Design Manager in City of London

We are currently seeking a proactive and forward-thinking Design Manager to join our Construction Unit based in Bromley, Kent. Reporting to the Head of Technical, the Design Manager will play a pivotal role in planning, reviewing, co-ordinating and managing all design activities to ensure successful project delivery from tender through to handover.

Leadership & Management

• Lead and mentor the Assistant Design Co-ordinator, ensuring performance in line with internal processes and KPIs.
• Take ownership of the design process across assigned projects, providing clear direction and proactive leadership.

Design Coordination & Compliance

• Plan, review, and manage all design outputs from consultants, subcontractors and internal teams to meet project objectives.
• Ensure full technical compliance with Building Regulations, NHBC standards, planning conditions and statutory approvals.
• Manage design approvals, respond to site queries, and oversee RFIs and TQs.

Pre-Construction & Delivery

• Lead the preparation of project specifications, design programmes, and Contractor’s Proposals at the outset of each project.
• Oversee the production and coordination of design information in line with the master construction programme.
• Work closely with Commercial and Operations teams to deliver cost-effective, buildable solutions.

Legacy Scheme Management

• Take a leading role in closing out legacy and recovery schemes, resolving outstanding site queries, O&M documentation, fire safety and compliance issues.
• Ensure timely handover by assembling all statutory approvals and project documentation (BCO, NHBC, Planning, etc.).

Consultant & Client Liaison

• Appoint and manage multi-disciplinary design consultants in accordance with a robust responsibility matrix.
• Validate consultant deliverables and fee claims, ensuring alignment with scope.
• Prepare and present monthly client design reports, managing the sign-off process for specifications and samples.

Value, Risk & Quality

• Drive value engineering throughout the design process, achieving efficient, compliant and cost-effective design solutions.
• Identify and manage design and compliance risks through a maintained technical risk register.
• Ensure high standards of design quality, safety and buildability at every stage.

Health & Safety / CDM

• Liaise with the Principal Designer to ensure compliance with CDM Regulations and contribute to the preparation of the Health and Safety File.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years post-qualification experience, including at least 3 years with a residential contractor.
• Proven experience leading the full design cycle on at least three residential apartment schemes (4-10 storeys, units).
• Strong background in RC frame construction and façade systems.
• Experience managing legacy or recovery schemes, with an ability to resolve complex technical and compliance issues.
• Excellent understanding of Building Regulations, NHBC standards, and design management best practice.
• Experience with buildings over 18m in height and post-Grenfell fire safety considerations is advantageous.

Skills & Qualities

• Proactive and self-motivated, with a forward-thinking approach.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Clear and confident communicator, able to liaise effectively with clients, consultants, and statutory authorities.
• Collaborative team player with a positive, solution-focused attitude.
• Committed to continuous improvement and professional integrity.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead a variety of housing and RC frame projects.
• Supportive, family-owned company culture that values collaboration and growth.
• Career progression opportunities within a forward-thinking construction business.