Role overview

We have a fantastic opportunity for Senior Design Manager to join our team at Vistry South London at various locations across the region. This role will involve managing all technical and design functions for a project from pre-construction through to delivery on site. You will work closely with internal teams and external consultants, ensuring the project’s design meets both client expectations and regulatory standards. If you have a strong track record of delivering high-quality design and managing complex projects, we want to hear from you.

• Let’s cut to the chase, what’s in it for you...
  • Competitive basic salary and annual bonus
  • Company car, car allowance or travel allowance
  • Salary sacrifice car scheme available to all employees
  • Up to 33 days annual leave plus bank holidays increasing to up to 39 days with service
  • 2 Volunteering days per annum
  • Private medical insurance, with employee paid cover
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
  • Competitive pension scheme through salary sacrifice
  • Life assurance at 4 x your annual salary
  • Share save and share incentive schemes
  • Employee rewards portal with many more benefits...
• In return, what we would like from you...
  • Behave in line with our company values – Integrity, Caring and Quality
  • Proven Experience: A strong track record of managing large-scale projects (£60m+) and delivering high-quality design solutions.
  • Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of building regulations, planning processes, and NHBC warranty requirements.
  • Leadership & Communication: Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills with experience managing teams and external consultants.
  • Project Management: Familiarity with planning, financial, and legal processes in a development or contracting context.
  • Professional Qualifications: A degree in a relevant field or 5+ years of relevant industry experience, with a professional qualification (RIBA, RICS, CIOB, etc.) preferred.
  • Software Proficiency: Familiarity with Viewpoint and BIM is a plus.
  • Ability to manage and lead teams effectively while balancing multiple priorities.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to negotiate and influence decisions.
  • A collaborative approach to working with clients and stakeholders.
  • Strong understanding of financial and legal considerations in construction.
• More about the Senior Design Manager role...
  • Lead Design & Technical Functions: Manage the design process from planning consent to practical completion, ensuring quality design information is provided on time and to budget.
  • External Consultant Management: Appoint, manage, and oversee external design consultants, ensuring delivery aligns with project requirements (programme and budget).
  • Feasibility & Budgeting: Provide technical advice on feasibility, determining constraints, advising on budgets, phasing, and timing for the project.
  • Project Coordination: Work closely with internal teams (construction, development, sales & marketing) and external stakeholders to ensure smooth communication and collaboration.
  • Design Risk & Opportunities: Identify and manage design risks and opportunities to ensure projects are delivered successfully.
  • Contract & Legal Documentation: Manage all relevant documentation, including JCT Contracts, Employers Requirements, Performance Bonds, Insurances, Warranties, and more.
  • Team Leadership: Lead, coordinate, and motivate a team, while also mentoring team members and managing resources effectively.
  • Programme & Budget Management: Develop and manage the project fee budget, coordinating with consultants and contractors to meet deadlines and budgetary constraints.

Finally, let’s tell you a bit more about us...

We build more than homes, we’re making Vistry. Being a responsible developer and award-winning employer means we live each day through our ethos - doing the right thing. Our behaviours reflect this, as well as our values of integrity, caring and quality. Shaping all we do; they empower us to develop sustainable communities across affordable and private housing. We work in a partnership-led way, and you’ll recognise our renowned brands Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Countryside Homes. Together with Vistry Works, our manufacturing operation, and the functional support of Vistry Services, we’re a proud UK Green Building Council member, UK top five housebuilder with a five-star House Builders Federation (HBF) customer satisfaction rating, and winner of many awards including Top Employer, Global Top Inspiring Workplaces, and Best for Talent Attraction and Outreach. 

Join us in making Vistry.  

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