Laing O'Rourke
Design Manager - DFMA
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Construction Innovation Design Manager (DfMA)
Location: Technology & Innovation Group, Dartford
The Technology & Innovation (T&I) Group sits at the centre of the Laing O’Rourke group of companies and is a key driver of the transformation of construction. T&I is a highly ambitious, multidisciplinary team bringing together engineering, manufacturing, digital, product development and systems thinking to create the next generation of construction products and delivery models.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Product Development Design Manager (DfMA) to join the Technology & Innovation team.
This role focuses on leading the development of industrialised construction products, configurable building systems, and digitally enabled delivery workflows across a range of DfMA initiatives. You will coordinate multidisciplinary teams spanning engineering, digital, manufacturing and project delivery to transform traditional construction packages into scalable product platforms.
The role combines product development, design management, digital workflows, and manufacturing integration, supporting innovation projects from concept development through prototyping, manufacturing implementation, and live project deployment.
In This Role, You Will
- Lead development of industrialised construction products and systems.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary product development and technical delivery teams.
- Support BIM-to-manufacturing and design automation workflows.
- Help transform project-based construction into scalable platform-based delivery.
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Key Responsibilities
Product Development & DfMA
- Lead the development of standardised products, assemblies, and configurable building systems.
- Define technical requirements and guide designs from concept through to delivery.
- Champion DfMA principles and help embed them into everyday workflows.
- Support the shift toward productised, platform-based delivery.
Design Management & Coordination
- Coordinate across engineering, digital, and manufacturing teams.
- Manage design programmes, deliverables, and key technical reviews.
- Oversee system interfaces to ensure seamless integration.
- Support prototyping, testing, and real-world implementation on projects.
Digital & BIM Workflows
- Support BIM-enabled workflows and digital delivery approaches.
- Contribute to BIM-to-CAM integration and design automation.
- Help develop connected workflows from design through to manufacture and installation.
Manufacturing Integration
- Collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimise designs for fabrication and assembly.
- Support production strategies, logistics planning, and assembly methodologies.
- Engage with suppliers and specialist partners to deliver practical, buildable solutions.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Contribute to innovation programmes and new delivery models.
- Identify opportunities for standardisation, automation, and smarter ways of working.
- Promote knowledge sharing and systems thinking across teams.
What We’re Looking For
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Essential
- Background in design management, product development, or technical delivery (construction or manufacturing).
- Strong understanding of DfMA and industrialised construction.
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
- Working knowledge of BIM and digital design workflows.
- Understanding of fabrication, manufacturing, or assembly processes.
- Strong communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills.
- Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Product Design, or similar.
Desirable
- Experience with modular, off-site, MEP, façade, or precast systems.
- Exposure to BIM-to-CAM or digital manufacturing.
- Knowledge of computational or parametric design.
- Experience with product platforms, configurators, or automation tools.
- Collaboration with manufacturing or production engineering teams.
About Laing O’Rourke
Laing O’Rourke is an international engineering and construction business, known for pushing boundaries in digital engineering, modern methods of construction, and sustainable delivery. With more than 150 years of heritage, we are committed to creating environments in which diverse teams can excel and thrive.
Accessibility & Inclusion
We are proud to be part of Disability Confident scheme. If you meet the essential criteria and would like to be considered through the Offer an Interview scheme, please let us know. We’re also happy to provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Contact: resourcingteam@laingorourke.com.
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