Design Lead - to be a manager in London

Design Lead - to be a manager in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Knightwood Associates

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design management for exciting residential projects in North East London.
  • Company: Established contractor known for high-quality, design-led developments.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary and comprehensive package tailored to your experience.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Why this job: Shape vibrant communities and enhance living spaces through innovative design.
  • Qualifications: Experience in architecture or construction management with a focus on residential schemes.

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

An opportunity has arisen for a Design Manager to join a well-established and financially secure residential contractor delivering large, long-term developments across North East London. This role offers the chance to work in a genuinely design-led environment where architectural thinking and design quality are highly valued throughout the delivery process.

The business has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality multi-unit residential schemes and creating well-designed places for people to live. They are seeking an experienced design professional who can take ownership of the design management process and work closely with internal teams, consultants and project stakeholders.

This position would suit someone from a developer or main contractor background, though they are also open to job-running architects / technologists who have led multi-unit residential schemes in London and are looking to transition client-side.

Key responsibilities:
  • Managing and coordinating the design process across residential developments
  • Liaising with architects, engineers and consultants to ensure design progress aligns with programme requirements
  • Reviewing drawings, specifications and technical information to ensure buildability and compliance
  • Supporting the project team through pre-construction and construction stages
  • Ensuring design information is issued in line with project milestones
  • Identifying and resolving design or coordination issues early
  • Attending design team and site meetings to maintain coordination
  • Maintaining design quality while balancing programme and commercial requirements

The role would suit someone with a background in Architecture, Construction Management or a related discipline, ideally with residential project experience in London. Architects / Technologists must be ARB or MCIAT registered and have experience leading multi-unit residential schemes.

Competitive salary + package (depending on experience).

Design Lead - to be a manager in London employer: Knightwood Associates

Knightwood Associates is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the heart of Beckingthorpe. With a focus on employee growth and development, the company provides ample opportunities to work on diverse residential projects while enjoying a competitive salary and benefits package. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation and compliance in the ever-evolving landscape of UK residential development.

Knightwood Associates

Contact Details:

Knightwood Associates Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Lead - to be a manager in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the design and construction industry. Attend local meetups or events where you can chat with potential employers and showcase your passion for design management.

Tip Number 2

Showcase your portfolio! Make sure you have a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work in residential projects. Bring it along to interviews or share it online to give employers a taste of your design prowess.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s past projects. Understand their design philosophy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their values. This shows you’re genuinely interested and can hit the ground running.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Design Lead - to be a manager in London

Design Management
Architectural Thinking
Design Quality Assurance
Coordination Skills
Technical Review
Compliance Knowledge
Project Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Design Skills:Make sure to highlight your design experience in your application. We want to see how you've managed design processes and worked with teams in the past, especially on residential projects. Use specific examples to showcase your skills!

Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application to reflect the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their experience with what we’re looking for.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role – we want to understand your experience without getting lost in technical terms!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Knightwood Associates

Know Your Design Process

Make sure you can clearly articulate your approach to managing the design process. Be ready to discuss how you've coordinated with architects, engineers, and consultants in past projects, especially in residential developments.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare examples of how you've identified and resolved design or coordination issues early in previous roles. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to maintain design quality under pressure.

Familiarise Yourself with the Company’s Projects

Research the company’s recent projects and be prepared to discuss them. Showing that you understand their design philosophy and the types of residential schemes they deliver will set you apart from other candidates.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions about reviewing drawings, specifications, and ensuring compliance. Brush up on relevant regulations and standards, so you can confidently discuss how you ensure buildability in your designs.