Freelance Design Manager

ZipRecruiter; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable recruitment agency seeks a Freelance Design Manager for a super-prime residential development in Mayfair, London. This site-based role requires strong experience in managing the design process for high-value projects, ensuring alignment with program and quality targets. Ideal candidates will have a background in high-end residential or luxury hospitality sectors and proven ability in stakeholder management. Competitive day rate of up to £400.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Design Manager on contractor side.
• Strong background across both design and delivery phases.
• Sector experience in super-prime residential or high-end hospitality is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage the design process from pre-construction through delivery.
• Coordinate with architects, consultants, and subcontractors to resolve technical issues.
• Ensure design information is fully coordinated and issued on time.

Skills

Design management

Stakeholder management

Technical knowledge

Problem solving

Coordination skills

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Freelance Design Manager

Location: Mayfair, London (Site-Based)

Day Rate: Up to £400 per day

Duration: 1 year +

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to work on a landmark super-prime residential development in Mayfair. This is a site-based position, working closely with project teams, consultants, and subcontractors to manage the design process across both design and delivery phases.

The ideal candidate will bring proven experience within the high-end residential or luxury hospitality sectors, with a strong track record of delivering exceptional quality on complex, high-value projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the design process from pre-construction through delivery, ensuring alignment with programme, budget, and quality targets.
• Coordinate with architects, consultants, and subcontractors to resolve technical and design issues.
• Review drawings, specifications, and technical submittals to ensure compliance with client requirements and industry standards.
• Lead design workshops and liaise with internal project teams to drive design progress.
• Monitor design development against project timelines, highlighting and mitigating risks.
• Support procurement by reviewing design deliverables and providing technical input.
• Ensure design information is fully coordinated and issued on time to support construction activities.
• Champion design quality and attention to detail throughout the build process.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Design Manager on contractor side.
• Strong background across both design and delivery phases.
• Sector experience in super-prime residential or high-end hospitality is essential.
• Excellent technical knowledge, coordination skills, and problem-solving ability.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a site-based environment.