Assistant Design Manager Full-time - Holden - CorkAbout HoldenAt Holden, we deliver projects through our people and our processes. We are a delivery-led, growing business that values clarity, accountability, and practical outcomes. By investing time in getting our processes right, we enable our teams to operate with confidence, consistency, and autonomy as the business continues to scale.Our culture is collaborative, pragmatic, and impact-focused. We take pride in creating solutions that not only meet immediate project needs but also provide lasting value for our clients and colleagues. Roles at Holden suit individuals who enjoy working closely with teams, care about how work is delivered in practice, and want to build systems and processes that genuinely help people succeed rather than work around limitations.For over forty years, Holden has specialised in transforming complex design concepts into practical, buildable solutions that meet the increasingly diverse requirements of our customers. Our expertise spans the full construction project lifecycle, with particular strengths in design detail, design management, engineering and BIM, quality management, cost and project management, and architecture. We are proud to have delivered successful outcomes for some of the world's leading brands by combining technical excellence with a strong delivery mindset.At the core of our success are our people. We believe the best solutions emerge in trusting, collaborative environments where everyone is empowered to contribute. We actively support growth, development, and teamwork, and we recognise that diverse perspectives and ways of thinking strengthen both individual performance and team outcomes. If you are looking for a workplace where you can develop your skills, work alongside talented colleagues, and make a meaningful impact, Holden offers the opportunity to do just that.Job OverviewHolden is seeking a Assistant Design Manager to join our growing team. This role combines hands-on technical leadership with structured design management support across the design department.The successful candidate will work closely with the Design Manager, project teams, BIM teams, site teams, sub-contractors, and clients to ensure the effective coordination, management, and delivery of design information from project inception through to construction and handover. Site-based experience in the delivery of projects is beneficial.This role is ideal for an experienced Design Lead who is ready to take on broader design management responsibilities, or an Assistant Design Manager with strong technical expertise.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign Leadership & Technical Delivery• Lead and manage the design workload across multiple projects, ensuring delivery to required standards, programme, and quality expectations.• Collaborate proactively with internal teams, sub-contractors, and clients to ensure accurate interpretation and installation of Holden's scope of works.• Take responsibility for QA/QC compliance of all work carried out by the BIM and design teams.• Attend and contribute to design team meetings, client meetings, site meetings, and construction reviews as required.• Support site staff by interpreting, reviewing, and amending models and drawings to ensure alignment with site conditions and project requirements.• Carry out clash detection and coordination across all systems when required.• Ensure integration of discipline models into the federated model for overall project coordination.• Carry out field surveying and verification of installed services as required.• Demonstrate flexibility in duties as business needs evolve, as required by the organisationAssistant Design Management Responsibilities• Support the Design Manager in the day-to-day management of the design department, helping to plan and balance workloads across the design and BIM teams.• Assist in resource planning to ensure the design team is appropriately staffed and supported to meet project and business demands.• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and day-to-day support to design technicians and BIM personnel.• Actively support the professional development of design technicians through coaching, feedback, and knowledge sharing.• Assist in identifying training needs within the design team and support the implementation of training and upskilling initiatives.• Encourage best practice in design standards, BIM workflows, and quality procedures across the department.• Support the Design Manager in setting clear expectations, goals, and performance standards for the design team.• Assist with performance reviews, development planning, and progression pathways for design technicians.• Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture within the design department.• Support onboarding of new design team members, ensuring they are integrated effectively into team workflows and company processes.• Assist in the continuous improvement of department processes, templates, and standards to improve efficiency, quality, and consistency.• Act as a point of contact between the design team and project teams to support clear communication and alignment.Competencies & Experience RequiredTechnical Competencies• A relevant degree in a design, drafting, or construction-related discipline (desirable).• Minimum 5+ years' experience in a design-to-fabrication or construction environment.• Strong experience contributing to projects from inception through to construction and site delivery.• Extensive understanding of AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM workflows.• Knowledge of Navisworks, Plant 3D, BIM 360, or similar platforms is highly desirable.• Thorough knowledge of Building Regulations and industry standards.• Strong understanding of design coordination, clash detection, and multidisciplinary model integration.• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.Leadership & Development Competencies• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information to a range of stakeholders.• Demonstrated ability to mentor, coach, and support the professional and personal development of design technicians.• Ability to provide constructive feedback and technical guidance to junior and intermediate design staff.• Experience or strong interest in supporting performance management, skills development, and career progression within a design or BIM team.• Self-driven, proactive, and committed to continuous learning, both personally and in supporting the development of others.• Ability to lead by example, promoting high standards, accountability, and best practice within the design department.• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining a positive, supportive, and collaborative team culture.