Senior Design Manager

Senior Design Manager

City of London Full-Time 56000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design coordination for high-profile construction projects and mentor junior talent.
  • Company: Join a top construction and development firm making waves in the industry.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on prestigious projects while shaping the future of design excellence.
  • Qualifications: Experience in design management within construction, with strong communication and leadership skills required.
  • Other info: This role is based in Kent Office, London, with a focus on innovative design solutions.

The predicted salary is between 56000 - 84000 £ per year.

Senior Design Manager – Commercial Cut & Carve

£70,000 – £90,000 I Permanent I Kent Office, London Projects

We’re working with a leading construction and development business to appoint a Senior Design Manager to oversee the coordination, compliance, and delivery of detailed design packages across multiple high-profile schemes.

Reporting to the Lead Senior Design Manager, you’ll take ownership of the design process from concept through to site start, you’ll lead the consultant team, manage the supply chain ensuring every detail aligns with contractual, regulatory, and organisational requirements.

If you’re a strong communicator, commercially aware, and passionate about design excellence, this role offers the chance to make a significant impact on prestigious projects while mentoring the next generation of talent.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and coordinate design across fit-out, refurbishment, and structural extension projects.
  • Manage consultant appointments, fee negotiations, and contractual arrangements.
  • Oversee the full design process to meet programme, compliance, and cost objectives.
  • Monitor progress, produce reports, and maintain design quality and buildability standards.
  • Liaise with external consultants, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders to resolve design challenges.
  • Discharge Building Regulations and Planning conditions in collaboration with the Principal Designer.
  • Ensure accurate, up-to-date document control via the EDMS system.
  • Conduct regular site visits, ensuring design intent is achieved on the ground.
  • Mentor junior team members and champion continuous improvement in design delivery.

Requirements

  • Proven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager within construction or fit out.
  • Strong track record in delivering projects from design through to start-on-site from £50m-£100m.
  • Expertise in design coordination, compliance, and value engineering.
  • Solid understanding of Building Regulations, Planning, and technical approvals.
  • Skilled in consultant management, programme control, and budget oversight.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills, with a collaborative approach.
  • Proficient in relevant design and project management software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, EDMS).

If you are interested in learning more, please email with your CV and Portfolio.

Senior Design Manager employer: Bigblue

Join a leading construction and development business in Kent, where your expertise as a Senior Design Manager will be valued and rewarded. With a strong focus on design excellence and a collaborative work culture, you'll have the opportunity to mentor emerging talent while working on prestigious projects that make a real impact. The company offers competitive salaries, professional growth opportunities, and a supportive environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.
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Contact Detail:

Bigblue Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the construction and design industry. Attend relevant events or join online forums where you can connect with others who may have insights into the role of a Senior Design Manager.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in design management. Being knowledgeable about tools like AutoCAD and Revit will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific projects you've managed that align with the responsibilities of this role. Highlight your experience in overseeing design processes and managing teams, as this will showcase your suitability for the position.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the company’s recent projects and values. Understanding their approach to design excellence and project delivery will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager

Design Coordination
Compliance Management
Value Engineering
Building Regulations Knowledge
Planning Approval Expertise
Consultant Management
Programme Control
Budget Oversight
Leadership Skills
Excellent Communication Skills
Project Management Software Proficiency (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, EDMS)
Mentoring and Coaching
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager. Focus on projects you've delivered from design to site start, especially those within the £50m-£100m range.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for design excellence and your strong communication skills. Mention specific projects where you led design coordination and overcame challenges, demonstrating your expertise in compliance and value engineering.

Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a portfolio that illustrates your design management capabilities. Highlight key projects, detailing your role in managing consultant teams and ensuring design quality and buildability standards.

Highlight Relevant Software Skills: In your application, emphasise your proficiency in design and project management software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and EDMS. This will show that you are well-equipped to handle the technical aspects of the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Bigblue

✨Showcase Your Design Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your previous projects in detail, especially those that align with the role's requirements. Highlight your experience in managing design processes and how you've successfully navigated challenges in compliance and coordination.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Senior Design Manager, you'll be expected to lead teams and mentor junior members. Share examples of how you've effectively led teams in the past, focusing on your communication style and how you foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

✨Understand the Company’s Projects

Research the company’s recent projects and their approach to design management. This will not only show your interest but also allow you to ask insightful questions during the interview, demonstrating your proactive attitude and industry knowledge.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions related to Building Regulations, Planning conditions, and design software like AutoCAD and Revit. Brush up on these topics and be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in your previous roles.

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