Design Manager in Leeds

Design Manager in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Building Careers UK Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design process for innovative residential developments and manage design teams.
  • Company: A respected residential developer known for high-quality bespoke homes.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a supportive team environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work on luxury housing schemes with a strong project pipeline.
  • Why this job: Join a growing company and influence projects from concept to completion.
  • Qualifications: Experience in design management and residential development is essential.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

Our client is a well-established and growing residential developer specialising in the delivery of high-quality bespoke homes and residential developments across the North West and surrounding regions. With a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and premium build quality, the business has successfully delivered a range of luxury housing schemes tailored to meet the demands of modern living.

Due to continued growth and a strong pipeline of secured projects, they are now looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager to strengthen their technical and pre-construction team.

We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to oversee the design process across new build and Design & Build residential developments. This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive and technically minded individual capable of managing design teams, consultants, and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring designs are coordinated effectively, meet programme requirements, comply with statutory regulations, and support the successful delivery of high-quality residential developments.

Key Responsibilities
  • Manage the design process from land acquisition and planning through to construction and project completion
  • Coordinate external consultants including architects, engineers, and specialist designers
  • Review and manage design information to ensure accuracy, buildability, and compliance with project requirements
  • Lead design team meetings and coordinate design programmes
  • Ensure all technical information is issued in line with project timescales
  • Identify and manage design risks, opportunities, and value engineering initiatives
  • Liaise closely with commercial, construction, planning, and sales teams throughout the development process
  • Manage statutory approvals, building regulations, and technical compliance requirements
  • Review consultant appointments, deliverables, and performance
  • Support procurement activities by ensuring design information is available for tendering and subcontractor appointments
  • Resolve technical and design-related issues during construction phases
  • Maintain accurate design records and project documentation
Requirements
  • Previous experience within a Design Manager, Technical Manager, or Senior Design Coordinator role
  • Experience delivering new build residential developments is essential
  • Design & Build experience is highly desirable
  • Strong understanding of construction methods, technical design, and residential development processes
  • Experience managing external consultants and multidisciplinary design teams
  • Good understanding of planning, building regulations, and statutory approval processes
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and design programmes simultaneously
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Commercial awareness and an understanding of buildability principles
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and common construction management systems
Desirable:
  • Experience working for a residential developer, housebuilder, or Design & Build contractor
  • Architectural, construction, engineering, or technical qualification
  • Experience delivering bespoke or luxury housing developments
  • Knowledge of BIM processes and modern construction methods
  • Understanding of sustainability and energy efficiency requirements within residential construction
Why Apply?
  • Excellent opportunity to join a growing and highly respected residential developer
  • Exposure to high-quality new build and Design & Build residential projects
  • Strong pipeline of secured developments
  • Opportunity to influence projects from concept through to completion
  • Supportive and collaborative team environment
  • Clear progression and long-term career development opportunities
  • Competitive salary and benefits package

If you're interested in this opportunity, then please get in touch today by applying to the role.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Our recruitment process is designed to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.

Please Note: Due to high volume of applicants, only those shortlisted will be contacted.

Design Manager in Leeds employer: Building Careers UK Ltd

As an award-winning main contractor in Greater Manchester, our client offers a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth within diverse sectors such as education and healthcare. The company's commitment to social value ensures that team members contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact the community.

Building Careers UK Ltd

Contact Details:

Building Careers UK Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Leeds

Get Your Portfolio Game On Point

As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!

Slide into Networking Events

Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Building Careers UK Ltd who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!

Learn the Software Inside Out

Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.

Refine Your Interview Skills

Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!

We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Leeds

Design Management
Project Coordination
Technical Design Understanding
Construction Methods Knowledge
Stakeholder Management
Regulatory Compliance
Risk Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!

Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Building Careers UK Ltd!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Building Careers UK Ltd. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!

Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Building Careers UK Ltd

Master the Technical Questions

In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.

Bring Your Portfolio to Life

Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability

In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.

Engage with Your Interviewers

Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Building Careers UK Ltd.