Design Manager - Residential Developer

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

Job summary

A leading UK developer is looking for an experienced Design Manager to oversee the design delivery for a major regeneration project in South/East London. The ideal candidate will have 5-10+ years in design management within the residential sector, with proven experience in coordinating design processes and ensuring compliance with regulations. This role offers a salary of £60,000-£70,000 along with an excellent benefits package, providing an opportunity to lead high-visibility projects.

Benefits

Generous leave

Pension

Team culture

Leadership exposure

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Manage design and technical functions across major projects.
• Translate project briefs into buildable designs.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external consultants.

Skills

Design management

Stakeholder management

Construction knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Technical knowledge

Education

HNC/HND/Degree in construction or design-related field

Tools

Viewpoint

Job description

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 a 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