Design/Technical Manager

JJ Rhatigan & Company is one of Ireland’s leading Building Contractors, with operations throughout Ireland and the UK. We are currently recruiting a Senior Design Manger for our Dublin office.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a prestigious main contractor and work with like-minded people on award winning multi-million-euro projects.

Purpose of Position:

The role and responsibility of a Design Manager (DM) is to manage/ lead two large project teams to produce design information which is:

1. Fully coordinate between all Consultants and Contractors.
2. Fully compliant with the Tender Specifications & ER’s.
3. Fully compliant with current legislation and regulation.
4. Within budget and buildable.
5. Delivered on programme.

The DM plays a fundamental part in the successful delivery of the project alongside the Project Manager and Quantity Surveyor – The Project Delivery Team.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• The Design Manager must be capable of working across two live projects and one at pre-construction stage. This will include the management and mentoring of the Project Design Coordinator(s) and Document Controller(s) – both of which directly report to the DM. The DM must promote continual improvement, apply and enforce company procedures and assist the Design Coordinator/ Document Controller with their career progression.
• Demonstrate determination, drive and dedication in their daily and overall approach to the project. The DM will be in weekly communication with Senior Consultants, Project Clients and Stakeholders. Drive, Initiative, Control, Negotiation and Communication are essential skills required to master this role.
• Engage in Pre-Construction Activity – Analysing and de-risking the tender package with the Estimating Department. Design related opportunities, risks and costs are to be identified and communicated to the team thus simplifying project delivery.
• Manage the production of Deign with commercial, contractual, programme/ time awareness and technical expertise. “Is it within budget and is it buildable?” Seek value and investigate options/ alternatives at all stages of the design.
• Must have an ability to resolve issues quickly. Action, Responsibilty, Close Out Period. The DM needs to make decisions, most often instantly.
• Must strive to eliminate Health & Safety risks not only within the finalized Design but during the construction process. Always consider and evaluate the method of construction during Design.
• Assist with the appointment of the Design Delivery Team (Consultants and Contractors). The DM must produce/ edit consultant scope package requirements and distribute for tender. This package includes:

1. Scope of Design Services/ Deliverables per discipline/ package
2. Design Programme/ IRS
3. Milestone Payment Schedule
4. Design Responsibility Matrix
5. BIM Protocol
6. Drawing Examples – Interior, Kitchen, Bathroom, Wall Type drawings, Window & Door schedules. Set the precedent.

• Must meticulously review/ read the Project Specification, Employers Requirements, Planning Report/ Approval, all Drawings and all other design associated tender documentation in advance of producing the “Design Risk & Opportunity Schedule”. This schedule must be analysed with the Project Team at the beginning of a project.
• One of the primary roles of the Design Manager is to produce, monitor and manage the Design Programme/ IRS. It is the DM’s responsibility to ensure all consultants/ contractors produce and deliver the required information on programme. This is not an isolated document – it must at all times be coordinated with the Construction and Procurement programmes. The project team must be notified immediately of any delays or programme issues.
• Prepare and distribute (as required) the following Design Documents/ Schedules within the first two weeks of a new project. These documents are to be updated fortnightly in advance of the DRM:

1. Design Programme/ IRS
2. Milestone Payment Schedule
3. Design Responsibility Matrix
4. Planning Condition Tracker
5. Design Risk & Opportunity Schedule
6. Building Warranty Tracker
7. Building Control Tracker
8. Design Fee Schedule
9. Design Team Meeting
10. Design Change Tracker (Change Control)

• Chair and manage all Design Team Meetings/ workshops. A comprehensive and concise set of meeting minutes must be distributed within two days of the meeting clarifying: Action, Responsibility, Close Out Period. The DM must drive production – Manage the consultants (In particular, the Architect).
• Produce the Design Review Meeting (DRM) documentation on a fortnightly basis. Progress and problems will be reviewed, discussed and actioned with the Regional Design Lead. Actions must be closed ahead of the next DRM.
• Control the Consultant Payment process. The Milestone Payment Schedule will be agreed with consultants at the beginning of a project (contractual document). All invoices are to be reviewed/ signed off by the DM prior to approval by the Commercial team. The design fee schedule must be updated fortnightly.
• Ensure that all drawings are thoroughly reviewed and checked. The level of detail must be to the required standard from which the site team can construct – “For Construction” Status drawings need to be firm and final. The drawings must reflect what has been priced at tender stage (ER’s) – a comprehensive “Change Control” tracker is to be maintained throughout all stages of the project.
• Produce a “Design Close Out Schedule” two months before the design is concluded (This is not Project PC). Action, Responsibility, Close Out Period. This must include a strategy to close out:

1. Outstanding Design Issues & Elements
2. Planning Conditions
3. Building Control Conditions
4. Building Warranty Conditions
5. BREEAM Certification
6. O&M Manual and HUG
7. AS built Drawings
8. Programme Air and Acoustic Tests
9. Sign off of all samples and Technical Submittals

The Design Manager’s performance will be assessed against the following KPI’s:

• Communication and Interaction with Project Team members.
• Management Process – The efficient delivery of the following key Design stages:
• Project/ Design Team Set Up
• Discharge of Pre-Commencement Planning Conditions
• Stage 4 Design Production/ Approval
• External Façade Package Production/ Approval
• M&E Technical Submittal & Sample Approval
• Management Process – The efficient delivery of the overall Design.
• Remediation Process – The process and timescale of addressing/ resolving Design issues.

• A BTEC in Building Studies, Building Engineering or Building Management or a HNC/ HND/ Degree in Construction Management or Architecture (including an industrial placement).
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience of managing elements of construction projects.
• Highly organized and methodical approach to Design Delivery.
• Excellent project management skills, must manage and drive multiple work streams simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal and communication skills.
• Excellent numeric and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to keep up to date with new technologies including software, social media and branding initiatives.
• Ability to supervise, manage and mentor other members of staff.
• Highly ambitious and compelled.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Self-motivated, proactive, flexible and reliable.
• Advanced computer skills; proficient in Microsoft Office: Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, BIM, AutoCAD and Microsoft Project Planner.
• Collaborative team member with a passion for success.

• Attractive terms of Employment & Competitive salary for the right candidate
• Excellent Benefits
• Excellent Career Progression
• Opportunities to work on challenging projects and assignments.

In order to work in Ireland a non-EEA National, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid employment permit. Please review the eligibility and requirements for an employment permit if you are unsure of your eligibility to apply for this vacancy.