At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design process for major residential developments and manage multidisciplinary teams.
- Company: A leading residential development organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and contribute to ambitious development programmes.
- Why this job: Shape high-quality residential projects and make a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: Degree qualified with experience in delivering major residential projects.
A leading residential development organisation is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join its development team and take responsibility for the successful delivery of the design process across major residential schemes. This is a key role managing projects from RIBA Stage 0–3, with individual schemes up to £60m GDV, ensuring designs are commercially robust, high quality, compliant and deliverable.
The Role
- Lead the design process from concept to planning across residential schemes
- Procure and manage architects, consultants and designers
- Ensure projects meet cost, quality, programme and commercial objectives
- Coordinate internal teams and external stakeholders
- Implement risk and opportunity management strategies
- Provide design leadership and support to project management teams
- Report progress and risks to Directors and Project Boards
- Represent the organisation at meetings, presentations and public forums
About You
- Degree qualified with professional membership (e.g. RIBA, CIOB, ICE) or equivalent experience
- Proven experience delivering major residential projects in the private development sector
- Strong design management, programme and commercial skills
- Experienced in managing multidisciplinary consultant teams
- Excellent communicator with strong stakeholder management capability
- Commercially aware with a focus on value, quality and deliverability
Desirable
- Architectural or construction background
- Experience working across both public and private sectors
- Interest in innovation and construction best practice
This is an excellent opportunity for a design professional to play a key role in shaping high-quality residential developments within a growing and ambitious development programme. For a confidential discussion and further details, please make contact directly.
Development Manager ( PM ) employer: Avocet
As a leading residential development organisation based in Bath, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel. With competitive salaries and a commitment to professional growth, we offer unique opportunities for design professionals to lead impactful projects while enjoying the benefits of hybrid working. Join us to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality residential developments that shape communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Manager ( PM )
✨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 Avocet, 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 Development Manager ( PM ) at Avocet.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager ( PM )
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 Avocet
✨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!
