Design Manager - Exclusive Client-Side Opportunity

Grõ Careers; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a recently qualified architect to transition into a client-side Design Management role. As the Design Manager, you'll manage multiple high-end developments across London, ensuring project success from inception through planning. This unique opportunity offers substantial salary and career progression, coupled with a supportive environment to foster your professional development.

Benefits

Private healthcare

Discretionary bonus

On-site gym facilities with personal training

Subsidised dining

Extended holiday periods

Qualifications

• 1-5 years post-qualification experience in UK architectural practices.
• Solid understanding of UK planning processes and regulations.
• Experience managing complex projects valued at £30M-£800M+.

Responsibilities

• Manage project programmes from initial feasibility through planning submission.
• Lead internal and external design teams and ensure project timelines.
• Conduct pre-application engagements with consultants and planning authorities.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

Qualified Architect (RIBA Part 3)

Job description

This range is provided by Grõ Careers. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Direct message the job poster from Grõ Careers

Architectural Protagonist: Guiding Architects to Alternative Pathways

Recently Qualified Architect (1-5 Years Post-Part III)

Client-Side Design Manager Transition | High-End Developments

Ideal Location: East/North London

Salary: Highly Competitive, Substantial Increase Depending on Experience.

Grõ Careers is proud to offer an exceptionally rare and exclusive opportunity for an architect to transition into a client-side Design Management role. Opportunities at this level, particularly within a leading, award-winning developer, are seldom available - this uniquely positions ambitious architects to strategically shape high-quality developments across London.

As Design Manager, you’ll play a key role from inception through to planning (RIBA 0-3), managing multiple projects and programmes. Reporting directly to the Development Director, you will have a direct route to leadership and work closely with a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and innovative leadership team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage project programmes from initial feasibility studies through to concept design and planning submission.
• Lead internal and external design teams, track fees, manage budgets, and ensure project timelines are met.
• Conduct and coordinate pre-application engagements with consultants and planning authorities.
• Oversee the production and coordination of high-quality design deliverables, employing a proactive, solution-focused approach.
• Handle planning applications, manage conditions, and ensure clear internal reporting.
• Collaborate closely with external architectural partners and internal design teams.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Qualified Architect (RIBA Part 3) with 1-5 years post-qualification experience gained in medium to large-scale UK architectural practices.
• Solid understanding of UK planning processes, building regulations, and design/project management from feasibility through to planning.
• Proven track record in managing complex projects (or key high-value packages), with values at £30M-£800M+.
• Strong leadership abilities, capable of effectively managing teams and maintaining productive consultant relationships.
• Creative yet pragmatic thinker, adept at solving complex problems under pressure.

What Sets This Role Apart:

• Exclusive Client-Side Transition: Rare pathway to a strategic design management role within a leading developer.
• Clear Progression: Direct involvement with the development leadership team offering rapid career advancement.
• Supportive Environment: Structured mentorship and professional development to support your career shift.
• Work/Life Balance: Regular working hours, with a clear policy against overtime.
• Exceptional Salary + Benefits: Private healthcare, discretionary bonus, on-site gym facilities with personal training, subsidised dining, and extended holiday periods.

Take the Next Step:

If you’re an architect eager to strategically influence high-calibre developments and rapidly advance your career, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Apply Now:

Submit your CV to Reece at Gro Careers and secure this rare client-side design management opportunity.

Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your understanding.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Project Management and Design

• Industries

  Architecture and Planning and Real Estate

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