Design Manager

Vistry Group; Stratford-upon-Avon; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive basic salary

Annual bonus

Company car or travel allowance

Up to 39 days annual leave

Private medical insurance

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Employee rewards portal

Share save and share incentive schemes

Employee rewards portal

Job summary

A leading UK housebuilder is seeking a Design Manager for their Stratford-upon-Avon project. This role involves managing design and technical functions across various projects from pre-construction to handover. The ideal candidate should have strong design management skills, particularly in regeneration projects, along with leadership abilities and a construction-related qualification. Competitive salary with numerous benefits, including flexible working options, is offered.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing design for mixed-use regeneration projects.
• In-depth knowledge of Building Regulations and planning process.
• Membership with a professional body such as CIOB, RIBA, or RICS.
• Ability to lead teams, manage external consultants and make critical decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the management of design during the pre-construction phase.
• Appoint and manage external consultants for design information.
• Collaborate with project team for timely delivery of design milestones.
• Oversee design review processes and ensure compliance with Building Regulations, planning processes, and NHBC warranty conditions.
• Manage discharge of third-party approvals, including planning conditions and building regulations.
• Utilize Viewpoint to manage project workflows and ensure quality design outcomes.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders and consultants throughout the project life cycle.
• Manage project risks and identify solutions to design-related issues.

Skills

Design management

Leadership

Problem-solving

Time Management

Commercial Awareness

Negotiation

Stakeholder collaboration

Regeneration experience

Education

HNC/HND/Degree in construction/design

Relevant CSCS card

Tools

Viewpoint

Job description

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Design Manager to join our team at Vistry South London, based onsite at our Pudding Mill Lane project in Stratford. This role will be key to managing the design and technical functions across a range of exciting projects, from pre‑construction through to delivery and handover. If you have a strong background in design management, particularly within regeneration projects, this could be the perfect opportunity for you to progress your career with a leading UK housebuilder. We value in‑person collaboration and team culture, but we are also committed to supporting flexible working where possible. We encourage you to raise any specific requirements during the interview process so we can explore how this could be accommodated.

Let’s cut to the chase, what’s in it for you...

• Competitive basic salary and annual bonus
• Company car, car allowance or travel allowance
• Salary sacrifice car scheme available to all employees
• Up to 33 days annual leave plus bank holidays increasing to up to 39 days with service
• 2 Volunteering days per annum
• Private medical insurance, with employee paid cover
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Competitive pension scheme through salary sacrifice
• Life assurance at 4× your annual salary
• Share save and share incentive schemes
• Employee rewards portal with many more benefits

In return, what we would like from you...

• Behave in line with our company values – Integrity, Caring and Quality
• Qualifications: A construction/design‑related HNC/HND/Degree and a relevant CSCS card.
• Experience: Proven experience in managing design for mixed‑use regeneration/contracting projects, especially within the social/affordable housing sectors.
• Technical Knowledge: In‑depth knowledge of Building Regulations, the planning process, and NHBC warranty requirements.
• Leadership: The ability to lead teams, manage external consultants, and make critical decisions.
• Commercial Awareness: A good understanding of the development and contracting environment.
• Problem‑Solving: Strong decision‑making skills and an innovative approach to tackling challenges.
• Time Management: Excellent organisation and multitasking skills to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Desirable: Membership with a professional body such as CIOB, RIBA, or RICS.
• Ability to manage and work effectively within a team, while balancing multiple priorities.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to negotiate and influence decisions.
• A collaborative approach to working with clients and stakeholders.
• A good understanding of financial and legal considerations in construction.

More about the Design Manager role...

• Lead the development and management of design during the pre‑construction phase and through to the project’s completion, ensuring the project stays on track with the agreed brief, budget, and programme.
• Appoint and manage external consultants and ensure design information is produced to a high standard.
• Collaborate with the Senior/Lead Design Manager and the project team to ensure timely and efficient delivery of design milestones.
• Oversee the design review processes and ensure compliance with Building Regulations, the planning process, and NHBC warranty conditions.
• Manage the discharge of third‑party approvals, including planning conditions and building regulations.
• Use tools like Viewpoint to manage project workflows and ensure quality design outcomes.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and consultants throughout the project life cycle.
• Manage project risks and identify solutions to design‑related issues that arise.

We build more than homes, we’re making Vistry. Being a responsible developer and award‑winning employer means we live each day through our ethos – doing the right thing. Our behaviours reflect this, as well as our values of integrity, caring and quality. Shaping all we do; they empower us to develop sustainable communities across affordable and private housing. We work in a partnership‑led way, and you’ll recognise our renowned brands Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Countryside Homes. Together with Vistry Works, our manufacturing operation, and the functional support of Vistry Services, we’re a proud UK Green Building Council member, UK top five housebuilder with a five‑star House Builders Federation (HBF) customer satisfaction rating, and winner of many awards including Top Employer, Global Top Inspiring Workplaces, and Best for Talent Attraction and Outreach. Join us in making Vistry.