Design Manager

Design Manager

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Arise Recruit Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design processes for exciting residential projects from start to finish.
  • Company: Dynamic residential contractor with ambitious growth plans and a supportive team.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary up to £90,000, career progression, and modern office environment.
  • Other info: Join a close-knit team and work on innovative residential and student accommodation projects.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on high-quality developments in a collaborative setting.
  • Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in residential project delivery.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Design Manager - Residential

Salary: Up to £90,000 (flexible for the right candidate). Location: South London & Surrey with offices near Gatwick.

Our client, a growing and highly regarded residential contractor, is looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager to join their expanding team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a strong Design Manager to play a key role in delivering high‑quality residential developments while joining a business with an exciting pipeline of projects and ambitious growth plans.

The successful Design Manager will initially be focused on a £16m residential development in South London, near Norwood, comprising two RC frame apartment blocks.

Following this project, they will have the opportunity to work across several residential and student accommodation developments in South/Greater London.

The business will also be operating from a newly fitted‑out head office near Gatwick.

This Design Manager role offers genuine autonomy and the opportunity to work within a collaborative, close‑knit team where no two days are the same.

The Role

The Design Manager will take responsibility for managing and coordinating the design process from inception through to project completion, ensuring programmes, quality standards and compliance requirements are met throughout.

Key responsibilities include

  • Managing and coordinating all aspects of design, including Architectural, Structural, MEP, Fire Engineering and specialist subcontractor designs.
  • Leading the design process through all project stages.
  • Coordinating consultants and subcontractors to ensure timely design delivery.
  • Managing design programmes and resolving technical issues.
  • Compiling handover documentation, including certification and Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manuals.
  • Supporting Building Safety Regulator (BSR) Gateway submissions where applicable.
  • Assisting the wider project team with related duties, including drawing take‑offs and liaising with suppliers for bespoke materials when required.
  • Candidate Requirements

The successful candidate will possess

  • A relevant degree qualification.
  • Proven experience delivering residential developments from design inception through to completion.
  • Experience coordinating multiple design disciplines.
  • Experience producing handover certification and O&M manuals.
  • A proactive, self‑motivated approach with the ability to work independently.
  • A flexible attitude and willingness to support the wider team where required.

Desirable experience

  • Experience working on High‑Risk Residential Buildings (18m+).
  • Knowledge of Building Safety Regulator (BSR) Gateway 2 & 3 submission processes.
  • What's on Offer
  • Salary up to £90,000, with flexibility for the right individual.
  • Opportunity to join a growing contractor with a strong pipeline of secured work.
  • Long‑term career progression within an expanding business.
  • Exciting residential and student accommodation projects across South London.
  • Modern, newly fitted head office in Crawley.
  • Supportive team environment with genuine opportunity to influence project delivery.

If you are an experienced Design Manager looking to join a forward‑thinking contractor delivering quality residential developments, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Apply today or contact us for a confidential discussion.

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Design Manager employer: Arise Recruit Ltd

Arise Recruit Ltd is an excellent employer for aspiring Junior Hospitality Interior Designers, offering a vibrant and collaborative studio environment in Portslade by Sea. With a focus on career progression and the opportunity to work on prestigious restaurant projects, employees benefit from competitive salaries and a supportive culture that fosters creativity and professional growth.

Arise Recruit Ltd

Contact Details:

Arise Recruit Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Manager

Join Construction Networks

Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!

Show Off Your Skills on Site

If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.

Utilise Construction Job Sites

Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Arise Recruit Ltd, to express your interest!

Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles

Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Design Manager at Arise Recruit Ltd.

We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager

Design Management
Project Coordination
Architectural Design
Structural Design
MEP Design
Fire Engineering
Technical Issue Resolution

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.

Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.

Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.

How to prepare for a job interview at Arise Recruit Ltd

Brush Up on Technical Knowledge

For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.

Showcase Your Projects

Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.

Understand the Team Dynamics

Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.

Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving

Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!