Design Manager

**Design Manager – Architecture & Engineering

Shape the Future of Innovative Design**
Are you ready to take the next step in your career and lead the delivery of cutting-edge design solutions? At Tetra Tech RPS, we're looking for a talented and driven Design Manager to join our progressive Design business based in Newark, Birmingham or London with hybrid working available.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on high-profile projects across multiple sectors, including residential housing, logistics, retail, aviation, healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, data centres, and energy. Our Design Division is at the forefront of harmonising form and function, balancing sustainability, materiality, cost, and constructability. Digitalisation is at the core of our approach, enabling clients and stakeholders to experience designs from concept through delivery. If you're passionate about managing complex design processes and driving excellence, this role offers the chance to make a real impact.

Purpose & Scope of the Role
As a Design Manager, you'll play a key role in supporting the Senior Management Team in delivering architectural and engineering design services across a diverse portfolio of projects. You will oversee project delivery programmes, manage resource levels, and ensure that all design outputs meet client requirements and deadlines. Your responsibilities will include coordinating project information through structured protocols, managing deliverables in line with agreed programmes, and supporting commercial management activities such as scope variations, contractual notices, and payment applications. You will also establish and manage sub-consultant contracts, monitor project decision and change logs, and maintain accurate records to ensure seamless project execution. This role demands initiative, precision, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, ensuring that every project is delivered to the highest standards.

Your Impact in this Position
You'll be instrumental in ensuring projects run smoothly, deadlines are met, and client expectations are exceeded. Success in this role is measured through effective coordination, commercial awareness, and the ability to maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders. With clear pathways for growth and the chance to work on landmark projects, this is a role where your organisational skills and leadership will truly shine.

Your Toolkit for Success at RPS
At RPS, we recruit using core capabilities—the essential skills, experience, and responsibilities required to perform the role effectively.

But here's the secret: there's no such thing as the 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we'd love to hear from you.

Technical Expertise
You will bring a strong foundation in design management within the construction sector, backed by at least three years of relevant experience. This role demands a deep understanding of the processes and protocols that underpin successful project delivery, from pre-appointment reviews through to execution and close-out. Your technical capability will include proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, where advanced skills such as pivot tables and lookup formulas will enable you to manage data effectively and support commercial reporting. Beyond software proficiency, you will demonstrate the ability to plan and monitor resources, manage structured project protocols, and oversee the distribution of deliverables in line with agreed programmes. Familiarity with contractual processes, fee claims, and change management will be essential, as you will often be required to identify opportunities for additional scope and justify associated costs and timelines. Your attention to detail and commitment to accuracy will ensure that every aspect of project delivery meets the highest standards.

Leadership & Collaboration
As a Design Manager, you will be a central figure in coordinating efforts across multiple teams and disciplines. You'll work closely with Project Directors, Finance and Legal teams, and client representatives, ensuring that communication flows seamlessly and decisions are implemented effectively. Your leadership will be demonstrated through your ability to prioritise tasks, allocate resources, and maintain clarity in complex project environments. Collaboration will be at the heart of your approach—building strong relationships internally and externally to foster trust and alignment. You will act as a reliable point of contact for project teams, providing guidance and support while maintaining a focus on achieving client objectives. By promoting teamwork and encouraging knowledge sharing, you will help create an environment where individuals feel empowered to contribute their best work, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and to specification.

Programme & Resource Management
You will excel in planning and managing project delivery programmes, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet deadlines and client expectations. This competency includes monitoring progress against agreed schedules, identifying potential bottlenecks, and implementing corrective actions to maintain momentum. Your ability to balance competing priorities and optimise workflows will be critical in delivering projects on time and within scope, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Commercial & Contractual Acumen
You will demonstrate strong commercial awareness and a thorough understanding of contractual processes, enabling you to manage scope variations, fee claims, and payment applications with confidence. This competency involves proactively identifying opportunities for additional services, preparing accurate documentation, and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations. By combining attention to detail with strategic insight, you will safeguard project profitability and reinforce client trust through transparent and effective commercial management.

Communication & Relationship Building
Exceptional communication skills are fundamental to success in this role. You will be adept at translating complex technical and commercial information into clear, concise documentation that can be understood by stakeholders at all levels. Whether you are preparing reports, drafting contractual notices, or presenting project updates, your ability to communicate with clarity and confidence will set you apart. Building and maintaining strong relationships will be a key aspect of your role—engaging with clients to understand their priorities, responding proactively to challenges, and ensuring that expectations are consistently met or exceeded. Internally, you will contribute to a positive team culture by promoting openness, encouraging collaboration, and supporting colleagues in achieving shared goals. Externally, you will represent the business with professionalism and integrity, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted partner and industry leader.

Mandatory Requirements
Substantial experience in design management within construction

Strong organisational and communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Beneficial
Experience in commercial management processes

Ability to identify opportunities for additional fees and scope changes

About Tetra Tech RPS
Tetra Tech RPS is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment across all areas of our organisation. We recognise that a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives contributes to a more dynamic, innovative, and supportive workplace where every individual is empowered to share their ideas and contribute meaningfully.

We are dedicated to building a culture of respect and equity, where people are valued regardless of their ethnicity, gender identity, age, belief system, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic.

In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role. Flexible and part-time working options are available in this role, with working patterns agreed collaboratively between employees and line managers to support individual wellbeing and optimal performance.

Recruitment Agencies
We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list and any submitted will be taken as a gift. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.