Design Manager (Portugal)

About the role

Drees & Sommer is looking for a Design Manager based in Portugal. You will manage and coordinate design activities for complex industrial and construction projects, working closely with multidisciplinary designers, consultants, contractors, specialist suppliers and project stakeholders to deliver design packages throughout the project lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate design interfaces, reviews, approvals and changes while keeping alignment with project objectives, programme requirements, permitting processes and construction needs.
• Manage design deliverables, schedules, reviews, interfaces, technical queries, approvals and changes.
• Work with international clients and multicultural project teams, and draw on knowledge of the Portuguese market, local designers, engineering consultants and contractors.

Required profile

• University degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or a related technical discipline; additional qualifications in Project Management, Design Management or BIM are an advantage.
• At least 10 years of professional experience, preferably managing design activities for complex industrial or construction projects.
• Experience in PMC, EPCM or EPC environments, and coordinating multidisciplinary designers, consultants, contractors and suppliers.
• Experience managing design deliverables, schedules, reviews, interfaces, technical queries, approvals and changes.
• Good knowledge of Portuguese regulations, local standards and permitting and approval processes.
• High-level English and Portuguese (minimum C1); Spanish and German are a plus.
• Based in Portugal with regular presence at the project office and/or site, and availability for national and international travel.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary design management and coordination, and of the interfaces between design, permitting, procurement and construction.
• Experience with design reviews, deliverable tracking, interface management and change management.
• Good understanding of BIM-based coordination.
• Management, coordination and organisational skills, and strong stakeholder management.

What we offer

• Option of mobile working to support work-life balance.
• Individual training and further education at the Drees & Sommer Academy.
• Bonus for sports enthusiasts and the option to subscribe to private health insurance.
• Tax advantages for commuting expenses and meal costs during work time.
• Employee referral programme with an attractive bonus scheme.
• Tax benefits for kindergarten expenses.