Job Title: Design Manager - Edinburgh
DIVISION: Build
LOCATION: Edinburgh
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent
BENEFITS: Car Allowance; Subsidised Private Medical Cover; Life Assurance Scheme; Contributory Pension, 35 Days annual leave (Including Public Holidays)
Job Summary
As GRAHAM continues to grow, we are looking for a motivated and proactive Design Manager to join our Scotland team, supporting projects across Edinburgh. Taking a solution-based approach, you will play a key role in both pre-construction opportunities and project delivery, working as an integral member of multidisciplinary teams from tender stage through to completion.
This role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the delivery of a multi-million-pound mixed-use affordable residential development in Edinburgh, alongside other high-profile projects. The successful candidate will bring strong technical expertise, commercial awareness and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to lead and coordinate design teams to deliver innovative, buildable and cost-effective solutions that meet programme, quality and client requirements.
Job Description:
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage the appointment, coordination and performance of external consultants and design teams.
- Lead and manage the design process, ensuring compliance with programme, budget, quality and contractual requirements.
- Develop and maintain design, procurement and information release programmes.
- Chair and coordinate design meetings, monitor progress and drive actions to completion.
- Identify, manage and mitigate design-related risks and change control processes.
- Challenge and review design solutions to maximise buildability, value engineering opportunities and project efficiency.
- Coordinate subcontractor design activities and approvals, ensuring full compliance with specifications and contract requirements.
- Manage RFIs, technical queries and the flow of project information.
- Support tender submissions, design reviews, contractor proposals and bid presentations.
- Coordinate statutory approvals, planning conditions, building control requirements and sustainability obligations, including BREEAM.
- Mentor and support Assistant Design Managers where appropriate.
- Ensure company quality standards and procedures are implemented across all aspects of design management.
Requirements:
Technical Competencies
Essential Criteria:
Degree qualified in Construction, Architecture, Architectural Technology, Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
- Proven experience in a Design Manager role within the construction industry, ideally with a main contractor.
- Strong understanding of design management, construction methodologies, buildability and project delivery processes.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary consultants, subcontractors and key project stakeholders.
- Ability to develop and manage design programmes, information schedules and technical approvals.
- Sound knowledge of planning, building regulations, statutory approvals and contractual requirements.
- Commercially aware with experience assessing design solutions against programme and budget constraints.
- Excellent communication, leadership, organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and document management systems.
· Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel to project sites as required. ·
Desirable Criteria:
· Membership of a relevant professional body such as CIOB, RIBA, CIAT, ICE or RICS.
- Experience working on major residential projects.
- Knowledge of BIM processes, digital construction tools and information management systems.
- Understanding of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and off-site manufacturing.
- Experience managing and developing junior design management staff.
- Knowledge of Scottish Building Regulations and planning requirements.
- Experience working for a Tier 1 or large regional contractor.
Our Commitment:
At GRAHAM, we are proud to say that we are a committed Equal Opportunities Employer and we aim to be the first choice for people from all backgrounds. We seek to promote respect for the individual and equality of opportunities. We believe that everyone should be treated solely on the basis of personal merit and contribution throughout their GRAHAM career journey and not on the value of artificial barriers, prejudices, or preferences.
If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
We are dedicated to making our policies and guidance accessible to all applicants and employees. If you need this document in an alternative format, such as large print, audio, or braille, please contact us at:
As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. If you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme, please contact Louise Hunter, Resourcing Manager, at:
We are only able to consider applications from individuals who are eligible to live and work in the UK, as per Home Office regulations. Please check your eligibility with the regulations before applying. Individuals with a current time restricted right to work in the UK, should contact the Human Resources team in the first instance.
A basic disclosure may be requested if security clearance is required by 3rd party clients and a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position. Our Access NI/Vetting and Barring Scheme Policy and Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is available upon request.
GRAHAM reserves the right to carry out checks to ensure the validity of an applicant’s experience and/or qualifications and we expect all applicants to comply with any such requests for information. Failure to do so or evidence of any falsification of information will lead to either removal from the recruitment process or if already in employment potential termination of contract through the company disciplinary procedure.
