Design Manager

The Design Project; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - GBP 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction and design firm is seeking a Design Manager in Stratford, London. The successful candidate will oversee design processes for regeneration projects, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and managing external consultants. Candidates should have a construction-related qualification and proven experience in managing design for mixed-use and social housing projects. This full-time position offers a salary range of £55,000 to £75,000 per annum, along with diverse benefits, and emphasizes collaboration and values-driven work.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Car or travel allowances

Private medical insurance

Pension

Life assurance

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing design processes for mixed-use regeneration projects.
• Specific experience in social and affordable housing sectors.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage design functions for regeneration projects.
• Ensure adherence to agreed briefs, budgets, and programs.
• Lead external consultants and internal teams to produce quality design information.

Skills

In-depth knowledge of UK Building Regulations

Strong commercial awareness

Excellent problem-solving skills

Strong time management

Strong negotiation skills

Education

HNC, HND, or Degree in construction/design-related field

Relevant CSCS card

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Design Manager
Company: Vistry Group PLC
Location: London-Stratford, UK (On-site)
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Construction & Design Management
Date Posted: February 06, 2026
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: On-site

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end design and technical functions for regeneration projects.
• Ensure projects adhere to the agreed brief, budget, and program from pre-construction through to handover.
• Lead and manage external consultants and internal teams, ensuring high-quality design information is produced.
• Collaborate with project teams and senior management to achieve timely and efficient design milestone delivery.
• Act as a key point of contact for clients and stakeholders, fostering strong, collaborative relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development and comprehensive management of design processes from pre-construction through to project completion.
• Ensure all design activities align with the project brief, budget constraints, and program timelines.
• Appoint, manage, and oversee external consultants, ensuring timely and high-quality production of design information.
• Collaborate with the Senior/Lead Design Manager and wider project team to ensure efficient and punctual delivery of design milestones.
• Oversee and implement design review processes, ensuring compliance with Building Regulations, planning processes, and NHBC warranty conditions.
• Manage discharge of third-party approvals, including planning conditions and building regulations sign-offs.
• Utilize project management tools, such as Viewpoint, to manage workflows and achieve quality design outcomes.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, diverse stakeholders, and external consultants throughout the project lifecycle.
• Proactively manage project risks and develop solutions to address design-related challenges.

Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A construction/design-related HNC, HND, or Degree is required.
• A relevant CSCS card is mandatory.

Experience:

• Proven experience in managing the design process for mixed-use regeneration and contracting projects is essential.
• Specific experience within the social and affordable housing sectors is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of UK Building Regulations and the planning process.
• Understanding NHBC warranty requirements and their design implications.
• Ability to lead teams and manage external consultants effectively.
• Strong commercial awareness within development and contracting.
• Excellent problem-solving and innovative solution skills.
• Strong time management and multitasking abilities for multiple projects.
• Proven ability to manage and foster effective team collaboration.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills to drive decisions.
• Collaborative approach with clients and project stakeholders.
• Good understanding of financial and legal considerations in construction.

Preferred Skills:

• Membership with a professional body such as CIOB, RIBA, or RICS.

Salary & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in London, £55,000 - £75,000 per annum. Benefits may include competitive salary, car or travel allowances, salary sacrifice schemes, generous annual leave, private medical insurance, enhanced parental leave, pension, life assurance, share schemes, and an employee rewards portal.

Office & Location

Office Type: On-site at the Pudding Mill Lane project in Stratford, London. The role involves site-based activities with potential site visits and on-site collaboration.

Office Location: Pudding Mill Lane project site, Stratford, London, E15. Well-connected by public transport.

Team Structure & Culture

• The Design Manager will be part of the Vistry South London division, working on the Pudding Mill Lane project.
• Reporting lines likely include a Senior/Lead Design Manager, with collaboration with project managers, construction teams, commercial teams, and external consultants.
• The environment emphasizes cross-functional collaboration and a values-driven approach focused on Integrity, Caring, and Quality.

Interview Process

• Initial Screening: CV/app review for alignment with regeneration project experience and technical knowledge.
• First Interview: Behavioral questions and overview of experience; discuss leadership of design teams and consultants.
• Second Interview/Assessment: Technical assessment, case study, or leadership interview to assess problem solving, commercial awareness, and regulatory understanding.
• Final Interview: Cultural fit and strategic alignment with Vistry values.
• Portfolio & Case Studies: Prepare 2-3 significant regeneration projects with clear briefs, your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes; demonstrate workflow management and Viewpoint experience; quantify impact.

Application

How to apply: Submit your application through the Vistry Group careers portal. Tailor your CV to highlight regeneration and mixed-use project design management, focusing on Building Regulations, planning processes, and NHBC requirements. Prepare a portfolio with 2-3 case studies and research Vistry Group and its values. Practice responses to common behavioral and technical questions.

Note: This description may include AI-generated insights and standard industry assumptions. Verify details with the hiring organization before applying.