Senior Design Manager in Chelsea

Senior Design Manager – Fast-Growing Residential Main Contractor – Chelsea

Rate/Package: £400 – £500 per day Outside IR35/CIS Gross

O’Neill and Brennan are currently working with a fast-growing and highly regarded residential main contractor who are looking to appoint an experienced Senior Design Manager to take ownership of the design function across a growing portfolio of projects in Chelsea and Central London.

The successful candidate will play a key role within the business, overseeing the design process across multiple residential projects, with an average project value of approximately £10m and individual schemes ranging up to £25m.

This is a genuine opportunity for an experienced Design Manager to take ownership of the design function, rather than simply managing individual packages within a large corporate structure. You will have significant autonomy and will work closely with the company's senior management, project teams, consultants, architects and specialist subcontractors to drive the design process from RIBA Stage 3 through to Stage 6.

An architectural background would be welcomed but is by no means essential. The key requirement is strong design management experience, a thorough understanding of the design and construction process, and the ability to take ownership of design delivery within a main contracting environment. Previous residential experience would also be highly beneficial.

The business is experiencing significant growth and has a strong pipeline of residential projects. This is therefore an excellent opportunity for someone looking for a long-term freelance position, with the potential to move into a permanent role for the right individual.

The role will be based primarily from the company's office in Chelsea, with projects located throughout Central London.

Role Overview:

• Title: Senior Design Manager
• Project: Multiple Residential Projects
• Location: Chelsea / Central London
• Project Values: Typically around £10m, with projects ranging up to £25m
• Rate: £400 – £500 per day Outside IR35
• Start: ASAP
• Type: Long-Term Freelance / Potential Temp-to-Perm

Responsibilities:

• Taking ownership of the design function across multiple residential projects
• Managing and coordinating the design process from RIBA Stage 3 through to Stage 6
• Leading the design team and coordinating architects, consultants, specialist subcontractors and suppliers
• Managing the design programme and ensuring design deliverables are aligned with the overall construction programme
• Reviewing and coordinating design information to ensure it is technically robust, buildable and suitable for construction
• Leading design reviews and proactively identifying and resolving design issues, clashes and technical risks
• Managing RFIs, technical queries, design changes and the flow of information throughout the project lifecycle
• Working closely with the Project Managers and site teams to ensure the design is fully coordinated with construction requirements
• Working with architects, consultants, clients and specialist subcontractors to develop and deliver the design
• Supporting the procurement process by ensuring design information is sufficiently developed for subcontractor packages
• Monitoring design progress and challenging consultants and project stakeholders where required
• Maintaining oversight of design quality, technical compliance and buildability throughout the project
• Providing senior-level input into the company's approach to design management as the business continues to grow
• Helping to establish and develop design management processes and best practice within the wider business

Requirements:

• Proven experience working as a Design Manager / Senior Design Manager within a main contracting environment
• Strong experience managing design through RIBA Stages 3–6
• Experience managing projects of approximately £10m+, with the ability to oversee schemes up to £25m
• Previous residential experience would be highly beneficial
• Experience managing multiple projects and/or complex design packages simultaneously
• Strong understanding of the construction process, technical design and buildability
• An architectural background would be advantageous but is not essential
• Strong communication, coordination and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work autonomously and take genuine ownership of the design function
• Comfortable operating within a fast-growing SME environment where there is significant opportunity to influence how the business operates
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on quality, technical delivery and programme

If you're a Senior Design Manager looking for a long-term freelance opportunity where you can take genuine ownership of the design function, rather than being one part of a large corporate structure, this could be an excellent opportunity to join a fast-growing residential main contractor with a strong pipeline of work.

For more information, please contact Ned Scott-Mends on (phone number removed), or send your CV via email at (url removed).

O’Neill and Brennan values diversity and promotes equality, All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation