I'm delighted to be partnering with a leading residential main contractor who are experiencing significant growth across their social and affordable housing portfolio. They're now seeking an exceptional Senior Design Manager to lead their design function across multiple landmark high-rise developments for prestigious housing associations inside the M25.
This isn't just another design role, it's a genuine stepping stone to Head of Design, offering you the platform to shape the future of their design team whilst delivering some of the most impactful residential schemes in London and the Home Counties.
The Role
You'll be the driving force behind design excellence across a diverse portfolio of large-scale RC frame developments, ranging from multi-phase regeneration schemes to flagship housing association projects. Leading and developing a talented team of Design Managers, you'll have genuine autonomy to implement best practice whilst working closely with senior leadership.
What You'll Be Doing:
* Leading, mentoring and developing a high-performing team of Design Managers
* Taking ownership of design coordination across multiple concurrent high-rise residential projects
* Managing Gateway 2 submissions and ensuring full compliance with BSR requirements under the Building Safety Act 2022
* Driving design programmes forward whilst managing complex stakeholder relationships with housing associations
* Championing buildability, value engineering and technical innovation
* Collaborating with pre-construction, commercial and construction teams to deliver seamless project handovers
* Setting the technical standards and processes that will define the business going forward
Who We're Looking For
You'll be an experienced design professional who:
* Has successfully managed design teams within a main contracting environment
* Brings a strong residential background, with real depth in social/affordable housing delivery
* Possesses extensive technical knowledge of high-rise RC frame construction
* Understands the complexities of Gateway 2 submissions and BSR compliance (essential for this role)
* Has a natural leadership style that inspires and develops others
* Can balance technical rigour with commercial awareness and programme management
* Thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
Ideal Background:
* Proven track record managing design at senior level on residential projects £50m+
* Experience working with housing associations and understanding their technical requirements
* Strong stakeholder management skills across all project disciplines
* Degree qualified or equivalent (Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management)
Why This Role Stands Out
Career Progression: This is a genuine Head of Design role in waiting. The business is expanding rapidly, and they're looking for someone who can grow with them and take the reins of the entire design function within 18-24 months.
Work-Life Balance: Forget the usual corporate lip service – this client offers genuinely flexible working arrangements with very generous WFH options. They trust their people to deliver results, wherever they're based.
Project Quality: You'll be working on schemes that matter – high-quality affordable housing that makes a real difference to communities. These are flagship developments with housing associations who care about design excellence.
Package:
* £80,000 - £95,000
* Very generous work-from-home flexibility
* Clear, tangible progression to Head of Design
* Car allowance or company car
* Comprehensive benefits package
This is a rare opportunity to join a main contractor at an exciting growth phase and genuinely influence the direction of their design capability.
Get in touch today for a confidential conversation about your career.