Design Director / Senior Architectural Manager

WELL SMART INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT PTE. LTD.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading modular construction developer is seeking a Design Director in the Greater London area. This role involves leading the architectural design team while ensuring compliance with Australian standards. Candidates should have at least 10 years of architectural experience and strong skills in project management, Revit, and AutoCAD. Proficiency in Mandarin is essential for effective communication with supply chain partners in China. Competitive salary and international project leadership opportunities offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Opportunity to lead international projects

Key leadership position

Qualifications

• Minimum 10-15 years of architectural experience.
• At least 5 years in a managerial role leading a production team.
• Familiar with local council approval processes in Australia or New Zealand.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the architectural team.
• Oversee design compliance with Australian standards.
• Act as the Owner’s Representative on technical matters.

Skills

Revit

AutoCAD

Project management tools

Fluent English

Proficiency in Mandarin

Job description

Overview

Design Director / Senior Architectural Manager (Head of Design)

About the Company: We are a fast-growing, Singapore-based developer and builder specializing in advanced modular construction (PPVC/MiC). With a robust portfolio of residential, hotel, and serviced apartment projects across Australia and New Zealand, we integrate in-house design with our dedicated supply chain in China to deliver high-quality developments.

The Role: We are seeking a hands-on, results-driven, and technically authoritative leader to take full command of our in-house Architectural Design and Drafting team. You will bridge the gap between our Singapore HQ, Australian/NZ project sites, and Chinese manufacturing partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership & Performance Management:

  Lead, mentor, and discipline the architectural team. Transform the current team culture into a high-performance, deadline-oriented unit. Implement strict SOPs, timesheets, and KPI tracking to ensure maximum productivity and accountability. Review work output rigorously. You are expected to be the "gatekeeper" of quality and efficiency.

• Technical Compliance (AU/NZ):

  Oversee all design stages from concept to construction documentation, ensuring strict compliance with BCA (Building Code of Australia), NCC, and NZS standards. Manage the submission process and liaise with Australian/NZ consultants to secure Building Consents/Approvals without delays.

• DfMA & Supply Chain Integration:

  Translate architectural designs into practical DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly) solutions. Liaise directly with our procurement and factory teams in China to resolve technical discrepancies between design intent and manufacturing reality (tolerances, material selection, waterproofing details).

• Project Delivery:

  Act as the Owner’s Representative in technical matters. Make critical decisions on site issues and design changes swiftly to minimize cost and schedule impact. Thrive under pressure and manage multiple project timelines simultaneously.

Requirements:

• Experience:

  Minimum 10-15 years of architectural experience, with at least 5 years in a managerial role leading a production team. Preferably delivered projects in Australia or New Zealand. Familiarity with local council approval processes is critical. Strong background in PPVC, MiC, or Modular Construction is highly preferred.

• Skills:

  Expertise in Revit, AutoCAD, and project management tools. Strong command of English (written & spoken) to manage AU/NZ consultants. Proficiency in Mandarin is essential to communicate technical details effectively with our supply chain and manufacturing partners in China.

• Attributes :

  High "Ownership" Mentality: You treat the project as your own. You do not clock off until the problem is solved.

  Resilient & Direct: You are not afraid to enforce standards and push the team to meet tight deadlines.

  Problem Solver: You provide solutions, not just identify problems.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to lead international projects in a cutting-edge construction sector.
• Key leadership position with direct reporting to the Director.