Pre-Construction Design Manager

Collen Construction is seeking an experienced Preconstruction Design Manager to join our expanding preconstruction and bid organisation. This role will play a critical part in shaping early project strategy, ensuring design clarity, and de-risking complex schemes at tender stage.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong technical background, an understanding of constructability, and an ability to lead multidisciplinary teams across demanding timelines.

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• Degree-qualified in Architecture, Engineering, Building Services, or Construction Management
  
• Minimum 8–12 years’ experience in design management, technical delivery, preconstruction, or multidisciplinary coordination
  
• Proven experience working on complex projects such as mission-critical, pharma, industrial, residential, or data centre environments
  
• Demonstrable capability in managing consultant design teams and specialist subcontractor input
  
• Strong understanding of procurement routes: Design & Build, PCSA, novation, OFCI/CFCI, and multi-package delivery models
  
• Comfortable interrogating drawings, challenging assumptions, and steering design solutions in line with commercial and programme realities
  
• Excellent communication, analytical, and leadership skills with a calm, grounded approach
  

Reporting to the Bid Director, your key responsibilities for the role will include, but not limited to the following:

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• Lead and coordinate all preconstruction design activities during tender development
  
• Interpret client briefs, RFP/RFT requirements, and early design information into robust, buildable solutions
  
• Act as the technical lynchpin between architects, engineers, consultants, subcontractors, and internal departments
  
• Conduct design reviews focused on constructability, compliance, logistics, sequencing, and cost impact
  
• Identify design gaps, technical risks, and assumptions; develop mitigation strategies and clarifications
  
• Prepare technical narratives, compliance matrices, design responses, and structured bid deliverables
  
• Engage and manage external design partners and specialist supply chain contributors
  
• Align design development with procurement strategy, programme, and long‑lead considerations
  
• Uphold quality, governance, and regulatory standards (BCAR, DAC, fire, building regs, EU compliance)
  
• Support design handover into PCSA / contract award phases where required
  

Opportunity to work on landmark projects with blue‑chip clients across Ireland, the UK, and mainland Europe.

Collaborative preconstruction team with strong technical and commercial support.

Exposure to strategic decision‑making, design governance, and early delivery planning.

Clear pathway for progression into senior preconstruction leadership roles.

Career path framework aligned with your discipline.

Mentoring from industry experts and leadership exposure.

International project opportunities across Ireland, UK, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

Access to LMS with tailored content.

Membership with professional bodies to help you build your network. xcfaprz

Inclusive culture driven by values: Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Ownership & Sustainability.