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- Tasks: Lead design for residential projects from start to finish, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join a well-established house builder focused on innovative design and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values design excellence and offers growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential layout design, AutoCAD, and UK planning regulations required.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence large-scale housing projects across the Midlands.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 52000 £ per year.
A well-established and design-focused house builder is seeking an experienced and detail-driven Design Manager to join their growing team. With a strong pipeline of residential developments, this is an exceptional opportunity to lead on place-making, architectural quality, and design coordination from inception through delivery.
Working across a range of projects throughout the Midlands, you'll bridge architectural intent with build-ability and play a critical role in the design integrity of these developments.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead design input across the life cycle of residential developments, from feasibility to site delivery.
- Working up planning packs - drawing elevations and floor plans.
- Review and coordinate design information with consultants, planners, and technical teams.
- Ensure compliance with planning policies, technical standards, and design vision.
- Represent the business at design team meetings, planning reviews, and public consultations.
- Influence design strategies and frameworks for large-scale housing and mixed-use sites.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has experience in layout design on residential schemes.
- Is experienced in AutoCAD, Sketchup and Photoshop.
- Has a background in architecture, ideally working on residential master plans, low-to mid-rise housing, and regeneration projects.
- Brings excellent knowledge of UK planning, design codes, and Building Regs.
- Has experience working client-side or in close collaboration with developers/house builders.
- Is confident in managing consultants and leading the design process across multiple sites.
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment with strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- £50,000-£65,000 base salary.
- £6,000 car allowance.
- Generous bonus.
- 1 day working from home.
- 4 days in the office or split between office and site visits.
- Collaborative, design-conscious working culture.
- Long-term progression opportunities.
If you’re ready to lead high-impact residential design and step into a commercially-aware Design Manager role, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV to ssidar@cobaltrecruitment.com.
If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Design Manager employer: Cobalt Recruitment.
Contact Detail:
Cobalt Recruitment. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in residential design and planning policies in the UK. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a fast-paced industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the architecture and design sectors, especially those who have experience in residential developments. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to make connections that could lead to valuable insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that showcase your skills in layout design and collaboration with consultants. Being able to articulate your contributions and the outcomes of these projects can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your problem-solving skills by preparing examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will show potential employers that you can thrive in a fast-paced environment and effectively manage design processes.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in layout design, particularly on residential schemes. Emphasise your proficiency in AutoCAD, Sketchup, and Photoshop, as well as any experience with UK planning and design codes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for design and your understanding of the role. Mention specific projects you've worked on that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as leading design input or managing consultants.
Showcase Your Design Philosophy: In your application, briefly outline your design philosophy and how it aligns with the company's focus on architectural quality and place-making. This will demonstrate your fit for the role and your commitment to the company's vision.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for a Design Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cobalt Recruitment.
✨Showcase Your Design Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous projects in detail, especially those related to residential developments. Highlight your experience with layout design and how you've successfully bridged architectural intent with buildability.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Software
Since the role requires proficiency in AutoCAD, Sketchup, and Photoshop, make sure you can demonstrate your skills in these tools. Bring examples of your work that showcase your design capabilities using these applications.
✨Understand UK Planning Policies
Brush up on your knowledge of UK planning, design codes, and Building Regulations. Be ready to discuss how you have ensured compliance in past projects and how you would approach this in future roles.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
As a Design Manager, you'll need to manage consultants and lead design processes. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with teams or influenced design strategies, and be ready to share these experiences during the interview.
