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- Tasks: Lead design for a luxury residential project in Central London, managing teams and ensuring compliance.
- Company: Join a top-tier contractor known for delivering high-spec residential schemes with innovation and precision.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, pension, travel perks, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a flagship project from the start, influencing design and build strategies in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Design Manager on major residential projects; architecture or project management background preferred.
- Other info: Interviews are happening now, so don’t miss your chance to join this exciting journey!
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 95000 £ per year.
Senior Design Manager
We\’re recruiting a Senior Design Manager that will help establish and grow the design division from the ground up for a contractor that specialises in mid to high‑rise mixed residential blocks across Central London.
The senior design manager will play a pivotal role in building the design function for a contractor specialising in mid to high‑rise mixed residential blocks across Central London. Working on complex schemes, you’ll need comprehensive knowledge of high‑rise building regulations, Building Safety Act requirements, and Gateway processes.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading design delivery across mid to high‑rise residential developments in Central London
- Establishing design processes, standards, and best practices for the new division
- Managing design teams and coordinating with architects, engineers, and consultants
- Ensuring compliance with Gateway 2 submissions and BSR requirements
- Managing design programmes and critical‑path activities across multiple projects
- Leading Building Safety Act compliance and high‑rise regulatory requirements
- Coordinating design information with construction, commercial, and planning teams
- Managing design risks, value engineering, and buildability reviews
- Building relationships with housing associations and developer clients
- Recruiting, mentoring, and developing design team members
- Contributing to business development and growth strategy
The ideal candidate has:
- Extensive experience as a Senior Design Manager in residential main contracting
- Comprehensive knowledge of high‑rise building regulations (essential)
- Strong understanding of Building Safety Act 2022 and BSR requirements (essential)
- Experience with Gateway 2 submissions and regulatory compliance (essential)
- Proven track record on mid to high‑rise residential projects
- Excellent leadership and team‑building capabilities
- Strategic thinker who can establish processes and grow divisions
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Experience working with housing associations advantageous
- Degree qualified in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management
What’s on offer:
- Excellent salary of up to £95,000
- Performance‑related bonus scheme
- Private healthcare and comprehensive benefits
- Opportunity to establish and grow a new design division
- Work on mid to high‑rise residential schemes across Central London
- Genuine influence over team development and division growth
- Progressive contractor with ambitious growth plans
- Career‑defining leadership opportunity
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Design, Project Management, and Administrative
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Senior Design Manager employer: tdm recruitment
Contact Detail:
tdm recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the high-end residential sector. Attend industry events, seminars, or workshops where you can meet people who work for Tier 1 contractors or have experience in luxury developments. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in design management, particularly in BIM and digital delivery frameworks. Being well-versed in these areas will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've managed that align with the requirements of this role. Highlight your experience with complex residential schemes, focusing on your leadership skills and how you've successfully navigated challenges in design compliance and coordination.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s previous projects and their approach to design management. Understanding their values and methodologies will allow you to tailor your conversations during interviews, showing that you are genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager, particularly in high-end residential projects. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for design management and your understanding of the complexities involved in high-specification residential schemes. Mention your familiarity with UK Building Regulations and your ability to manage design compliance effectively.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills in design programme management, coordination, and technical risk mitigation. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you have successfully managed similar projects.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience: Since the role requires excellent leadership and coordination skills, provide examples of how you have led design teams, chaired meetings, and resolved complex design issues. This will help illustrate your capability to take on the responsibilities of the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at tdm recruitment
✨Showcase Your Design Leadership
As a Senior Design Manager, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led design teams in the past, focusing on your ability to manage consultant outputs and drive compliance.
✨Understand the Project's Complexity
Familiarise yourself with the specifics of high-rise residential developments, especially those involving complex structural and MEP interfaces. Be ready to discuss how you would approach buildability reviews and value engineering for such projects.
✨Highlight Your Regulatory Knowledge
Make sure to emphasise your understanding of UK Building Regulations and fire safety strategies. Prepare to discuss how you've navigated planning conditions and statutory approvals in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Problem-Solving
The role requires excellent coordination skills. Be prepared to share instances where you've resolved complex design issues collaboratively, showcasing your ability to work effectively with various teams, including pre-construction and site teams.
