Design Manager

Role SummaryThe Design Manager will lead the design and technical delivery process from post-award through to construction completion, ensuring that design development, technical coordination and approved deliverables are aligned with the project programme, procurement strategy, construction sequencing and handover requirements.Acting as the primary technical interface between the Contractor, Client, PMC, Operator, Designers, Authorities and internal project teams, the role will drive the resolution of design gaps, finalisation of design intent and timely release of coordinated information to support construction.Following design finalisation, the Design Manager will lead the engineering and technical delivery process, overseeing the preparation, coordination, submission, review, approval and issuance of shop drawings, material submittals, samples, mock-ups and construction documentation.Role DescriptionDesign Leadership & Client InterfaceAct as the primary technical representative and point of contact with the Client, PMC, Operator, Design Consultants and Authorities.Lead technical workshops to resolve and close outstanding design gaps, design assumptions and unresolved interfaces.Drive final design sign-off and secure agreement on design intent.Establish, maintain and manage decision logs and design closure trackers.Ensure alignment between employer requirements, operator standards and project execution requirements.Lead technical discussions and coordination relating to variations and ongoing design development.Design Management & CoordinationLead all post-award design development and engineering processes.Review tender design documentation and identify design gaps, coordination issues and missing information.Ensure complete multidisciplinary coordination across architectural, interior design, MEP, structural and specialist systems.Manage IFC readiness and the associated information release strategy.Lead design coordination meetings, technical reviews and multidisciplinary coordination processes.Technical Delivery & Engineering ManagementLead the technical team throughout the complete engineering lifecycle, including shop drawings, technical submissions, material submissions, samples, mockups, coordination drawings, builders' work drawings and interface management.Ensure all technical submissions and deliverables are aligned with planned construction sequencing and key programme milestones.Coordinate the preparation, review, approval and issuance of all technical documentation required to support project delivery.Submission & Approval ManagementDevelop, implement and manage the drawing register, material register, sample register, technical submittal schedule and approval matrix.Ensure all required technical approvals are secured in accordance with project programme requirements.Monitor and track outstanding approvals and escalate delayed approvals or unresolved technical matters that could affect project progress.Procurement & Construction SupportSupport the procurement process through the technical evaluation of suppliers and subcontractors.Ensure all procurement packages meet the required technical standards and specifications.Coordinate long-lead items with the procurement programme and schedule.Provide ongoing technical support throughout construction and lead the resolution of RFIs and site technical issues.Mock-ups & Quality ManagementEstablish and manage the overall project mockup strategy and lead mockup reviews and approvals.Ensure approved mockups are established and maintained as benchmark standards for construction delivery.Coordinate with QA/QC teams to ensure technical acceptance, quality requirements and compliance are achieved.Programme & Commercial IntegrationEnsure technical deliverables are aligned with construction milestones and sectional handover requirements.Support programme recovery initiatives and identify technical risks and issues that could affect the critical path.Support the assessment of variations arising from design development and technical changes.Stakeholder ManagementCoordinate externally with the Client, PMC, Operator, Authorities, Designers and Specialist Consultants.Coordinate internally with the Project Director, Project Manager, Construction Manager, MEP Manager, Procurement Team, Commercial Team, Planning Team and QA/QC Team.Authority MatrixApprove internal technical submissions.Recommend design solutions and provide recommendations for the technical acceptance of subcontractors and suppliers.Escalate unresolved design matters and direct engineering priorities where required.Candidate RequirementsMANDATORY — FIT-OUT CONTRACTING EXPERIENCEBachelor's Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design or a related discipline.Minimum 12–15 years of experience in Design Management / Technical Delivery.Minimum 5 years of experience in luxury mixed-use, commercial/corporate, hospitality or hotel refurbishment projects.Mandatory proven experience working for a fit-out contractor, with direct responsibility for fit-out contracting and technical delivery.Experience in Design & Build contracts and post-award design development.Proven experience managing client interfaces, technical approvals, shop drawings, material approvals, mockups and multidisciplinary coordination.Strong understanding of programme-driven technical delivery, approval cycles, procurement support and construction sequencing.Ability to lead technical workshops, resolve RFIs, close design gaps and coordinate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.IMPORTANT: Fit-out contracting experience is a strict pre-requisite for this role. Only candidates who can demonstrate relevant fit-out contractor experience will be shortlisted and considered.Only candidates with proven, direct and substantial fit-out contracting experience will be considered for this position. Fit-out contracting experience is an absolute requirement and is not negotiable. Candidates whose experience is limited to consultancy, design management, architectural practice, client-side/PMC roles or other non-contracting environments will NOT be considered unless they also have demonstrable hands-on fit-out contracting experience.