Manager to strengthen our pre construction function and lead design management on allocated projects from early stages through to construction set up.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the design process during pre construction and, where required, the early set up of the construction phase
• Own design input into the 1000 point checklists, pre construction journey and other Monday app management tools for allocated projects
• Fully investigate value engineering and value creation opportunities, driving best value outcomes
• Interrogate enquiry documents, including Employer’s Requirements, to identify risks, gaps and opportunities
• Produce Contractor’s Proposal documentation in liaison with internal departments
• Manage Domis’ design process via external consultants, ensuring coordinated and timely outputs
• Drive innovative and cost effective technical solutions into the design
• Progress design issues within strict timescales and ensure designers meet information delivery dates
• Review subcontractor design proposals for compliance, buildability and alignment with design intent
• Verify and control the status of consultant and subcontractor drawings and specifications, maintaining registers and document control
• Ensure consultant scopes of services, responsibilities and fees are agreed and clearly defined
• Attend tender launch, tender adjudication and design launch meetings as required
• Provide support and management to the pre construction administrator
• Provide technical and buildability input from RIBA Stages 2–5 prior to works commencing on site
• Provide input and demonstrate working knowledge of the Building Safety Act
• Provide technical guidance as required (for example fire regulation compliance and related standards)
• Act as a facilitator of Domis supply chain expertise throughout the pre construction phase to strengthen solutions and reduce risk

Requirements:

• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance quality, programme and cost certainty
• Architectural background is advantageous (but not essential)
• Understanding of client procurement routes and contract strategies
• Sound knowledge of regulations and planning permission procedures
• Experience of site and contract procedures is beneficial
• Proven ability to organise, plan, programme and manage workloads across multiple projects
• Knowledge of operational/project delivery, with site experience on major schemes advantageous
• Confident relationship builder, able to influence and coordinate a wide stakeholder group
• Effective presenter, comfortable leading group meetings and workshops
• Vision, commitment and enthusiasm for change, with a continuous improvement mindset

Personal Attributes & Desired Behaviours

• Integrity: Acts ethically and transparently in all commercial dealings.
• Ownership: Takes accountability for outcomes and drives work through to completion.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with site, commercial, and supply chain teams to achieve shared goals.
• Trust: Builds strong, professional relationships internally and externally.
• Adaptability: Responds positively to change in a fast-paced project environment.
• Commercial Mindset: Proactively identifies risks, opportunities, and value enhancements.
• Professionalism: Leads by example and supports the development of others.

Why Join Us?

• Lead design management on major schemes with genuine influence from early stage onward
• Join a driven, collaborative pre construction team focused on practical delivery and high standards
• Strong opportunities to shape processes, drive innovation and develop your career

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Leeds

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

15-04-2026

Profession type

Design / Fashion

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English