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Head of Design Management
We are seeking an experienced Head of Design Management to lead and shape the design function within a growing residential developer based in Leeds. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for building, managing, and inspiring a high-performing design management team, while ensuring design excellence across the full development lifecycle.
Working closely with Land, Planning, Development, Construction, and Commercial teams, you will play a pivotal role in delivering compliant, commercially robust, and high-quality care environments that support long-term operational success.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, mentor, and develop a multi-disciplinary Design Management team, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
* Set clear objectives, development plans, and performance standards for team members.
* Build succession planning, capability, and capacity within the design function to support business growth.
* Act as a senior leader within the organisation, promoting best practice, accountability, and continuous improvement.
* Define and implement the design management strategy aligned with business and operational objectives.
* Establish clear design standards, processes, and governance frameworks across all projects.
* Oversee consultant appointments, performance, and fee management.
* Ensure consistency of design quality, compliance, and brand identity across the portfolio.
Project & Stakeholder Management
* Provide senior oversight across multiple projects from site acquisition and planning through to delivery and handover.
* Work closely with Planning and Land teams to support planning gain opportunities and optimise site potential.
* Act as a key internal and external stakeholder interface, including local authorities, design consultants, operators, and construction teams.
* Identify and manage design risk, ensuring issues are resolved proactively and collaboratively.
* Ensure designs are deliverable, cost-effective, and aligned with programme requirements.
* Support value engineering exercises without compromising quality, compliance, or operational needs.
* Contribute to development appraisals and strategic decision-making at senior level.
About You
* Proven experience in a senior design management leadership role, ideally within residential or mixed-use development.
* Strong track record of managing, developing, and leading teams within a design or technical environment.
* Deep understanding of the planning system and experience supporting planning gain or land-led development strategies.
* Commercially astute with excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
* Collaborative, people-focused leader who can balance strategic oversight with hands‑on support.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Design, General Business, and Health Care Provider
Industries
Architecture and Planning, Real Estate, and Construction
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