Senior Manager, Design (Design Director) in London

Senior Manager, Design (Design Director) in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Thomas Gray

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design teams and manage façade and cladding projects from concept to completion.
  • Company: Established contractor with a focus on innovation and quality.
  • Benefits: Ongoing training, professional development, and clear career progression.
  • Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities to broaden your skills in compliance and operations.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a key leadership role within a collaborative environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in managing design processes for residential or high-rise projects.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

We are recruiting on behalf of an established and growing contractor seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to lead the design and technical delivery of façade and cladding projects. This is a key leadership role where you will oversee the full design lifecycle, from concept through to completion, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage internal design teams, subcontractors, and external consultants across all project phases.
  • Ensure designs are fully coordinated, compliant with current regulations, and aligned with company standards.
  • Develop, manage, and monitor project-specific design programmes and budgets.
  • Review technical submissions, alternative construction methods, and value engineering opportunities.
  • Coordinate closely with Commercial, Operations, and Client teams on all design matters.
  • Oversee document control, design approvals, and change management processes.
  • Attend site visits and project meetings to ensure construction aligns with design intent.
  • Ensure timely completion of handover documentation, including O&M manuals, H&S files, and resident packs.

Requirements

  • Proven experience managing design and technical processes on residential and/or high-rise projects.
  • Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
  • In-depth knowledge of façades, cladding systems, and construction methods.
  • Solid understanding of relevant legislation, including the Building Safety Act.
  • Proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD or Revit, and familiarity with BIM processes.

Personal Qualities

  • Proactive and solutions-driven, with the ability to perform under pressure.
  • Confident, resourceful, and collaborative in approach.
  • Passionate about technical excellence, innovation, and sustainability.
  • Strong analytical skills with a high level of attention to detail.

What’s on Offer

  • Ongoing training and professional development.
  • Opportunities to broaden experience in commercial systems, compliance, and operations.
  • A supportive, collaborative, and professional working environment.
  • Clear and structured career progression.

Senior Manager, Design (Design Director) in London employer: Thomas Gray

Join a dynamic and forward-thinking contractor that prioritises innovation and sustainability in the design and delivery of façade and cladding projects. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will benefit from ongoing training and clear career progression within a supportive and collaborative work culture. This role not only offers the chance to lead impactful projects but also to grow your expertise in a thriving environment located at the heart of the construction industry.

Thomas Gray

Contact Details:

Thomas Gray Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, Design (Design Director) in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend design and construction events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Design Manager role.

Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best design projects, especially those involving façades and cladding systems. This will give potential employers a clear view of your capabilities and style.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current regulations and construction methods. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams and managed budgets in past projects—this is key for a leadership role!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly, ensuring it gets seen by the right people. Plus, you'll be one step closer to joining a supportive and professional environment.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, Design (Design Director) in London

Leadership Skills
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Design Management
Technical Delivery
Façade and Cladding Knowledge
Construction Methods Understanding

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior Design Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've managed, especially in façades and cladding.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for design and how your proactive approach has led to successful project outcomes in the past.

Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in CAD software like AutoCAD or Revit. If you have experience with BIM processes, make sure to highlight that too, as it’s crucial for this role.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Thomas Gray

Know Your Design Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of façade and cladding systems. Brush up on current regulations, especially the Building Safety Act, as this will show your depth of knowledge and commitment to compliance during the interview.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing design teams and coordinating with subcontractors and consultants. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led projects from concept to completion, ensuring quality and budget adherence.

Be Ready for Technical Questions

Expect questions about technical submissions and alternative construction methods. Familiarise yourself with value engineering opportunities and be prepared to discuss how you’ve implemented these in past projects to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit

Since this role involves close coordination with various teams, think of instances where you’ve worked collaboratively with commercial, operations, or client teams. Highlight your proactive approach and how it contributed to project success.