Design Manager

Design Coordinator - Oxford
Salary: 40,000 - 55,000 DOE + package
Location: Oxford / Oxfordshire
Role: Design Coordinator / Assistant Design Manager
Progression: Opportunity to develop into Design Managament

Hays are working with a respected Oxford-based main contractor who are looking to appoint a Design Coordinator into a newly created role within their technical and design team. This is a strong opportunity for someone who wants to move their career forward and gain exposure to a broad range of construction projects, from early-stage design coordination and preconstruction through to live project delivery.

The business delivers a varied mix of design and build, refurbishment, restoration and new build schemes, working across sectors such as education, commercial, healthcare, heritage, arts and culture, sport and leisure, residential and public sector projects.

Their work is often centred around technically challenging schemes, live environments and prestigious regional clients, including universities, colleges, schools, local authorities, healthcare providers, private clients and public sector organisations.
This role would suit someone who is already working as a Design Coordinator, Assistant Design Manager, Technical Coordinator, Architectural Technician, Design Technician or Assistant Project Manager, and is looking to progress within a main contractor environment.

The opportunity

This is a newly created role, offering the chance to join a growing design function within a contractor that can provide genuine progression.
You will be working closely with Project Managers, Design Managers, Quantity Surveyors, site teams, architects, engineers and specialist subcontractors to ensure design information is properly coordinated and issued in line with programme requirements.

The role will give you exposure across design reviews, technical queries, buildability, drawing management, consultant coordination, subcontractor design information and live project support. For someone who enjoys technical detail, problem-solving and working as part of a wider project team, this is a strong opportunity to develop towards a more senior design management role.

What the role will involve

• Supporting the design management process across new build, refurbishment and technically challenging projects
• Coordinating drawings, design information, technical submissions and project documentation
• Working with architects, engineers, consultants and specialist subcontractors
• Helping manage design queries, RFIs and information flow between design and site teams
• Reviewing design information for buildability, coordination issues and programme impact
• Supporting preconstruction teams with design input, technical information and consultant coordination
• Attending design meetings and ensuring actions are followed through
• Working closely with Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors and site teams throughout the project lifecycle
• Helping ensure design information is accurate, coordinated and issued on time
• Supporting the delivery of projects across education, commercial, heritage, healthcare and refurbishment sectors

What they are looking for

The client is open to speaking with candidates from a range of technical and design backgrounds, providing you have a strong understanding of construction information and a genuine interest in progressing within design management.

You will need to be organised, technically aware and confident communicating with different people across the project team. The role will suit someone who can work well with drawings, design information and technical detail, while also understanding how design decisions impact programme, cost, quality and delivery on site.
You do not need to be the finished article, but you should be ambitious, proactive and keen to develop within a contractor that can give you exposure, support and long-term progression.

Candidate background

The client is open to speaking with candidates from a variety of technical and design-led backgrounds. This could include someone already working in design coordination, assistant design management, technical coordination, architecture, BIM, site management or specialist subcontractor coordination.

You may currently be working for a main contractor, developer, consultancy, architectural practice or specialist trade contractor. The key requirement is a strong understanding of construction information, good communication skills and the ability to work closely with design, commercial and site teams.

This is a good opportunity for someone who wants to move into a more rounded design management position, gain exposure to technically challenging projects and progress within a respected regional contractor.

Why this role should appeal

• 45,000 - 55,000 DOE
• Newly created role within the design team
• Clear opportunity to progress into a senior design role
• Exposure to varied projects across Oxfordshire and the wider region
• Opportunity to work on education, commercial, heritage, healthcare and refurbishment schemes
• Work with prestigious regional clients and technically interesting projects
• Support from experienced operational, commercial and design teams
• Chance to join a contractor known for quality, repeat business and long-term client relationships

How to Apply

If you would like to discuss this opportunity in more detail, please apply below or contact James Mitchell at Hays Southampton for a confidential conversation.

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