Design Manager

Role Overview

Design Manager, you will lead the full design process across the entire project lifecycle, ensuring design excellence from concept through construction and final handover. This role is central to aligning client expectations, technical compliance, construction delivery, and commercial objectives.
You will serve as the key point of coordination between clients, consultants, subcontractors, BIM teams, and internal delivery teams, ensuring all design information is accurate, timely, compliant, and fully integrated into project execution.
This position is ideal for an experienced construction or engineering professional with strong leadership capabilities, technical expertise, and a proven ability to manage multidisciplinary design teams on complex projects.
Key Responsibilities Design Leadership & Stakeholder Coordination

• Lead and manage all design activities throughout project planning, development, construction, and closeout
• Coordinate architects, engineers, consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams to ensure seamless design integration
• Act as the primary contact for all design-related communication between project stakeholders
• Chair and facilitate design coordination meetings, workshops, and technical reviews
• Ensure design intent is maintained while balancing budget, programme, and buildability requirements
• Promote collaboration across all disciplines to reduce conflicts and improve project outcomes

Programme Management & Design Deliverables

• Develop and manage the design delivery schedule in line with overall project milestones
• Monitor progress of design packages, identifying risks, delays, and resource challenges early
• Ensure all drawings, specifications, and technical documentation are issued on time
• Manage design revisions, technical queries, and change control processes to minimise disruption to site activities
• Support procurement and construction teams with timely and coordinated technical information

Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure all design outputs meet client specifications, contractual obligations, and project quality standards
• Review and approve design submissions including construction drawings, shop drawings, technical submittals, and consultant packages
• Verify compliance with Belgian, European, and relevant international building regulations
• Oversee adherence to fire safety, building physics, structural integrity, and technical performance requirements
• Drive continuous improvement in design quality, coordination standards, and document control

BIM & Digital Design Coordination

• Co-lead BIM coordination alongside digital engineering teams
• Support implementation of BIM workflows, clash detection, and model integration
• Promote efficient use of digital design tools, project management systems, and collaborative platforms
• Ensure design data is structured, coordinated, and accessible for all project stakeholders
• Champion innovation in digital construction and design processes

Construction Phase Support

• Provide technical design leadership during live construction activities
• Conduct site visits and inspections to ensure accurate design implementation
• Resolve on-site design issues, RFIs, and technical challenges efficiently
• Coordinate design updates in response to site conditions or project changes
• Manage the preparation and completion of As-Built documentation and handover packages

Reporting & Project Visibility

• Prepare weekly and monthly design progress reports for senior leadership and clients
• Track design KPIs, programme milestones, technical risks, and mitigation actions
• Provide clear reporting on commercial, technical, and delivery impacts of design decisions
• Support strategic project planning through data-driven design performance insights

Required Skills & Experience Education & Professional Background

• Degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Building Services, MEP, or a related discipline
• Significant experience in Design Management, Senior Design Coordination, or Technical Project Leadership within construction, infrastructure, or engineering sectors
• Demonstrated success delivering multidisciplinary projects in complex environments

Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of construction methods, sequencing, materials, and detailing
• In-depth understanding of building regulations, fire safety, technical compliance, and quality standards
• Proficiency in BIM, CAD, and digital coordination tools
• Experience with design management systems, project controls, and document management platforms
• Ability to integrate technical, commercial, and operational priorities

Leadership & Communication Skills

• Exceptional stakeholder management and team leadership abilities
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Highly organised with excellent problem-solving capabilities
• Commercially aware with a practical understanding of project constraints
• Able to manage complexity, change, and competing priorities in fast-paced environments

Additional Requirements

• Fluency in English is essential
• Dutch and/or French language skills are advantageous
• EU work authorisation is required