Design Manager - Residential Developer

Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK recruitment agency is seeking a Design Manager for a permanent opportunity in South/East London. The role focuses on managing design and technical functions for a major regeneration project. Candidates should have a strong background in construction and design management, with 5-10+ years of experience. The position offers a competitive salary of £60,000-£70,000 and an excellent benefits package, including generous leave and a pension.

Benefits

Generous leave

Pension

Opportunity for career growth

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years of relevant experience in design management within construction/residential development.
• Proven track record of managing design from early stages through to completion.
• Strong organisational, decision-making, and risk-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage design functions across a major regeneration/residential development.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, quality, and programme targets.
• Appoint and lead external design consultants.

Skills

Management of design deliverables

Stakeholder management

Construction knowledge

Use of project tools

Risk management

Education

Construction or design-related HNC / HND / Degree

Tools

Viewpoint

Job description

Overview

We are currently engaged with a leading UK Developer on a permanent Design Manager opportunity based in South/East London.

The Project

Managing design and technical functions across a major regeneration / residential development, from pre‑construction through to delivery and handover. You'll be pivotal in translating the project brief into buildable designs, coordinating with internal teams and external consultants, and ensuring compliance with regulatory, quality, and programme targets.

The Business

A well‑respected national developer, known for quality, sustainability, and innovation. Their regional business has a strong culture built around integrity, caring, and quality.

What They Need

• Experienced Design Manager/Technical Manager or Senior Technical Coordinator looking to step up with strong background in construction / new build residential projects.

• Proven track record of managing design from early stages through to completion, ensuring design deliverables hit budget, brief, and programme.

• Skilled in appointing and leading external design consultants, managing design review processes, and delivering third‑party approvals / planning conditions.

• Solid technical knowledge: Building Regulations, planning processes, NHBC (or other warranty) compliance.

• Comfortable using project tools such as Viewpoint to manage workflows, track progress, and maintain design quality.

• Excellent stakeholder skills: working with internal teams, clients, consultants and regulatory bodies.

• Commercially aware, able to balance design ambition with cost and programme constraints.

You Will Bring

• A construction or design‑related HNC / HND / Degree (or equivalent)
• 5-10+ years of relevant experience in design management within construction/residential development
• Strong organisational, decision‑making, and risk‑management skills.
• A positive, proactive, quality‑first mindset, aligned to the values of integrity and care.

In Return

• Salary: £60,000-£70,000
• Excellent benefits package, including generous leave and pension
• Opportunity to lead in a major, high‑visibility regeneration / residential project
• Great team culture and chance to work closely with senior leadership on ambitious projects

Next Steps

If you're a Design Manager ready to take ownership of end‑to‑end design delivery on a flagship regeneration scheme, let's talk. Reach out for a confidential conversation.