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- Tasks: Lead design work for stunning residential developments from feasibility to handover.
- Company: Join a well-established housebuilder known for quality and innovation in residential design.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonus, car allowance, private medical insurance, and more.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team creating beautiful homes that make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in residential design, RIBA Part 2 or equivalent, and strong AutoCAD skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with one WFH day per week after probation; must live within 60 minutes of Maidstone.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Full-time | Hybrid (1 WFH day/week after probation)
An established housebuilder is seeking a Design Manager to join their growing team, delivering beautifully designed residential developments ranging from 30 to 500 homes. This is a great opportunity for a passionate, detail-focused individual to lead design work from feasibility through planning and handover.
Key Responsibilities:
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Lead site feasibilities and develop high-quality design proposals
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Collaborate with Land, Planning, Technical and Commercial teams
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Produce bespoke elevations using standard house types and local context
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Coordinate with consultants and manage stakeholder presentations
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Prepare material schedules and ensure smooth handovers to Technical
Requirements:
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4+ years\’ experience in residential design (housebuilding preferred)
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RIBA Part 2 or equivalent architectural qualification
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Strong knowledge of UK design guidance, regs and planning process
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Skilled in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Suite
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Organised, detail-oriented, and confident managing design stages independently
Benefits include:
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Competitive salary + annual bonus
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Car allowance / EV salary sacrifice scheme
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Private medical insurance
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Pension + death in service
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22 days
Candidates must live within 60 minutes of Maidstone in Kent.
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Design Manager employer: 9B Careers
Contact Detail:
9B Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific design guidelines and regulations in the UK, especially those relevant to residential developments. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the local context.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience with collaborative projects by preparing examples of how you've worked with different teams, such as Land, Planning, and Technical. Highlighting your ability to coordinate effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your skills in AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Suite. Consider creating a portfolio that includes bespoke elevations or design proposals you've worked on, as this will give you a tangible way to demonstrate your expertise during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for stakeholder presentations by practising how to clearly communicate your design ideas and rationale. Being able to present confidently will show your potential employer that you can manage design stages independently and effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in residential design, particularly in housebuilding. Emphasise your skills in AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Suite, as well as your understanding of UK design guidance and planning processes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for design and your attention to detail. Mention specific projects you've worked on that align with the responsibilities of the Design Manager role, and explain how you can contribute to the company's vision.
Showcase Your Portfolio: If applicable, include a portfolio of your previous work that demonstrates your design capabilities. Highlight projects that involved leading design work from feasibility through to handover, as this is crucial for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at 9B Careers
✨Showcase Your Design Portfolio
Bring along a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work in residential design. Make sure to include projects that demonstrate your ability to lead from feasibility through to handover, as this aligns perfectly with the role's requirements.
✨Understand the Company’s Projects
Research the housebuilder's recent developments and design philosophy. Being able to discuss specific projects during the interview will show your genuine interest in the company and how you can contribute to their future designs.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of UK design guidance, regulations, and the planning process. Be ready to answer technical questions that assess your understanding of these areas, as they are crucial for the Design Manager role.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully collaborated with different stakeholders. Highlight your communication skills and how you manage presentations with consultants.
