Design Manager

Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading London residential developer is seeking an experienced Design Manager for a large-scale high-profile regeneration project in East London. You will manage the design process, ensuring coordinated and compliant solutions. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in residential development, particularly in high-rise projects. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills are essential, along with a solid understanding of UK Building Regulations and design coordination. This role offers a competitive salary and long-term involvement from design to delivery.

Benefits

Travel allowance

Comprehensive package

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Design Manager or Technical Manager within a residential developer or main contractor.
• Experience delivering high-rise or complex residential schemes.
• Sound understanding of UK Building Regulations and design coordination.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the design process from detailed design to completion.
• Lead and manage external consultant teams.
• Ensure compliance with Building Regulations and planning conditions.

Skills

Design process ownership

Stakeholder management

Strong communication

Knowledge of Building Regulations

Education

Minimum HNC/HND in construction or design-related discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Microsoft 365

Job description

Design Manager

Location: East London

Salary: Circa £80,000 + travel allowance + comprehensive package

The Opportunity

We are working with a leading London residential developer to appoint an experienced Design Manager for a large‑scale, high‑profile mixed‑use regeneration project in East London. The scheme is a complex, multi‑phase development comprising high‑rise residential buildings and associated public realm, delivered to the highest design and quality standards.

This is a pivotal role within the project team, offering long‑term involvement from detailed design through to delivery on site.

The Role

Working closely with the wider project, commercial and construction teams, the Design Manager will take ownership of the design process, ensuring coordinated, compliant and buildable design solutions are delivered in line with programme and budget. You will proactively manage internal and external stakeholders, driving design quality while ensuring regulatory compliance, risk management and efficient information flow across all stages of the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the design process from detailed design through to construction and completion
• Lead and manage external consultant teams, ensuring performance, programme and quality objectives are met
• Ensure all design information is fully coordinated, technically robust and aligned with construction requirements
• Oversee the delivery of design packages to meet programme milestones and statutory approvals
• Actively contribute to design team meetings, workshops and value engineering exercises
• Manage consultant appointments, scopes and deliverables
• Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, planning conditions, warranty provider requirements and relevant legislation
• Support the discharge of planning conditions and statutory obligations
• Maintain a strong Health & Safety‑first approach, ensuring compliance with CDM duties
• Interface closely with site teams to resolve design queries and support construction delivery
• Review works on site to ensure construction aligns with approved design intent
• Support handover processes including O&M manuals and Golden Thread information
• Assist Sales and Marketing teams with accurate technical and design information where required
• Stay informed on industry developments, regulatory changes and best practice

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Proven experience as a Design Manager or Technical Manager within a residential‑led developer or main contractor
• Strong background delivering high‑rise, mixed‑use or complex residential schemes
• Experience working on HRB (High‑Risk Building) projects
• Sound understanding of UK Building Regulations, planning processes and design coordination
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills
• Minimum HNC/HND (or equivalent) in a construction or design‑related discipline
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and/or Revit and Microsoft 365