Senior Design Manager

Vistry Group PLC; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Design Manager to lead design and technical functions across various projects. This role involves managing all aspects of design from pre-construction to delivery, ensuring compliance with client expectations and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in managing large-scale projects and delivering high-quality design solutions. With a focus on collaboration and effective communication, you will work closely with internal teams and external consultants to drive project success. Join a forward-thinking company that values integrity, caring, and quality in everything they do.

Benefits

Company car or travel allowance

Up to 39 days annual leave

Private medical insurance

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Competitive pension scheme

Life assurance at 4x salary

Share save and incentive schemes

Employee rewards portal

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing large-scale projects (£60m+) and delivering high-quality design.
• In-depth knowledge of building regulations and planning processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage the design process from planning consent to practical completion.
• Lead and motivate a team while mentoring team members.

Skills

Project Management

Leadership

Communication

Problem-Solving

Negotiation

Education

Degree in relevant field

Professional qualification (RIBA, RICS, CIOB)

Tools

Viewpoint

BIM

Job description

Role Overview

In a Nutshell…

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Senior Design Manager to join our team at Vistry South London at various locations across the region. This role involves managing all technical and design functions for a project from pre-construction through to delivery on site. You will work closely with internal teams and external consultants to ensure the project's design meets client expectations and regulatory standards. If you have a strong track record of delivering high-quality design and managing complex projects, we want to hear from you.

What’s in it for you…

• Competitive basic salary and annual bonus
• Company car, car allowance, or travel allowance
• Salary sacrifice car scheme available to all employees
• Up to 33 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to up to 39 days with service
• 2 Volunteering days per annum
• Private medical insurance, with employee-paid cover
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Competitive pension scheme through salary sacrifice
• Life assurance at 4 x your annual salary
• Share save and share incentive schemes
• Employee rewards portal with many more benefits…

What we expect from you…

• Behave in line with our company values – Integrity, Caring, and Quality
• Proven experience managing large-scale projects (£60m+) and delivering high-quality design solutions
• Technical expertise in building regulations, planning processes, and NHBC requirements
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills with experience managing teams and external consultants
• Familiarity with planning, financial, and legal processes in development or contracting contexts
• Professional qualifications: degree in a relevant field or 5+ years of relevant industry experience; professional qualification (RIBA, RICS, CIOB, etc.) preferred
• Software proficiency with Viewpoint and BIM is a plus
• Ability to manage and lead teams effectively while balancing multiple priorities
• Excellent problem-solving skills and negotiation abilities
• Collaborative approach with clients and stakeholders
• Strong understanding of financial and legal considerations in construction

More about the Senior Design Manager role…

• Lead design and technical functions from planning consent to practical completion, ensuring quality design information is provided on time and within budget
• Manage external design consultants, ensuring delivery aligns with project requirements (programme and budget)
• Provide technical advice on feasibility, constraints, budgets, phasing, and timing
• Work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure smooth communication and collaboration
• Identify and manage design risks and opportunities
• Manage relevant documentation, including contracts, warranties, insurances, and legal documentation
• Lead, coordinate, and motivate a team, mentoring team members and managing resources
• Develop and manage project budgets, coordinating with consultants and contractors to meet deadlines and financial constraints

About us…

We build more than homes; we’re making Vistry. As a responsible developer and award-winning employer, we live by our ethos of doing the right thing. Our values of integrity, caring, and quality guide us in developing sustainable communities across affordable and private housing. Recognized brands include Bovis Homes, Linden Homes, and Countryside Homes. We are a UK Green Building Council member, a top five housebuilder in the UK, with a five-star customer satisfaction rating, and have received numerous awards including Top Employer and Global Top Inspiring Workplaces.

Join us in making Vistry.

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