Senior Design Manager

Overview

As Design Manager you lead multi‑discipline design delivery, translating client requirements into a robust plan and ensuring on‑time, on‑budget, high‑quality outputs. You oversee design programmes, interfaces and change control, thriving under pressure while coaching diverse teams. The role blends technical excellence with collaborative leadership to deliver resilient, sustainable infrastructure. You will work within HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group to advance the built environment.

Responsibilities

• Identify project objectives with the Project Director and set strategies to meet programme, budget and quality targets
• Own and maintain the design delivery programme and plans as design evolves
• Facilitate communication and information flow with clients, internal teams, sub‑consultants and partners
• Lead Design Team Meetings with clear minutes and timely actions
• Implement and improve project management processes (e.g., change control) and coordinate issue‑resolution workshops
• Manage RFIs, early warnings and general communications to reduce risk
• Analyze, process and respond to design transmittals (drawings, specifications, reports)
• Review quotations for alignment with scope and client requirements
• Manage changes and delays with assessed impacts and mitigation
• Maintain scope understanding and update delivery programme, resources and instructions
• Itemise services and documentation requirements; assess deliverables against standards
• Drive efficiency, innovation and buildability across design stages
• Ensure deliverables’ technical compliance and quality; document scope changes
• Close out projects with lessons learned and client satisfaction processes
• Perform other duties as needed

Key requirements

• Degree-level education in engineering, architecture, construction management or related discipline or equivalent experience
• Experience coordinating multi‑discipline design delivery on complex projects
• Understanding of design process and ability to coordinate internal and external disciplines
• Knowledge of ISO 9001/14001 quality processes and project governance desirable
• Active participation in employee-owned culture
• Competent in MS Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint; MS Project desirable
• strong facilitation and communication (written and verbal)
• personable self‑starter with a positive can‑do attitude
• ability to motivate, coach and guide diverse teams
• multi‑discipline design delivery coordination
• change control processes
• RFIs and transmittals management

Report this job