Design Manager

• Midrand, South Africa
• Full-time

Company Description

We are WSP - Join us and make your career future ready!

Think bigger scale. Think higher profile. Think ground-breaking. Join WSP, and you’ll be at the heart of a team of international experts all dedicated to growing and sharing their expertise, and working on projects that transform society for all of us.

WSP is one of the most diverse consulting firms in Africa, and the largest environmental consulting firm globally. To further our strategic business execution plan, we are seeking leaders who share our guiding principles – we value our people and our reputation; we are locally dedicated with international scale; we are future-focused and challenge the status quo; we foster collaboration; we have an empowering culture and hold ourselves accountable.

Job Description

The items detailed herein are guidelines for the Design Manager position. The person will report to the Sector Lead: Internal Design Delivery. Needs to develop extensive knowledge of the organization, who key stakeholders/personnel are (both external and internal) and understand the organization’s systems and processes to support the effective and timeous conversion and execution of projects.

As a Design Manager, the incumbent will lead complex multidisciplinary programs and projects with numerous cross-functional teams. They will review requirements with internal stakeholders, compile data, and support discipline heads in delivering multi-disciplinary projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project manage the delivery of multi-disciplinary projects within the Business Unit from an internal perspective
• Set and manage expectations with internal and external teams to deliver the intended project scope, on time and on budget per project goals
• Organize and lead Requirements Workshops to identify, analyze and document detailed spatial and functional site and facility requirements of all stakeholders.
• Lead the development of a Design Brief / Statement of Requirements (SoR) to be incorporated into the projects “Basis of Design” document across all disciplines
• Organize review(s) of the (SoR) by all stakeholders.
• Update SoR and BoD as necessary to obtain approval from all stakeholders.
• Lead value-engineering exercises and technical studies to maximize value and efficiency of the facility without sacrificing required functional capability.
• Evaluate conceptual design proposals for value, efficiency and constructability issues.
• Lead preliminary (30%), detailed (60%) and final (90%) design reviews and design review meetings, ensuring appropriate stakeholders (including other contractors or suppliers) are invited and receive design documents at least five days before each review.
• Ensure all design review comments are documented and addressed, noting the disposition of each comment.
• Ensure long-lead materials and equipment are identified and collated for timely acquisition.
• Ensure all services requirements are incorporated into the design documentation.
• Ensure the design documentation aligns with the SoR and BoD
• Coordinate Design Team activities.
• Ensure all disciplines are effectively delivering against programme
• Assist in developing Design Delivery Schedule along with Construction Project Manager, and other consultants.
• Develop comprehensive scope-of-work and contract document deliverables list for each related discipline.
• Negotiate scope-of-work, deliverables and price with internal disciplines and external consulting firms.
• Track and manage external design and cost issues.
• Manage distribution and production of project workload within team.
• Collaborate on new design issues and research projects with team.
• Ensure drawings are accurate and precise.
• Assist internal and external customers.
• Meet with stakeholders to obtain design input and signoff.
• Drive routine project meetings (kickoffs, weekly program, status review), manage project resources, and manage multiple concurrent projects to completion per chartered target dates, take meeting minutes and distribute
• Leads cross-functional project teams.
• Run multiple projects from inception through completion
• Provide commercial support to enhance project profitability and margins
• Review project contracts, sub-consultant contracts, intercompany agreements, etc.
• Project planning - Management of time & cost on multi-disciplinary projects
• Management of quality and risk of multi-disciplinary projects
• Develop and manage financial reports for forecasting, trending, and results analysis for multi-disciplinary projects
• Support the BU Head and HoD’s with resource planning (forward workload)
• Responsible for productivity reporting on projects
• Conduct project audits within the BU
• Coordinate resolution of management actions and tasks within the BU
• Diligently and pro-actively following up on delegated matters, deadlines, target dates, etc.
• Producing documents, briefing papers, reports and presentations;
• Align business processes across departments (i.e. electrical, mechanical, etc.)
• Liaising with clients, suppliers and other staff;
• Devising and maintaining office systems, including data management, etc.;

Health and Safety:

• Role model standards for SHEQ performance and behaviour consistent with the company’s health, safety, environmental and quality vision and policies by influencing those around you
• Contributing to the identification of SHEQ risks and driving processes to achieve Zero Harm
• Embracing, displaying and promoting the company values and ensuring a safe working environment is maintained at all times

Qualifications

• B.Arch / Graduation in Civil / Electrical / Mechanical with 8 -10 years of experience in design management.
• Must be registered as a professional engineer (PrEng)
• Qualification in Project Management from a reputable educational institution advantageous, combined with strong resource planning, project planning and commercial experience
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in the Property sector with a strong understanding of the engineering consulting industry and ability to be highly effective in a client facing role.

Other requirements:

• Thorough understanding of MEPF systems
• Cross functional team participation in a high-tech, dynamic environment.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Proven track record in delivering high-quality projects.
• Passionate about solving complex challenges within aggressive timelines.
• Be exceptional at discerning the path forward given a set of problems or problem statements.
• Ability to use design and project management software like AutoCAD, Revit etc.
• Advanced Microsoft Office Skills/Training
• Knowledge of BIM360
• Proficient in all MS Office suites
• Detail oriented with strong written and verbal communication skills

Key Competencies and Generic Skills:

• A pleasant, friendly, helpful manner with a passion for customer service (externally and internally)
• Ability to work well under pressure and be able to meet deadlines
• Very organized with strong prioritization and multi-tasking abilities
• Diligent and efficient in the execution of responsibilities
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Innovative in problem solving and solution generation
• Excellent administrative skills
• Self-driven and ability to take initiative
• Tact and discretion when dealing with sensitive situations and confidential information.
• Good communicator both written and oral
• An excellent command of English spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Be able to influence people to achieve a desired objective
• Be passionate about the business and the job at hand
• Be proud of the product and service provided
• These items are indicators of eligibility / capability for the position. The suitability of staff for the position remains at the discretion of management.