Manager - Client Office Penang (Design & Technical) @ Contract

Job Description

POSITION GENERAL SUMMARY

The Design Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all design-related activities across architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines within the COPEN office. The role ensures that all design deliverables are fully coordinated, buildable, compliant, and aligned with project objectives, timelines, and operational requirements. The position also acts as the client-side design integrator, overseeing consultant outputs and monitoring the main contractor’s BIM development to ensure design integrity and coordination across all systems. 

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTION

Design Coordination & Integration

• Lead and manage coordination across
  • Architectural
  • Structural
  • MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing)
• Ensure all design interfaces are properly integrated, including
  • Specialist systems (e.g., BHS, ICT, security systems)
  • Identify and resolve clashes, inconsistencies, and design gaps

Design Governance & Review

• Establish and enforce design review processes at key stages:
  • 30%, 60%, 90%, and IFC
• Review consultant submissions to ensure
  • compliance with Employer’s Requirements
  • alignment with codes, standards, and authority requirements
  • constructability and maintainability
• Coordinate and lead design workshops and technical review meetings

BIM Oversight & Digital Coordination

• Oversee and monitor the main contractor’s BIM implementation
• Ensure BIM models are
  • properly coordinated across disciplines
  • aligned with design intent and contract requirements
• Review BIM deliverables including:
  • clash detection reports
  • model coordination outputs
  • 4D/5D integration (where applicable)
• Ensure adherence to BIM Execution Plan (BEP)

Stakeholder & Consultant Management

• Manage and coordinate
  • Lead consultants
  • Specialist designers (NSC / DSC)
  • Authorities and regulatory bodies
• Ensure timely submissions and approvals from relevant authorities
• Act as key liaison between project stakeholders on all design matters

Programme Alignment

• Work closely with planning team to ensure
  • design deliverables align with project schedule
  • timely issuance of drawings for tender and construction Identify potential design-related delays and propose mitigation measures

Risk & Issue Management

• Identify design risks, including:
  • interface conflicts
  • incomplete information
  • authority approval risks
• Develop mitigation strategies and track resolution
• Maintain design risk register

Documentation & Compliance

• Ensure all design documentation is
  • complete and coordinated
  • properly reviewed and approved
  • compliant with contract requirements and authority regulations

Key Challenges

Skills

• Experienced in business development, administration, and project management.
• Ability to work in a team 
• Positive attitude and able to work under pressure
• Strong leadership and coordination skills
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making ability Effective communication and stakeholder management High attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure in fast-paced environments
• Strong understanding of:
  • Architectural, Structural, and MEP design principles
• Working knowledge of:
• Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes
• Familiarity with
  • BIM tools (e.g., Navisworks, Revit)
  • Design coordination workflows 

Relevant Industries

• At least two (2) completed complex projects, such as:
  • MRT / LRT stations
  • Airport terminals
  • Mixed-use developments or equivalent large-scale projects
• Experience in design coordination across multiple disciplines 

Education

Bachelor’s Degree Architecture / Engineering (Civil, Structural, or MEP) 

 Additional Preferred Criteria

• Experience in airport or transportation infrastructure projects
• Familiarity with FIDIC or design & build contracts
• Experience in live operational environments • Exposure to systems integration (BHS, ICT, security systems) 

Additional Information

Open for Malaysian citizens only.
Please be reminded that only online applications will be entertained.
Applications should reach us no later than 22 June 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.