Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager Company: Vistry Group PLC Location: London-Stratford, UK Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Design & Construction Management Date Posted: 2025-11-03 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and technical functions for a portfolio of exciting regeneration projects from inception through to completion, ensuring alignment with project brief, budget, and programme constraints.
• Manage the appointment and performance of external consultants, ensuring the production of high-quality design information that meets all regulatory and warranty standards.
• Drive timely and efficient delivery of design milestones by collaborating closely with the Senior/Lead Design Manager and the broader project team.
• Oversee critical design review processes, ensuring strict compliance with Building Regulations, the planning process, and NHBC warranty requirements.
• Facilitate the successful discharge of third-party approvals, including planning conditions and building regulations, to maintain project momentum.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is on Design Management within construction, the role's emphasis on regeneration, mixed-use projects, and affordable housing sectors suggests a need for strong stakeholder management and understanding of complex planning and regulatory environments, aligning with broader GTM (Go-To-Market) operational considerations for project delivery and client satisfaction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development and management of design throughout the pre-construction phase and continuing through to project completion.
• Ensure projects adhere to the agreed brief, budget, and programme timelines by effectively managing design processes.
• Appoint, manage, and evaluate the performance of external consultants, ensuring design information is produced to a high standard and meets project specifications.
• Collaborate with the Senior/Lead Design Manager and project team members to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of all design milestones.
• Oversee and manage comprehensive design review processes, confirming compliance with Building Regulations, the planning process, and NHBC warranty conditions.
• Manage the successful discharge of all third-party approvals, including planning conditions and building regulations, to avoid project delays.
• Utilize project management tools, such as Viewpoint, to effectively manage project workflows and ensure the delivery of quality design outcomes.
• Maintain and foster strong, collaborative relationships with clients, various stakeholders, and consultants throughout the entire project lifecycle.
• Proactively manage project risks, identifying and implementing solutions for any design-related issues that may arise during the project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for robust process management, risk mitigation, and cross-functional collaboration, which are critical components of effective operations. The emphasis on managing consultants and third-party approvals underscores the importance of clear communication protocols and contract management within an operational framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• HNC/HND or Degree in a construction or design-related field.

Experience:

• Proven experience in managing design for mixed-use regeneration and contracting projects, with a particular focus on the social/affordable housing sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage external consultants, and make critical project decisions.
• Solid understanding of the development and contracting environment, including commercial awareness.
• Experience in managing multiple projects concurrently and balancing competing priorities.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in overseeing and directing design processes from conception to completion.
• Project Delivery: Proven ability to manage design functions within budget and programme constraints.
• Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of Building Regulations, the planning process, and NHBC warranty requirements.
• Consultant Management: Skill in appointing, managing, and evaluating the performance of external design consultants.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to collaborate effectively with clients, internal teams, consultants, and regulatory bodies.
• Problem-Solving: Strong decision-making skills and an innovative approach to resolving design challenges.
• Time Management & Organisation: Excellent multitasking capabilities to manage multiple projects efficiently.

Preferred Skills:

• Membership with a professional body such as CIOB, RIBA, or RICS.
• Experience with project workflow management tools like Viewpoint.
• Advanced negotiation and influencing skills.
• Understanding of financial and legal considerations within the construction industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualification and experience requirements are standard for a Design Manager. The emphasis on "managing design for mixed-use regeneration/contracting projects, especially within the social/affordable housing sectors" points to a need for understanding complex stakeholder landscapes and regulatory frameworks, which is crucial for GTM operations. The mention of professional body membership (CIOB, RIBA, RICS) suggests a leaning towards structured, process-driven environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase at least 3-5 significant mixed-use regeneration or affordable housing projects managed from a design perspective.
• Process Documentation: Examples of design process workflows, including pre-construction planning, consultant engagement, and regulatory approval management.
• System Usage Examples: Demonstrations of how tools like Viewpoint (or similar) were used to manage project workflows, track progress, and ensure design quality.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Case studies detailing complex design challenges encountered and the innovative solutions implemented, highlighting decision-making and risk mitigation.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Optimization: Evidence of contributions to improving design process efficiency, from initial concept to final handover.
• Regulatory Compliance Tracking: Methodologies for ensuring and documenting adherence to Building Regulations, planning conditions, and warranty requirements.
• Consultant Performance Management: Processes for selecting, onboarding, managing, and evaluating external design consultants.
• Cross-functional Collaboration Protocols: Documentation illustrating how design interfaces with other project functions (e.g., commercial, procurement, site delivery).

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio would typically focus on showcasing completed projects and demonstrating the candidate's ability to manage complex design processes. The inclusion of "process documentation" and "system usage examples" suggests an expectation for candidates who can not only execute but also improve operational processes within design management. This aligns with the broader operations focus on efficiency and best practices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers in London with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is £55,000 - £75,000 per annum. This estimate considers the cost of living in London, the company's position as a leading UK housebuilder, and the specified experience level.

Benefits:

• 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, with potential to increase 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 annual salary.
• Share save and share incentive schemes.
• Employee rewards portal with a wide array of additional benefits.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week.
• The company encourages flexible working where possible, and specific requirements can be discussed during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are extensive and typical for a senior role in the UK construction industry. The salary range is an estimate based on common compensation for a Design Manager in a major metropolitan area like London, factoring in the company's profile. The mention of flexible working acknowledges the evolving work environment while emphasizing in-person collaboration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Housebuilding and Property Development. Vistry Group PLC is a leading UK housebuilder operating across England and Wales, known for its commitment to creating sustainable communities. Company Size: Vistry Group PLC is a large, publicly listed company, indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes and extensive resources. This scale suggests opportunities for complex project involvement and potential for career progression within a significant organization. Founded: While the exact founding date of Vistry Group PLC isn't provided, its current structure and market presence indicate a long-standing history in the UK property sector. The company was formed through the merger of Bovis Homes and Linden Homes, with a significant presence in regeneration.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of the Vistry South London team, based in their Stratford office.
• The role involves collaboration with a Senior/Lead Design Manager, suggesting a hierarchical structure within the design function.
• The position requires close interaction with various project teams, including commercial, procurement, and site delivery, highlighting a matrix or cross-functional team environment.
• Reporting lines would likely involve reporting to a Lead Design Manager or Head of Design, with direct management of external consultants.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Vistry emphasizes a commitment to "doing the right thing" through its values of Integrity, Caring, and Quality, suggesting that decisions are guided by ethical considerations and a focus on quality outcomes.
• Process Optimization: The emphasis on managing design through to completion, adhering to budgets and programmes, and using tools like Viewpoint indicates a process-oriented approach to project execution.
• Collaborative Development: The company operates in a partnership-led way and values in-person collaboration, suggesting a culture that encourages teamwork and shared problem-solving.

Company Website: www.vistrygroup.co.uk

📝 Enhancement Note: Vistry Group's positioning as a leading UK housebuilder with a focus on regeneration and affordable housing implies a complex operational environment. The company's values (Integrity, Caring, Quality) suggest a culture that prioritizes ethical conduct and high standards, which is important for understanding how operations are managed and executed. The mention of partnership-led work points to a collaborative operational approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior management level within the design and construction operations spectrum. It requires a blend of technical expertise, project management acumen, and leadership capabilities, serving as a critical link between the conceptual design phase and the practical realities of construction delivery. The responsibilities involve significant autonomy in managing design processes and consultants, indicating a level of trust and responsibility commensurate with experienced professionals.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a Senior/Lead Design Manager, indicating a clear reporting line within the design department's hierarchy. This structure allows for mentorship and oversight, while also providing the manager with the necessary authority to execute their responsibilities effectively. Collaboration with other project leads (commercial, site) will be essential for integrated project delivery.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a pivotal role in influencing project success by ensuring designs are technically sound, compliant, and cost-effective from the outset. Their work directly impacts project timelines, budget adherence, quality of build, and ultimately, customer satisfaction and the company's reputation. Efficient design management is a cornerstone of successful GTM execution in the housebuilding sector, minimizing costly rework and delays.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Opportunity to advance to a Senior Design Manager or Lead Design Manager role, overseeing larger or more complex projects, or managing a team of Design Managers.
• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific project typologies (e.g., large-scale regeneration, high-rise, specific housing types) or gain deeper expertise in areas like sustainable design or construction technology.
• Broader Operational Roles: With strong project execution experience, there may be opportunities to move into broader project management, development management, or even operational leadership roles within Vistry.
• Professional Development: Support for continued professional development, including potential for further certifications or membership in professional bodies, enhancing expertise and career mobility.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within the construction and property development sector. The emphasis on managing complex regeneration projects and the structured reporting lines suggest that Vistry invests in developing its operational talent. The potential for growth into broader operational leadership roles highlights how specialized skills in design management can translate into wider GTM strategy and execution responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Vistry South London office in Stratford, London. This is likely a modern office environment designed to support collaborative work and project coordination. The company emphasizes in-person collaboration and team culture, suggesting a dynamic office setting. Office Location(s): The primary office location is Broadway Chambers, London-Stratford, E15 4QS, UK. This location is well-connected within London, making it accessible for employees.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office serves as a central point for project teams to convene, share information, and make decisions, fostering a strong team dynamic.
• Technology Enabled: Expect access to necessary design and project management software (e.g., Viewpoint) and communication tools to support efficient workflow and collaboration.
• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to interact with project managers, commercial teams, site teams, and other design professionals, facilitating knowledge sharing and integrated project planning.

Work Schedule:

• The standard working week is approximately 40 hours.
• While in-person collaboration is valued, Vistry is committed to supporting flexible working where possible. Candidates are encouraged to discuss specific flexibility requirements during the interview process. This suggests a balance between structured office presence and potential for hybrid arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "in-person collaboration and team culture" suggests that while hybrid working is supported, a significant portion of the role's interaction and decision-making will occur within the office environment. This is typical for roles requiring high levels of coordination and stakeholder management, common in GTM operations for complex projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess suitability against the core requirements.
• First Interview: Likely with a hiring manager (e.g., Senior Design Manager or Head of Design) to discuss your experience, technical skills, and cultural fit. Expect questions about your project management approach, design leadership, and understanding of construction regulations.
• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present examples from your portfolio, showcasing specific projects, your role, challenges faced, and solutions implemented. This is a critical stage for demonstrating your practical experience and problem-solving capabilities.
• Second Interview/Assessment: This might involve a more in-depth discussion, a technical assessment, or an interaction with a wider panel including other department heads. It could include a scenario-based problem-solving exercise related to design management or construction challenges.
• Final Offer: Following successful interviews and assessments.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Project Selection: Choose 3-4 diverse projects that best represent your experience in mixed-use regeneration and affordable housing. Highlight your specific contributions as Design Manager.
• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate: the brief, your role and responsibilities, key design decisions made, challenges encountered (technical, regulatory, stakeholder), solutions you implemented, and the project outcomes (e.g., budget adherence, timeline, quality).
• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate impact – e.g., cost savings achieved through design optimization, reduction in RFI's, successful navigation of complex planning conditions.
• Demonstrate Process Understanding: Show examples of design workflows, how you managed consultants, and how you ensured compliance with Building Regulations and NHBC standards. Mention your experience with tools like Viewpoint.
• Cultural Alignment: Be prepared to discuss how your approach aligns with Vistry's values of Integrity, Caring, and Quality.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions asking how you would handle specific design or construction challenges, e.g., a significant design clash discovered late in the process, a dispute with a consultant, or unexpected planning condition requirements.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Be ready to discuss your understanding and application of Building Regulations, planning policies, and NHBC standards.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Prepare examples of how you have led teams, managed consultants, and collaborated with diverse stakeholders to achieve project goals.
• Commercial Acumen: Be ready to discuss your understanding of the financial and commercial implications of design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical demonstration of skills through a portfolio. For operations roles, showcasing process improvement, efficient workflow management, and successful stakeholder navigation is key. The advice focuses on translating a candidate's experience into tangible evidence of operational effectiveness and problem-solving capabilities relevant to construction GTM.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Viewpoint: Explicitly mentioned for managing project workflows and ensuring quality design outcomes. Proficiency in this or similar integrated project management software is essential.
• CAD Software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit): While not explicitly stated, familiarity with industry-standard CAD and BIM software is generally expected for design management roles to understand and review technical drawings.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard for reporting, documentation, and communication (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and interpret reports from project management software (like Viewpoint) to track design progress, budget adherence, and risk status.
• Data Analysis for Decision Making: Using project data to inform design decisions and identify areas for process improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• Stakeholder Relationship Management: While not a traditional CRM, managing relationships with clients, consultants, and internal teams is a core aspect.
• Workflow Automation: Experience with tools that automate repetitive tasks within the design and approval process, or identifying opportunities for such automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Viewpoint is a critical piece of information for candidates. For operations roles, demonstrating proficiency with specific project management and workflow tools is often a prerequisite. The inclusion of CAD/BIM software as a likely expectation, even if unstated, is important for a comprehensive understanding of the technical environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding honesty and ethical conduct in all design decisions, dealings with consultants, and reporting to stakeholders. This translates to transparent communication and fair practices.
• Caring: Demonstrating consideration for project outcomes, team well-being, and the impact of developments on communities. This includes a focus on safety, quality of life, and sustainable practices.
• Quality: A commitment to high standards in design, execution, and project delivery, ensuring compliance with regulations and client expectations. This drives a focus on meticulous review and continuous improvement.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Led: Vistry works in a partnership-led way, expecting Design Managers to foster strong collaborative relationships with internal teams (commercial, site), external consultants, and clients.
• In-Person Emphasis: While flexible working is supported, the company values in-person collaboration, suggesting a culture that thrives on direct interaction, brainstorming, and team problem-solving within the office environment.
• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless integration with other project functions, ensuring design considerations are aligned with commercial viability, construction feasibility, and programme delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values (Integrity, Caring, Quality) provide a framework for understanding expectations regarding professional conduct and operational focus. The emphasis on "in-person collaboration" signals a preference for a hands-on, team-oriented operational environment, crucial for roles that involve complex coordination and stakeholder management in construction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and demands of clients, regulatory bodies, internal teams, and community groups on regeneration projects.
• Navigating Evolving Regulations: Keeping abreast of changes in Building Regulations, planning policies, and warranty standards and ensuring designs remain compliant.
• Mitigating Design-Related Risks: Proactively identifying and resolving design issues that can lead to cost overruns, programme delays, or quality defects.
• Driving Innovation within Constraints: Implementing creative design solutions while adhering to strict budget, programme, and regulatory limitations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Management Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge design management methodologies and best practices within the UK housebuilding sector.
• Project Leadership Skills: Developing skills in leading multi-disciplinary teams, managing complex negotiations, and influencing project strategy.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience across a diverse range of regeneration projects, broadening expertise in different housing types and development scales.
• Professional Accreditation Support: Potential support for maintaining or achieving professional body memberships (CIOB, RIBA, RICS), fostering continuous learning and career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: These challenges are inherent to complex construction projects and offer significant opportunities for professional development. For operations professionals, overcoming these challenges often involves refining process efficiency, improving communication protocols, and enhancing risk management strategies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Strategy & Methodology: "Describe your approach to leading design on a complex mixed-use regeneration project from pre-construction through to completion. How do you ensure alignment with budget and programme?"
  • Preparation: Outline your phased approach, detailing key milestones, decision points, and how you integrate commercial and site constraints into the design process. Emphasize proactive planning and risk assessment.
• Stakeholder Management & Collaboration: "How do you manage relationships with external consultants and diverse stakeholders, such as planning authorities and community groups? Provide an example of a time you had to negotiate or influence a critical decision."
  • Preparation: Prepare a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) example that showcases your communication, negotiation, and influencing skills. Highlight your understanding of Vistry's collaborative approach.
• Problem-Solving & Risk Management: "Describe a significant design challenge you encountered on a past project. What steps did you take to identify the root cause, develop solutions, and implement them? How did you manage the associated risks?"
  • Preparation: Select a case study that demonstrates your analytical skills, decision-making ability, and proactive risk mitigation. Focus on the process you followed and the positive outcome.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Vistry's values of Integrity, Caring, and Quality resonate with your professional approach?"
  • Preparation: Research Vistry's recent projects and news to understand how these values are demonstrated. Connect your own experiences and work ethic to these principles.
• "What is your understanding of our approach to flexible working, and how do you see yourself contributing to team culture in a hybrid environment?"
  • Preparation: Acknowledge the value of in-person collaboration while expressing your ability to maintain productivity and team cohesion in a hybrid setup.
• "How do you ensure the design process contributes to the overall commercial success and quality of a development project?"
  • Preparation: Discuss how design decisions impact cost, programme, buildability, and end-user satisfaction, linking your role to Vistry's business objectives.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each project, aim for a 5-7 minute overview. Start with the project's context and your specific role, then delve into 1-2 key challenges and your solutions, concluding with the project's success and lessons learned.
• Visual Aids: Use clear, professional slides with site plans, renderings, key process diagrams, and relevant metrics. Avoid overly dense text.
• Focus on Process & Impact: Emphasize how you managed the design process, how you ensured compliance, and the impact of your decisions on project outcomes (budget, timeline, quality, stakeholder satisfaction).
• Tool Integration: Specifically mention how you used tools like Viewpoint to manage workflows, track progress, and collaborate.
• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your projects, your decision-making process, and your understanding of construction operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice is tailored to highlight the operational aspects of design management – process, problem-solving, stakeholder management, and impact measurement. The emphasis on using specific tools and demonstrating alignment with company values is crucial for operations candidates.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Vistry Group careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature 3-4 mixed-use regeneration or affordable housing projects. For each, clearly articulate your role, key design decisions, challenges faced (e.g., regulatory hurdles, technical issues), solutions implemented, and project outcomes. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords such as "Design Management," "Regeneration Projects," "Building Regulations," "NHBC Warranty," "Project Workflow Management," "Consultant Management," and "Stakeholder Engagement." Emphasize your experience in managing design within budget and programme constraints.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio using the STAR method for behavioural questions. Be ready to discuss your experience with specific tools like Viewpoint and articulate how your approach aligns with Vistry's values of Integrity, Caring, and Quality. Prepare examples of problem-solving and leadership.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Vistry Group PLC, its recent projects, its approach to sustainability, and its company culture. Understand their market position and operational focus in the UK housebuilding sector.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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