Design Manager

Watkin Jones PLC; Chester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual bonus

Health cash plan

Life insurance

25 days annual leave

Job summary

Watkin Jones PLC is seeking a Design Manager to lead the design process across PBSA and Build to Rent projects in the UK. You will collaborate with internal teams and external consultants, challenging proposals to ensure practical, cost-efficient and innovative outcomes.

You will support procurement, assess alternative designs from subcontractors, review drawings for regulatory compliance, and explore new products and construction methods to boost performance and efficiency.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 5 qualification (or equivalent).
• Solid knowledge of Building Regulations.
• Understanding of JCT contracts.
• Proficient in MS Word and Excel; intermediate AutoCAD and Adobe Acrobat.

Responsibilities

• Own the design process through the development lifecycle.
• Review and challenge design proposals for cost-effective, innovative solutions.
• Attend design meetings nationwide with occasional overnight stays.

Skills

MS Word

MS Excel

AutoCAD

Adobe Acrobat

Building Regulations

JCT Contracts

Education

NVQ Level 5

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

AutoCAD

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

We're excited to offer an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Design Manager to join the expanding Watkin Jones team. This role provides the chance to make a significant contribution to high-profile Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and Build to Rent developments across the UK, while working on some of the sector’s most innovative and ambitious projects.

As Design Manager, you will take ownership of the design process throughout the entire development lifecycle. Working closely with both internal teams and external consultants, you will review and challenge design proposals to ensure they deliver practical, cost-effective, and innovative solutions. Collaboration will be central to your success, with regular attendance at design meetings nationwide, making flexibility to travel, including occasional overnight stays, an important aspect of the role.

In addition, you will play a key role in supporting procurement activities by assessing alternative design proposals from subcontractors, reviewing drawings to ensure regulatory compliance, and investigating new products, technologies, and construction methods that can enhance project performance, efficiency, and innovation.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have an NVQ Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) and solid knowledge of Building Regulations. A strong understanding of JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) contracts is also essential. You should be confident in making well-reasoned decisions and have the ability to constructively challenge design concepts and present your point of view clearly.

You’ll need to be proficient in MS Word and Excel, with an intermediate level of experience in AutoCAD and Adobe Acrobat. Experience with high-rise developments and knowledge of the residential-for-rent market will be highly advantageous.

At Watkin Jones, we believe in investing in our people. Here’s what we can offer you:

• Professional Growth: Individual support for your career advancement.
• Rewards: Discretionary annual bonus, health cash plan, life insurance, and more.
• Work-Life Balance: 25 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), agile working arrangements, and discounted gym memberships.
• Benefits: Exclusive shopping discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.

Why Choose Watkin Jones Group?

Watkin Jones Group is the UK's leading developer, builder, and manager of residential-for-rent homes, with a rich history dating back to 1791. With 54,000+ homes developed and in-build across over 254 schemes, we have a proven track record of success. Our operating arm, Fresh, manages over 18,500 units across 58 schemes, representing approximately £1.7bn of assets under management.

Joining us means becoming part of a company that’s not only deeply rooted in history but also firmly focused on the future. We’re committed to creating high-quality rental homes, fostering vibrant communities, and driving sustainable development.

This is more than just a job - it's a chance to grow your career in a fast-paced, innovative environment. If you're ready to make a significant impact and advance your career with a market leader, we'd love to hear from you!

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