Design Manager

DESIGN MANAGER - Residential

Location:

Telford - (hybrid working available; minimum one day per week in office)

Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 (DOE)

Benefits:
Car allowance, Bonus, Pension, Healthcare + more extensive benefits

Company:
Expanding Housing Developer

The Company:

A purpose-led housing provider bringing together land, build, and management into one integrated delivery model. Specialise in small-to-mid scale developments (£5m–£20m) across the Midlands. Due to continued growth and expansion they are seeking an experienced Construction Design Manager to take full ownership of the design process across one or more live projects, from concept through to completion. This is a leadership role — not simply coordination.

You will be working closely with the Design and Technical Development Manager and the wider delivery, estimating, and planning teams. You will ensure all design decisions are practical, buildable, cost-effective, and aligned with project objectives. The role is hands-on and site-facing, with regular engagement with consultants, subcontractors, local authorities, and internal teams to proactively resolve issues, drive decisions, and maintain alignment on quality, programme, and compliance.

Key

Duties & Responsibilities

* Manage the design phase from concept design through to detailed drawings and technical approvals

* Lead design reviews and manage consultant outputs to ensure designs are fully coordinated and buildable

* Constructively challenge designs to improve quality, reduce cost, and enhance longevity

* Prepare, agree, and manage consultant scopes of service, fee proposals, and performance

* Manage compliance with Building Regulations, planning conditions, and warranty provider requirements

* Liaise with Building Control, Fire Officer, utilities consultants, and planning authorities

* Coordinate external architects, engineers, subcontractors, and specialist consultants

* Undertake drawing reviews and manage the design change control process

* Work with estimators and surveyors to test value engineering, lifecycle costs, and carbon performance

* Use customer and tenant feedback to inform continuous design improvement

Contribute to pre-construction reports, feasibility studies, and Board approval

Key Requirements:

* Strong background in residential or affordable housing construction

* Minimum 5 years’ experience managing design on live construction projects

* Experience with steel frame and MMC construction methods

* Proven ability to lead and challenge design teams constructively

* Experience managing consultant appointments, scopes, and fee proposals

* Strong understanding of Building Regulations and planning condition discharge

* Confident communicator, able to summarise complex technical issues clearly

* Comfortable working in a small, hands-on team with shared accountability