The Regional Design Manager provides leadership for all design management activities within a defined business unit or region, ensuring that project teams deliver design solutions that meet client expectations, statutory requirements and the Group’s strategic objectives. The role oversees the regional design function, providing technical guidance and management to Senior Design Managers, Design Managers and Coordinators, while working closely with project directors, bid teams and operations. A key responsibility is to integrate Group design and sustainability standards into regional delivery, promoting innovation, risk reduction, value creation and collaboration.  The Regional Design Manager represents the design function within the region, working in alignment with the Head of Design and Head of Sustainable Design to ensure consistency of approach, capability development and continuous improvement across the business. 

At John Sisk & Son, we’re more than a construction company, we’re a family-owned business with a global reach, committed to building excellence in every project. We deliver trust, certainty and value to our clients while embracing innovation and shaping the future of construction.

Strategic and Regional Leadership 

• Lead the design management function within the region, ensuring alignment with Group strategy and standards. 

• Oversee design input at bid, pre-construction and delivery stages, ensuring risks are addressed and opportunities realised. 

• Contribute to business development through strong client and consultant relationships. 

• Represent the region in Group-level design initiatives, knowledge sharing and policy development. 

Design Management Oversight 

• Manage allocation and performance of design management resources across multiple projects. 

• Ensure design reviews are carried out effectively and outputs are technically robust, coordinated and compliant. 
• • Provide input on buildability, MMC adoption, sustainability and digital engineering solutions. 
  • Support the interrogation of design proposals to reduce risk, optimise safety and maximise value. 
  • Lead consultant selection, engagement and performance management.  

Risk, Compliance and Quality 

• Ensure regional projects comply with Group governance, statutory obligations and industry best practice. 

• Monitor design-related risks and oversee mitigation strategies across projects. 

• Ensure consistency in delivery of quality, sustainability and safety outcomes. 

• Support the integration of EU directives, sustainability standards and digital solutions into design outputs. 

 People and Capability 

• Lead and mentor the regional design management team, ensuring capability and succession planning. 

• Oversee personal development plans, annual appraisals and objective setting for design staff.
  • Promote knowledge sharing, lessons learnt and continuous improvement within the region. 
  • Provide support and training to design and non-design staff to strengthen delivery capability. 

• Stakeholder Engagement 

  • Act as the regional lead for design with clients, consultants, supply chain and industry bodies. 
  • Represent the company in negotiations and presentations related to design and technical matters. 
  • Build and maintain long-term relationships with clients and consultants that align with Group values. 
  • Provide expert input into tenders, proposals and project delivery reviews. 

Experience and Skills

• Significant experience in managing design across multiple projects or a regional portfolio in construction. 

• Strong technical knowledge of design management processes, buildability and regulatory frameworks. 

• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and develop staff capability. 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders. 

• Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking and decision-making skills. 

• Commercial acumen with the ability to balance programme, cost and design quality considerations. 

Required 

• Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or related discipline.
  • Professional qualification (RIBA, MCIOB, Engineers Ireland or equivalent). 
  • Minimum 12 years’ experience in design management within the construction industry. 
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Desirable 

• Postgraduate qualification in Design Management, Project Management or related subject. Experience in MMC integration, sustainability certification and digital engineering. 
• Leadership training or professional development in management and strategy. 

• Competitive salary
• 26 days annual leave plus additional company days
• Pension and benefits
• Unlimited learning and development opportunities
• Much more

Our People and Recruitment Commitment

At Sisk Group our people are at the heart of our success. We offer the chance to work with purpose, build a career with no limits and be part of a great team.

All vacancies are managed directly by our Internal Recruitment Team. Unsolicited contact or speculative CVs from unapproved agencies will not be accepted and no introductory fees will apply.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or any other protected characteristic. Reasonable adjustments are available during the recruitment process.

We know the confidence gap and imposter phenomenon can stop talented candidates applying. You do not need to meet every criterion – your skills and potential matter. Don’t hold back we want to hear from you.

All recruitment materials comply with legal and regulatory requirements including the EU Pay Transparency Directive and the Equality Acts UK and Ireland