An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Pre-Development Design Manager to join an established residential property developer based in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. Offering a competitive salary of up to £65,000 plus car and benefits package, this position will suit an experienced residential development professional with a strong understanding of planning, architectural design, engineering and pre-construction project management. Working across a portfolio of residential development sites, you will take responsibility for coordinating the entire pre-development process, from initial feasibility and planning through to technical design development and construction readiness. This is a varied and influential role requiring someone who can manage multiple projects simultaneously, coordinate external consultants, maintain detailed development programmes and ensure sites progress efficiently through the planning and technical stages. The successful candidate will work closely with Land, Commercial and Technical teams, playing an important role in ensuring developments are technically coordinated, commercially viable and ready for successful delivery. The Role As Pre-Development Design Manager, you will take ownership of multiple residential development sites, managing design, planning, technical coordination and pre-construction activities. Key responsibilities will include: Managing multiple residential development sites from initial feasibility through planning, technical design and pre-construction. Producing, maintaining and managing detailed pre-development and pre-construction programmes, identifying critical milestones and potential delays. Coordinating external Architects, Civil and Structural Engineers, Planning Consultants and other technical specialists. Overseeing architectural and engineering design information, ensuring proposals are coordinated, compliant, buildable and commercially viable. Managing planning applications, approvals, conditions and associated technical requirements. Working closely with Land teams to assess development opportunities, site constraints and feasibility. Collaborating with Commercial teams to ensure design proposals align with development appraisals, budgets and cost plans. Identifying technical, planning and programme risks at an early stage and implementing appropriate solutions. Reviewing residential layouts and technical proposals to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, buildability and value engineering. Maintaining accurate project programmes, trackers, risk registers and progress reports. Driving consultants and stakeholders to meet agreed deadlines and ensuring sites progress towards construction readiness. The Ideal Candidate We are particularly interested in speaking with candidates who have a proven background in residential housebuilding or property development, alongside strong technical knowledge and excellent project management capabilities. Suitable candidates will ideally demonstrate: Previous experience within a residential housebuilder, property developer or consultancy specialising in residential development. A strong understanding of the residential planning process, including applications, conditions, site constraints and technical approvals. Broad technical knowledge encompassing architectural design, civil engineering, structural engineering and residential construction. Proven experience managing multiple development sites or projects simultaneously. The ability to prepare, manage and monitor detailed pre-construction programmes. Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants. Strong commercial awareness, including an understanding of development viability, cost implications and value engineering. Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to prioritise competing deadlines. Confident communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with internal departments and external stakeholders. A proactive, solutions-focused approach with the confidence to take ownership of projects and drive them forward. Candidates currently working as a Technical Manager, Design Manager, Development Manager or Pre-Construction Manager within the residential sector are particularly encouraged to apply. Applications may also be considered from experienced architectural or engineering professionals who have substantial residential development experience, strong planning knowledge and proven project management capabilities. What's on Offer? Salary up to £65,000, dependent on experience. Company car / car allowance and additional benefits package. An opportunity to take ownership of a varied portfolio of residential development projects. A technically challenging role with significant involvement in planning, design and development strategy. Close collaboration with experienced Land, Commercial and Technical professionals. The opportunity to make a genuine contribution to the successful progression and delivery of residential developments. A permanent position offering long-term career development. Interested? This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced residential development professional looking for a role offering autonomy, responsibility and involvement across the full pre-development process. For further information or a confidential discussion about the position, please contact James Jackson at Conrad Consulting, specialist recruiters within the Architecture, Technical and Residential Development sectors. All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence
Design Manager - Residential Development in Kinsley employer: Conrad Consulting Ltd
Join a dynamic and supportive civil engineering team in Maidstone, where your expertise as a Civil Drainage Engineer will be valued and nurtured. With a focus on professional development, you'll have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects while enjoying a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. Our competitive salary package, coupled with comprehensive benefits, makes this an ideal place for engineers looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager - Residential Development in Kinsley
✨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 Conrad Consulting 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 - Residential Development at Conrad Consulting Ltd.
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 Conrad Consulting 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!
