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- Tasks: Lead design management for exciting development projects and advocate for high-quality design.
- Company: Join Peabody, a values-driven organisation focused on community and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, flexible benefits, and a generous pension contribution.
- Why this job: Shape sustainable homes and neighbourhoods while making a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: Registered Architect or similar with a strong design delivery track record.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
12 Month Fixed Term Contract
We are looking for a Senior Design Manager to lead design management across a portfolio of development and investment projects. You will be a passionate advocate for high quality design with strong communication and problem-solving skills. Working collaboratively and proactively with the Project Lead from inception to use, you will develop and implement ways of working to support the delivery of homes and neighbourhoods. You will take a holistic view to design, bringing together strategic and qualitative ambitions with technical requirements to ensure our homes are safe, sustainable, inclusive, desirable and viable.
What you’ll do
In this role, you will help shape strategic and project specific design direction that prioritises long term value to Peabody and our residents. You will support the Project Lead in briefing, procuring and managing external consultants, and supporting programme, risk and cost management to influence safe, sustainable and inclusive design outcomes. You will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure holistic design thinking that prioritises longevity and whole life thinking. You will take ownership of key areas of programme work as they emerge producing evidence-based studies and supporting the evolution of our design standards and governance. You will also play an important role in developing, supporting and motivating design personnel while promoting a culture that reflects Peabody’s values. You will be required to be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week for meetings and collaborative working; visits to site will also be required.
What you’ll need
- Registered Architect or similar design background with a strong track record of delivering high quality design outcomes and adding value on complex projects
- Ability to advocate for a holistic approach to design, and the value it brings
- Ability to proactively solve problems, balance competing demands to embed quality at neighbourhood, building and home scales.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with a varied client and stakeholder team to achieve quality long term outcomes
- An appreciation of the relationship between strategy and detail and understand time, cost, and risk factors to influence overall design quality.
Why Join Us?
When you join Peabody, you’re joining a team guided by our values: Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Love New Ideas, Celebrate Diversity, Keep Our Promises, and Pull Together. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered.
What We Offer
- 30 days’ annual holiday, plus bank holidays
- Two additional paid volunteering days each year
- Flexible benefits scheme, including family friendly benefits and access to a discount portal
- 4 x salary life assurance
- Up to 10% pension contribution
If this sounds like we are right for you and you’d love to be part of Peabody, we’d like to hear from you. Please apply now by submitting an anonymised CV and a short statement explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.
Closing date: 15 February 2026
Interviews will be taking place Tuesday 24th and Thursday 26th February.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
PLEASE NOTE: As an employer, Peabody does not provide sponsorship as a licenced UK employer.
Senior Design Manager employer: Peabody
Contact Detail:
Peabody Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the design industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, bring it along or share it digitally to showcase your design prowess.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their values and goals. This shows you’re not just interested in any job, but specifically in what they do.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team at Peabody.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your CV with Care: Make sure your CV highlights your design experience and showcases your ability to deliver high-quality outcomes. Tailor it to reflect the skills mentioned in the job description, like problem-solving and communication.
Write a Compelling Statement: In your short statement, explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Senior Design Manager role. Use specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your holistic approach to design and your collaborative spirit.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for high-quality design shine through in your application. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but also genuinely excited about contributing to our mission at Peabody.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with Peabody.
How to prepare for a job interview at Peabody
✨Know Your Design Philosophy
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your design philosophy and how it aligns with Peabody's values. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've successfully advocated for high-quality design and how you approached problem-solving in those situations.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. Think of instances where you’ve led a team or worked with external consultants to achieve a common goal, and be ready to share how you navigated challenges along the way.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the relationship between strategic design and practical implementation. Be prepared to discuss how you balance long-term value with immediate project needs, and how you ensure that design outcomes are safe, sustainable, and inclusive.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. During the interview, focus on being concise while still providing enough detail to demonstrate your expertise. Remember, effective communication is key in showcasing your negotiation skills and ability to advocate for quality design.
