Senior Design Manager- Exhibition Halls

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At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what’s possible. Job Description:

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Senior Design Manager to join our team! In this role you will be responsible for leading and coordinating all design activities for a major new-built expansion of large-span exhibition facilities and associated front- and back-of-house areas within an established venue and masterplan. The position manages multi-disciplinary design teams across architecture, structure, MEP, infrastructure, ICT, interiors and landscape to deliver fully integrated, buildable and operationally efficient solutions. It focuses on ensuring the new facilities are cohesive with existing assets, support flexible event configurations, meet stringent operational and sustainability targets, and provide value for money. The role requires strong technical leadership, interface management and close collaboration with the client, stakeholders and delivery teams.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Lead the end-to-end design process for new exhibition facilities and associated spaces from concept through detailed design, tender and construction support.
• Manage and coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams (architecture, structure, MEP, infrastructure, ICT, interiors, landscape) to deliver integrated, clash-free solutions aligned with the project brief.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards and authority requirements, as well as project-specific performance, capacity and operational criteria.
• Develop, maintain and manage the design programme, monitoring progress against milestones and ensuring timely delivery of all design packages and interfaces.
• Oversee planning and design of large-span exhibition halls, including structural grids, clear heights, subdivision strategies, rigging provisions and distribution of building services.
• Coordinate design of associated facilities such as offices, in-hall F&B points, public amenities, medical support rooms, storage, back-of-house areas and service yards.
• Ensure seamless integration of new works with existing facilities, circulation routes, parking structures and site infrastructure, including levels, wayfinding and public realm interfaces.
• Lead design reviews, value engineering and technical optimisation to balance functionality, buildability, cost and lifecycle performance.
• Review and approve (or recommend approval of) design submissions, drawings, specifications, calculations and technical reports from consultants and specialists.
• Support procurement and construction teams with technical input to tender documents, evaluation of design-related submissions and responses to RFIs.
• Collaborate with sustainability, operations and commissioning teams to ensure the design supports green building objectives, efficient systems and operational readiness.
• Identify design risks and interface issues early, propose mitigation strategies and maintain clear, proactive communication with project leadership, client and stakeholders.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or Engineering (e.g. Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical) or a closely related discipline.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Architecture, Engineering, Design Management, Project Management) is an advantage.
• Professional registration or chartered status (e.g. RIBA, CEng, PE or equivalent) is desirable.
• Minimum 15+ years of experience in design and design management of large, complex building or mixed-use projects.
• Strong experience on major multi-disciplinary developments such as exhibi