Design Manager - Tier 2 Main Contractor

Deverell Smith Recruitment Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction recruitment agency is seeking a Design Manager to oversee design delivery for new build residential projects in London. You will coordinate all design efforts, ensuring technical quality and timely delivery. Candidates should possess a degree in a relevant field, have experience in new builds, and be capable of managing multiple projects. This role offers a competitive salary of £70,000 to £80,000, plus benefits, within a supportive and progressive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent benefits package

Clear progression pathways

Qualifications

• Degree / HND in a construction-related discipline.
• Previous new build housing/apartment project experience.
• Up-to-date knowledge of H&S, Building Regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate design activity across residential schemes.
• Lead the design approval process including drawings and submittals.
• Support with tender pack production and monitor compliance.

Skills

Technical knowledge

Organization skills

Communication skills

Ability to manage multiple projects

Commercial awareness

Education

Degree in Architecture or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Design/project management tools

Job description

Design Manager

Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 (Negotiable DOE)
Location: London
Type: Permanent
Sector: New Build Homes

The Opportunity

We are currently partnered with a major Tier 2 Main Contractor to appoint a Design Manager to join their London business, reporting directly to the Project Director.

You will play a pivotal role in managing and coordinating all design activity across multiple fast‑paced new build residential schemes. Working closely with the project team, you’ll ensure design intent is achieved, technical information is delivered on time, and high‑quality projects are handed over to clients.

This is an excellent opportunity for a driven Design Manager to take ownership of end‑to‑end design delivery within a respected, design‑led construction business or a Senior Design/Technical Coordinator looking to make a step up to leading your own sites.

The Business

A well‑established Tier 2 Main Contractor, recognised for high standards, technical excellence and collaborative project delivery. Their London team has a strong culture built around integrity, quality, and continuous improvement.

The Project / Role

You will be responsible for leading and managing the full design and technical coordination across high volume residential new build projects from pre‑construction through to completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, agree and manage the design programme and design information schedule; integrate these into the overall construction programme.

• Lead the design approval process including drawings, technical submittals, samples and workflows.

• Manage RFIs, information release schedules and contribute to change control processes.

• Coordinate consultants, sub‑contractors and internal project teams to ensure information aligns with ERs, specifications, design intent and cost plan.

• Monitor consultant & subcontractor design resources to achieve programme dates.

• Collaborate effectively with client teams, advisors, and appointed consultants.

• Manage and develop Contractor Design Proposals.

• Lead design workshops, technical reviews and track all actions through to completion.

• Support with tender pack production and work closely with the QS team.

• Assist with consultant appointments, scopes of service, and the design responsibility matrix; identify and resolve scope gaps.

• Support commercial, site, and design teams in delivering coordinated, buildable solutions.

• Assist in discharging planning conditions and ensuring all designs meet regulations.

• Oversee Building Control, inspection processes and quality assurance.

• Implement and coach site teams on a robust QA recording system.

• Produce accurate reports, records and design documentation.

What They’re Looking For

Experience & Background

• Degree / HND in a construction‑related discipline: Architecture, Design Management, Construction Management, Architectural Technology or similar.

• Ability to work across several projects simultaneously.

• Previous new build housing/apartment project experience.

• Strong technical knowledge with the ability to resolve issues quickly and effectively.

• Commercially aware with understanding of surveying, procurement and buildability.

• Excellent coordination, organisational and decision‑making skills.

• Strong presentation and communication skills.

• Up‑to‑date knowledge of H&S, Building Regulations and compliance processes.

• IT‑literate, including Microsoft Office and common design/project management tools.

• Flexibility for travel across the UK & Ireland when required.

• Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

You Will Bring

• A proactive, detail‑focused and solution‑driven approach.

• The ability to collaborate effectively with clients, consultants and internal teams.

• Confidence managing design processes from concept through to handover.

• A commitment to delivering high‑quality projects on programme.

In Return

• Competitive salary of £70,000 to £80,000 (DOE, potentially negotiable upwards)

• Excellent benefits package

• Opportunity to play a key role within a respected Contractor

• Supportive team culture with clear progression pathways

Next Steps

If you are a Design Manager seeking the chance to lead the full design lifecycle on prominent new build residential schemes, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch for a confidential conversation.