Senior Design Manager (Pre Construction)

Watkin Jones PLC; Chester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

Hybrid working

Wellbeing program

Discretionary bonus

Pension & discounts

Job summary

Watkin Jones Group is seeking a Senior Design Manager to work closely with pre-construction and costing teams on a range of projects. You will collaborate with external consultants, assess feasibility, manage design risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and support cost-effective design solutions.

The role offers hybrid working and exposure to PBSA/BTR schemes, presenting a high-impact opportunity within a leading residential developer in the UK.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with pre-construction and costing teams to support project feasibility and handover readiness.
• Assist in assessing design risks and ensuring compliance with standards and regulations.
• Help develop cost-effective design solutions in coordination with internal stakeholders and external consultants.

Skills

Design coordination

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

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.

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