Senior Design Manager (Pre Construction)

Watkin Jones PLC; Chester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

25 days leave

Gym discounts

Wellbeing programme

Annual bonus

Health insurance

Life insurance

Shopping discounts

Contributory pension

Job summary

Watkin Jones PLC is seeking a Senior Design Manager to drive design coordination across pre-construction and costing teams. You will partner with external consultants and internal stakeholders to shape feasible, compliant designs for PBSA/BTR schemes and related projects.

In this hybrid role, you’ll help hand over projects to Design and Delivery teams, ensuring value, innovation, and sustainability are embedded from feasibility through construction.

Qualifications

• Experience in a design or technical coordination role.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Understanding of design processes, construction methods and commercial drivers.
• Interest in sustainability and innovation.
• Experience with PBSA or BTR schemes is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support on a range of pre-construction projects.
• Collaborate with pre-construction and costing teams.
• Prepare projects for handover to Design and Delivery teams.
• Assess feasibility, manage design risks and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Develop cost-effective design solutions with internal stakeholders.

Skills

Design coordination

Stakeholder management

Design processes

Construction methods

Sustainability

PBSA/BTR experience

Job description

Watkin Jones is looking to appoint a Senior Design Manager to work closely with our pre-construction and costing teams.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced business area where you'll be supporting on a range of pre-construction projects .

Working alongside external consultants, you will play a key role in preparing projects for successful handover to the wider Design and Delivery teams. You will collaborate closely with the Pre-Construction Commercial Manager and internal stakeholders to assess project feasibility, manage design risks, ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations, and support the development of cost-effective design solutions.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in a design or technical coordination role.


• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.


• Understanding of design processes, construction methods, and commercial drivers.


• Interest in sustainability and innovation.


• Experience with PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) or BTR (Build to Rent) schemes is highly desirable.


• Collaborative, proactive, and solution-focused approach.

Why Choose Watkin Jones Group?

Watkin Jones Group is the UK's leading developer, builder, and manager of residential-for-rent homes, with a rich history dating back to 1791. With 54,000+ homes developed and in-build across over 254 schemes, we have a proven track record of success. Our operating arm, Fresh, manages over 18,500 units across 58 schemes, representing approximately £1.7bn of assets under management.

Joining us means becoming part of a company that’s not only deeply rooted in history but also firmly focused on the future. We're committed to creating high-quality rental homes, fostering vibrant communities, and driving sustainable development.

At Watkin Jones, we believe in investing in our people. Here's what we can offer you:

• Work-Life Balance:25 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), hybrid working arrangements, and discounted gym memberships.


• Wellbeing:Access to 'Your Wellbeing' programme & OpenUp - a confidential wellbeing platform.


• Rewards:Discretionary annual bonus, health cash plan, life insurance, and more.


• Benefits:Exclusive shopping discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.

This is an opportunity to take on a high-impact role within a forward-thinking company. In return, we offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to work on major projects that shape the built environment.

#INDWJ