Design Manager - Residential Developer

Deverell Smith Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK Developer is seeking a Design Manager for a permanent position based in South/East London. The successful candidate will manage design and technical functions for a major regeneration project, ensuring compliance with regulations and quality targets. Candidates should have a strong background in construction with 5-10+ years of relevant experience. A competitive salary of £60,000-£70,000 is offered along with an excellent benefits package.

Benefits

Generous leave

Pension

Team culture

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 and technical functions across a major regeneration/residential development.
• Translate the project brief into buildable designs and coordinate with teams.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, quality, and programme targets.

Skills

Design Management

Stakeholder Management

Building Regulations Knowledge

Project Management Tools

Commercial Awareness

Education

Construction or design-related HNC / HND / Degree

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.