Design Manager

Deverell Smith Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading residential developer in East London is seeking an experienced Design Manager for a high-profile mixed-use regeneration project. This pivotal role involves managing the design process, ensuring compliance and quality throughout. The successful candidate will have a strong background in high-rise projects and demonstrate expertise in stakeholder management and UK building regulations. A competitive salary of circa £80,000 plus a comprehensive package is offered, full involvement from design through delivery is expected.

Benefits

Comprehensive package

Travel allowance

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Design Manager or Technical Manager within a residential developer.
• Strong background in delivering high-rise or complex residential schemes.
• Sound understanding of UK Building Regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage the design process from detailed design to construction completion.
• Lead external consultant teams, ensuring quality objectives are met.
• Oversee delivery of design packages for programme milestones.

Skills

Experience as Design Manager or Technical Manager

Managing multiple workstreams

Stakeholder management skills

Working knowledge of AutoCAD and/or Revit

Education

HNC/HND in a 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.