Design Lead - to be a manager in Manchester
The People Pod Manchester About the role
We're supporting a contractor-developer entering a major new phase of strategic growth under new ownership and a modern senior leadership team. With a secured pipeline of multi-rise residential and high-density new-build schemes, the business is strengthening its senior technical capability to support a more coordinated, compliant and high-performing delivery model.
We're now looking for a Senior Design Manager who can lead design strategy across multiple multi-storey projects, bringing structure, technical rigour and confident leadership to the design process. You'll oversee consultants, drive technical consistency, challenge design proposals, and ensure all information aligns with programme, cost and regulatory requirements - including modern Building Safety Act and golden thread obligations.
This role suits someone who can operate at a senior level, influence decision-making, and help shape how the design function evolves as the business scales.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead design strategy across multi-rise residential and complex new-build schemes
- Manage pre-construction design development, ensuring buildability, compliance and clarity
- Oversee architects, engineers and specialist consultants across structural, civil, façade and MEP disciplines
- Drive technical consistency through design trackers, information schedules and quality control processes
- Review and challenge design proposals to ensure alignment with budgets, programme and value-engineering opportunities
- Lead planning submissions, technical approvals and regulatory compliance
- Ensure all design information meets Building Safety Act, BSR and golden thread requirements
- Chair senior design meetings and provide clear updates to leadership
- Facilitate communication between construction, commercial, technical and client teams
- Support the development of design processes, standards and governance
What We're Looking For:
- Proven experience as a Senior Design Manager for a main contractor or developer
- Strong background in design & build, multi-rise residential or complex new-build projects
- Deep understanding of façade and envelope interfaces within new-build environments
- Strong knowledge of CDM, Building Regulations and modern safety-driven compliance
- Confident leading consultants, technical teams and multiple stakeholders
- Strategic thinker with strong organisational and leadership capability
- Clear communicator with credibility at senior and client level
- Able to manage complex design information in a fast-paced environment
What's In It For You:
- ~£75,000-£85,000 salary
- ~ Strong package and benefits
- ~ Direct access to senior leadership and opportunity to help shape the function
- ~ A pipeline of multi-rise residential schemes with complex technical interfaces
- ~ Clear progression as the business continues to grow
Your tasks
Lead design strategy for exciting multi-rise residential projects and oversee technical teams.
Your profile
Proven experience in design management and strong leadership skills required.
What's also included
Competitive salary, strong benefits package, and direct access to senior leadership.
Tech stack & ways of working
Design Lead - to be a manager in Manchester employer: The People Pod
Join a leading specialist brokerage in Greater Manchester that offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where you can thrive as a Client Director in the Transport, Haulage, and Logistics Insurance sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will inherit an established client portfolio while having the opportunity to shape regional strategy and lead a dedicated team. Enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a culture that promotes autonomy and professional development, making this an exceptional place for ambitious insurance professionals.
Your perspectives
Shape the future of design in a growing company and make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from The People Pod who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills
Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture
When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at The People Pod!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to The People Pod. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology
Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at The People Pod
Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at The People Pod.
Locations
- Manchester
