Role Purpose
Mitie is seeking an experienced and strategic Framework Lead for Design Management and Principal Designer Services to lead all aspects of design governance, pre-construction management and Principal Designer compliance across the Rolls-Royce framework.
This is a senior leadership position forming part of the framework's core management structure alongside the Head of Projects and Commercial Manager. Together, these roles provide operational, commercial and design governance leadership across a complex portfolio of capital projects and construction activity.
The role is responsible for leading the design management function from project inception through design development and into construction delivery, ensuring projects are safe, compliant, commercially viable and effectively transitioned into execution.
The postholder will manage a team of Design Coordinators and act as the framework lead for Principal Designer activities, supporting both client and delivery teams in fulfilling their duties under CDM Regulations 2015.
The role requires close collaboration with Rolls-Royce stakeholders, consultants, designers, project teams and supply chain partners to develop and oversee projects ranging from M&E installations and infrastructure improvements through to fit-outs, manufacturing facility upgrades and new build construction.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Provide strategic leadership for all design management and Principal Designer activities across the Rolls-Royce framework.
Act as a member of the framework senior leadership team alongside the Head of Projects and Commercial Manager.
Support the development and delivery of the framework's business plan, governance strategy and growth objectives.
Drive consistency, quality and compliance across all pre-construction and design management activities.
Establish and maintain design management standards, procedures and governance controls.
Act as the senior escalation point for all design-related matters.
Design Management Leadership
Lead the development of projects through RIBA Stages 0-4.
Oversee design development activities across multiple concurrent projects.
Ensure design outputs align with client requirements, operational needs and commercial objectives.
Manage multidisciplinary design teams including architects, engineers, specialist consultants and contractors.
Chair design reviews and technical governance meetings.
Drive design assurance, buildability reviews and design risk reduction throughout project development.
Ensure projects are sufficiently developed prior to handover to operational teams for pricing and delivery.
Principal Designer Leadership
Lead the framework's Principal Designer function and act as the senior competent person for CDM design management.
Support project teams in fulfilling Principal Designer duties.
Ensure suitable arrangements are in place for planning, managing and monitoring pre-construction phase activities.
Review and evaluate Pre-Construction Information (PCI).
Undertake PCI gap analyses and coordinate actions to address deficiencies.
Ensure design risk management processes are effectively implemented and maintained.
Promote the elimination and reduction of foreseeable risks through design.
Oversee design risk registers and residual risk communication processes.
Work closely with QHSE teams to ensure compliance with CDM Regulations and framework governance requirements.
Pre-Construction Management
Review client workbooks, project briefs and emerging requirements.
Translate client needs into clearly defined project scopes and design requirements.
Develop scoping documents and project definition packs.
Identify design procurement strategies.
Manage consultant appointments and design tender activities.
Support feasibility studies and option appraisals.
Facilitate stakeholder engagement and technical decision-making throughout project development.
Commercial Collaboration
Working closely with the Commercial Manager, the postholder shall:
Ensure design development aligns with approved budgets and business objectives.
Support cost planning and value engineering exercises.
Challenge design solutions to optimise value and lifecycle performance.
Support the preparation of project estimates and business cases.
Manage design-related variations and change control processes.
Ensure design information supports efficient procurement and project delivery.
Operational Integration
Working closely with the Head of Projects, the postholder shall:
Ensure seamless transition from design into delivery.
Support procurement and construction planning activities.
Participate in project reviews and governance boards.
Act as escalation point between operational teams and appointed designers.
Support delivery teams throughout construction activities.
Ensure design intent is maintained while supporting practical delivery solutions.
Promote safe and efficient construction methodologies through effective pre-construction planning.
Client & Stakeholder Management
Build strong relationships with Rolls-Royce stakeholders.
Lead and participate within client-side design teams.
Facilitate collaborative scheme development through all RIBA stages.
Present design solutions, risks and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
Represent Mitie in client governance forums and technical review meetings.
Support the development of long-term strategic relationships across the framework.
People Leadership
Lead, develop and manage the framework Design Coordination Team.
Establish clear responsibilities and performance expectations for Design Coordinators.
Coach and mentor colleagues to develop design management and Principal Designer capability.
Ensure adequate resourcing to support framework demands.
Foster a collaborative culture across operational, commercial and design functions.
Support succession planning and professional development within the design management discipline.
Key Accountabilities
The postholder will be accountable for:
Framework-wide Design Management performance.
Principal Designer compliance and governance.
Design programme delivery.
Design quality and technical assurance.
Pre-Construction Information management.
Design risk management.
Consultant performance.
Design team leadership and development.
Design-to-delivery handover effectiveness.
Stakeholder satisfaction.
Essential Experience
Significant experience in Design Management within construction, engineering or building services environments.
Demonstrable experience leading multidisciplinary design teams.
Extensive knowledge of RIBA Plan of Work.
Strong understanding of CDM Regulations 2015.
Experience undertaking Principal Designer duties.
Experience reviewing and managing Pre-Construction Information.
Experience delivering projects valued up to £5m+.
Strong understanding of construction delivery and operational requirements.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
Experience leading and developing technical teams.
Desirable Qualifications
Degree in Construction, Engineering, Architecture, Building Services or related discipline.
Chartered Membership of a relevant professional institution.
APS Principal Designer accreditation.
NEBOSH Construction Certificate.
PRINCE2, APM or equivalent project management qualification.
Experience within manufacturing, aerospace, defence, nuclear or highly regulated environments.
Security clearance or ability to obtain clearance.
Key Competencies
Strategic Leadership
Design Governance
Principal Designer Expertise
Commercial Awareness
Stakeholder Engagement
Risk Management
Technical Assurance
Team Leadership
Decision Making
Communication & Influence
