Senior Design Manager

Senior or Lead Design Manager – Super Prime Residenti al

London Up to £85,000 plus package

Jackson Young is working with a growing super-prime contractor to recruit a Lead or Head of Design. This opportunity would suit an experienced Senior Design Manager who is ready to step up into a broader leadership role.

The business delivers high-quality residential projects typically valued between £5m and £20m. With new offices and continued growth, they are looking for someone who can lead the design management team while remaining closely involved in project delivery.

You do not need to have held a Head of Design title previously. The priority is a strong track record with a prime or super-prime main contractor, sound technical judgement and the ability to support and guide other Design Managers.

The role

You will oversee design management across the business, helping teams deliver coordinated, buildable information in line with project programmes and commercial requirements.

Responsibilities will include:

• Leading, supporting and developing the Design Managers.
• Overseeing design programmes and information release across multiple projects.
• Working closely with Project Managers, commercial teams and site teams to identify and resolve design issues.
• Coordinating architects, consultants and specialist subcontractors.
• Reviewing design proposals for buildability, coordination and procurement implications.
• Maintaining the quality of bespoke detailing and finishes expected on super-prime projects.
• Managing design changes and ensuring their programme and cost implications are understood.
• Building effective relationships with clients and their professional teams.
• Improving design management processes and consistency across the business.
• Remaining hands-on where projects need additional support or technical leadership.

About you

You are likely to be a Senior Design Manager or experienced Design Manager within a prime or super-prime main contractor, ready to take on responsibility for a team and a wider portfolio of projects.

You will bring:

• Proven experience managing design through procurement, construction and completion.
• A strong understanding of high-quality residential refurbishment, bespoke interiors and specialist trade coordination.
• The confidence to challenge incomplete or impractical information and drive issues through to resolution.
• An organised approach to design programmes, priorities and competing project demands.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of how design decisions affect cost and delivery.
• Strong communication skills and a professional, credible approach with clients and consultants.
• Experience mentoring colleagues or coordinating other Design Managers, with the ambition to develop your leadership skills.

The opportunity

This is a clear next step for a Design Manager who wants greater influence over how a contractor manages and delivers design. You will have the opportunity to lead a team, shape working practices and contribute directly to the delivery of exceptional residential projects.

Salary up to £85,000 plus package.