Senior Design Manager

Senior Design Manager

London Full-Time 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Aldwych Consulting

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design processes and manage multiple projects in a hands-on role.
  • Company: Join a growing main contractor delivering diverse projects across London.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, full benefits package, and opportunities for progression.
  • Why this job: Be at the heart of exciting projects in a collaborative team environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager is essential.
  • Other info: Diversity is valued; applications from all backgrounds are encouraged.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.

Senior Design Manager

Are you a design leader who thrives on delivering complex, community‑focused construction projects?
Can you confidently bring together internal teams, consultants, and site teams to drive exceptional design outcomes?
Are you seeking an opportunity to lead a small team while shaping major recladding and regeneration projects across London and the South East?

About the Company

Our client is a long‑established, family‑owned construction and development group operating across London, the South East, and the Home Counties. They deliver award‑winning housing, regeneration and mixed use projects. Their work is driven by strong values, a focus on sustainability, and a commitment to improving communities through high‑quality, socially responsible construction.

About the Role

The Senior Design Manager will lead the complete design management process from pre‑construction through delivery on major refurbishment, regeneration, and recladding schemes. Recladding experience is not essential, but you must be motivated to work on these projects and engage with their technical and regulatory demands.

You will manage and mentor a small design team, providing leadership, structure, and guidance to ensure design quality, compliance, and buildability. Strong people‑management skills are vital, alongside the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and maintain design integrity throughout project delivery.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Lead the end‑to‑end design management process across complex construction and regeneration projects, including recladding schemes.
  • Provide leadership and day‑to‑day management for a small design team, supporting development, performance, and collaboration.
  • Coordinate design input from architects, engineers, consultants, specialist subcontractors, and internal teams.
  • Ensure all design information complies with UK building regulations, safety guidance, and sustainability standards.
  • Develop, monitor, and report on design programmes and deliverables.
  • Review drawings, specifications, and technical submissions for accuracy, compliance, and buildability.
  • Support pre‑construction activities such as tenders, bids, design solutions, and value engineering.
  • Liaise with local authorities, registered providers, and community stakeholders as required.
  • Identify design risks and coordinate mitigation solutions.
  • Promote the company\’s values across safety, environmental responsibility, and social value outcomes.

Requirements

  • Strong experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager within the construction sector.
  • Technical understanding of residential, refurbishment, regeneration, or multi‑sector building projects.
  • Willingness and motivation to work on recladding projects (previous recladding experience not required).
  • Proven capability in managing and mentoring a small team.
  • Excellent knowledge of UK building regulations, gateway processes and design standards.
  • Ability to manage design programmes, prioritise workload, and coordinate multiple stakeholders.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
  • Commitment to sustainable, safe, and high‑quality project delivery.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work with an award‑winning construction group with over 60 years of industry experience.
  • Involvement in high‑impact regeneration and recladding projects with strong community and environmental benefits.
  • Collaborative culture rooted in long‑standing family‑business values.
  • Strong support for professional development, creativity, and long‑term career growth.

If this sounds like you, please apply now. For more details, contact Vekshana directly.

Aldwych Consulting values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.

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Senior Design Manager employer: Aldwych Consulting

Join a dynamic and growing main contractor in London as a Senior Design Manager, where you will be at the forefront of delivering diverse and high-quality projects. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that values initiative and offers a comprehensive benefits package alongside clear pathways for professional development and progression. With a strong project pipeline and a commitment to employee growth, this is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their career.
Aldwych Consulting

Contact Detail:

Aldwych Consulting 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, especially those who have experience with main contractors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the specific types of projects the company is involved in, such as commercial, residential, fit-out, and refurbishment. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of their work during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience in managing design processes and resolving day-to-day design issues. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully coordinated with consultants and subcontractors in previous roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your proactive and self-motivated approach by sharing instances where you've taken the initiative in past projects. Highlight your ability to work autonomously while still being a strong team player.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager

Design Management
Project Coordination
Consultant Liaison
Technical Review Skills
Pre-construction Knowledge
Problem-Solving Skills
Client Communication
Subcontractor Management
Autonomous Working
Attention to Detail
Proactive Approach
Delivery Focus
Team Collaboration
Time Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager. Focus on your involvement in commercial, residential, fit-out, or refurbishment projects, and emphasise your hands-on approach to design management.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your confidence and communication skills. Discuss specific examples of how you've led design processes, managed consultant coordination, and resolved design issues in previous roles.

Highlight Key Skills: In your application, clearly outline your strong coordination skills and ability to work autonomously. Mention your proactive nature and how you’ve successfully held accountability with clients and subcontractors in past projects.

Show Enthusiasm for Development: Express your eagerness for ongoing development and progression in your application. Mention how you align with the company's collaborative team environment and your desire to contribute to high-quality projects.

How to prepare for a job interview at Aldwych Consulting

✨Showcase Your Project Experience

Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that align with commercial, residential, fit-out, or refurbishment. Highlight your role in the design process and how you managed consultant coordination.

✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills

Since the role involves resolving day-to-day design issues, come equipped with examples of challenges you've faced in past projects and how you overcame them. This will show your proactive approach and ability to handle pressure.

✨Communicate Effectively

As a Senior Design Manager, you'll need to liaise with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing technical details or pushing back against subcontractors.

✨Express Your Desire for Growth

The company values ongoing development and progression. Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for personal growth and how you see yourself evolving within the team, which aligns with their supportive culture.

Senior Design Manager
Aldwych Consulting
Location: London

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