Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: United Infrastructure

Location: Loughton, London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design & Technical Management (Infrastructure)

Date Posted: 2026-03-20

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage all design and technical aspects of critical infrastructure projects, from initial concept through to construction completion, ensuring alignment with project objectives.

• Lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams, including external consultants and subcontractors, to ensure seamless integration and timely delivery of project designs.

• Drive cost-effectiveness and buildability within designs, actively identifying value engineering opportunities and mitigating risks to maximize revenue generation and project success.

• Ensure all designs rigorously comply with United Infrastructure's requirements, current UK regulations, safety standards, and building legislation, including CDM and Building Safety Act duties.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager within the infrastructure sector, specifically focusing on Utility and Social Infrastructure projects. The responsibilities indicate a need for strong technical oversight, project management acumen, and a deep understanding of UK construction regulations and design processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Ensure comprehensive design coordination, confirming adherence to United Infrastructure standards and all relevant regulations to secure necessary approvals and enable on-site commencement as per program.

• Lead technical design processes and manage design teams and subcontractors throughout the design, procurement, and construction phases, meticulously monitoring progress against time and budget targets.

• Execute technical design management for schemes, ensuring company targets are met and maximizing revenue through cost-effective, buildable, and high-quality design solutions.

• Review and contribute to bid processes by undertaking technical appraisals of design information, assessing design requirements, compliance, consultant fee estimations, and developing detailed design programs.

• Evaluate the quality of received design information, identify value engineering opportunities, assess risks, consolidate consultant costs, and prepare contractor proposals.

• Review and endorse Employer’s Requirements (ER) technical specifications, ensuring they meet project and company standards.

• Develop, control, and manage project-specific design programs, providing regular progress reports to stakeholders.

• Produce detailed project-specific design scopes and manage the procurement of consultant and subcontractor designers, including competency assessments.

• Monitor and manage consultant fees and invoicing, ensuring financial adherence to project budgets.

• Fulfill the statutory duties of the CDM Principal Designer role, ensuring safety and compliance throughout the design lifecycle.

• Act as the Building Regulations Principal Design role and named Designated Individual, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

• Conduct thorough reviews and interrogations of consultant and subcontractor designs to ensure compliance with legislation, system literature, planning consent, buildability, completeness, presentation, best value, accuracy, and risk elimination.

• Review and assess alternative build methods and construction practices to promote innovation and efficiency.

• Manage and coordinate external consultants in their day-to-day duties, ensuring delivery within time, quality, budget, and technical constraints.

• Ensure designs comply with company standards and promote designs that respect budgetary constraints.

• Organize and manage technical coordination workshops, package reviews, and design team meetings.

• Ensure full coordination of all building design aspects, including fire safety, structures, M&E, facades, internal specifications, and maintenance strategies.

• Deliver complete, correct, and coordinated design packages to Commercial and Construction teams.

• Establish the required scoping for necessary survey and investigative works.

• Manage subcontractor and supplier design approvals, ensuring timely turnaround and maintaining a tracker in line with the program.

• Manage the flow of information to Commercial, Operations, and Client teams.

• Update and coordinate monthly design schedules and chair design package presentations.

• Review and coordinate design and technical issues with Commercial and Operations teams.

• Monitor and manage changes from the Client, design consultants, subcontractors, and proposed construction team changes, including managing the change control process for variations.

• Collate all required information and liaise with Planning Authorities and Building Control for submissions and approvals.

• Oversee document control for design and technical information, ensuring efficient workflows on the document management system and adherence to company protocols.

• Undertake site visits as required, attend site meetings, and monitor work executed on site for design compliance.

• Manage, investigate, and respond promptly to Requests for Information (RFIs) from site teams and subcontractors, ensuring full close-out.

• Review and advise on corrective measures for identified design issues.

• Monitor and obtain all critical certificates for completion and handover documentation.

• Oversee and participate in the collation of handover information, including golden thread, H&S files, O&M manuals, and resident packs.

• At all times, comply with company policies, procedures, and instructions, including health, safety, and environmental policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are extensive and cover the full project lifecycle from pre-construction to handover. Emphasis is placed on regulatory compliance (CDM, Building Safety Act), stakeholder management (internal teams, consultants, subcontractors, clients, authorities), and rigorous process management (document control, change control, RFI management).

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Minimum Level 4 (HNC/NVQ4 etc.) Architectural qualification, or equivalent design, technical, and/or construction-based qualification. Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., CIOB, CIAT, or RICS) is desirable.

Experience: Proven track record of successfully managing all aspects of the design and technical process in relation to residential buildings, with specific experience in high-rise developments. Understanding of the building safety legislative framework, including the Building Safety Act and Building Regulations (dutyholder roles & competency requirements). Experience in designer scoping and managing design programmes is essential. Desirable experience includes contractual requirements, section agreements, utility application processes, PAS9980 fire risk assessments, EWS1s, FRAEW, and temporary works.

Required Skills:

• Thorough and proactive management style with the capability to lead and coordinate across a wider team.

• Ability to prioritize, delegate effectively, negotiate, motivate, and communicate to influence others and achieve objectives.

• Analytical approach to work with a keen eye for detail.

• Leadership skills including assertiveness, decisiveness, flexibility, effective time management, organization, and the ability to work well under pressure and to strict deadlines.

• Ability to review drawings and identify buildability and technical issues.

• Effective people management of direct reports, including goal setting, performance management, giving feedback, direction, support, and coaching.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• Effective communication with all levels of management and project teams, both internal and external.

• Up-to-date relevant construction industry knowledge, including legislation and procedures.

• Valid driving license.

• Knowledge of methodology and sequencing processes in delivering a construction project, including design and pre-construction activities.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Understanding of the building safety legislative framework and dutyholder roles.

Preferred Skills:

• Passion for construction and customer satisfaction, with a focus on high standards and excellence.

• Proven track record of managing design requirements for procurement and construction purposes.

• In-depth knowledge of contractual requirements, section agreements, and utility application processes.

• Tenacious and driven.

• Strong practical knowledge of construction work types, methods, and design solutions.

• Experience with CAD (AutoCAD or Revit).

• Knowledge and understanding of BIM.

• Knowledge of PAS9980 fire risk assessments, EWS1s, and FRAEW.

• Temporary works knowledge and experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical experience and a strong understanding of UK construction regulations, particularly concerning building safety and design compliance. The mix of essential and desirable skills suggests a need for both broad industry knowledge and specific technical expertise in areas like BIM and fire safety assessments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of successfully managed design processes for large-scale residential or infrastructure projects, showcasing end-to-end project lifecycle involvement.

• Case studies detailing the identification and implementation of value engineering initiatives, clearly articulating cost savings and efficiency improvements achieved.

• Documentation of design risk assessments and mitigation strategies, illustrating how potential project risks were proactively managed.

• Examples of effective consultant and subcontractor management, including procurement processes, performance monitoring, and dispute resolution.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of developed and managed project-specific design programs, including progress reporting mechanisms and adaptation strategies for schedule changes.

• Documentation of design coordination processes, illustrating how multi-disciplinary designs were integrated and conflicts resolved.

• Records of design review and interrogation processes, demonstrating a rigorous approach to assessing compliance, buildability, and technical accuracy.

• Examples of change control processes, showcasing how variations to design, program, and costs were managed and communicated.

• Documentation of handover processes, including the collation of H&S files, O&M manuals, and golden thread information.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio for this role should showcase practical application of design management principles, with a strong emphasis on process, compliance, risk management, and stakeholder coordination. Case studies demonstrating quantifiable results (cost savings, schedule adherence, risk mitigation) will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Design Manager in London with 5-10 years of experience in infrastructure and construction, the estimated salary range is between £65,000 - £85,000 per annum. This range accounts for the complexity of the role, the required expertise, and the cost of living in the London area.

Benefits:

• Competitive annual leave allowance.

• Comprehensive private medical insurance, including access to specialists.

• Company pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Life assurance policy.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and further qualifications.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Access to company vehicle or car allowance, given the requirement for site visits and a valid driving license.

• Employee assistance program offering confidential support services.

Working Hours: Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, given the demands of project delivery and site-based responsibilities, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and attend necessary meetings or site visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: A specific salary range has been estimated for this role in London, considering the experience level and industry. The benefits package is typical for a senior role in the UK construction sector, emphasizing health, financial security, and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: United Infrastructure operates within the critical infrastructure sector, focusing on Utility Infrastructure (water, energy, power, telecoms) and Social Infrastructure (residential retrofit, refurbishment, maintenance). This requires a strong emphasis on project delivery, safety, and compliance.

Company Size: United Infrastructure is described as a "dynamic and rapidly expanding business." While an exact employee count isn't provided, this suggests a growing organization with evolving processes and opportunities for impact. For operations professionals, this can mean a fast-paced environment with the potential to shape processes and contribute to scaling efforts.

Founded: The company's founding date is not specified, but its rebranding from United Living to United Infrastructure indicates a strategic evolution and growth trajectory. This suggests a company with established roots that is investing in future expansion and market positioning.

Team Structure:

• The Design Management function likely operates as a critical support team, working closely with Project Management, Commercial, Operations, and Construction teams.

• Reporting structures would typically involve a Head of Design or Director of Technical Services overseeing multiple Senior Design Managers, who in turn manage project-specific design teams and external consultants.

Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are crucial for design appraisals, value engineering, and risk assessment, ensuring decisions are informed by evidence.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are applied through structured design programs, coordination workshops, and process improvements for information management.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged through the use of BIM, CAD software, and document management systems to streamline design processes and information flow.

Company Website: https://www.uig.net/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on infrastructure and its expanding nature suggest a culture that values robust processes, technical expertise, and efficient project delivery. The rebranding implies a forward-looking approach, potentially offering opportunities for individuals to contribute to shaping the company's future.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior management level, requiring significant experience and a proven track record in design and technical management within the construction and infrastructure sectors. The scope of responsibility includes full oversight of design aspects for projects, managing teams, and ensuring compliance with complex regulations.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Design or Technical Director within United Infrastructure. They will manage a team of designers, consultants, and potentially junior design managers on a project-by-project basis. Close collaboration with Project Managers, Commercial Managers, and Site Operations will be essential.

Operations Impact: The Senior Design Manager has a direct and significant impact on project success by ensuring designs are compliant, cost-effective, buildable, and delivered on time. Their role is critical in mitigating project risks, optimizing project value, and ensuring the final product meets all stakeholder requirements and regulatory standards. This directly influences project profitability and the company's reputation for delivering quality infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as advanced BIM implementation, complex regulatory compliance (e.g., Building Safety Act nuances), or specialized infrastructure design segments.

• Leadership Development: Potential to progress into roles like Head of Design, Technical Director, or Program Director, managing larger teams and broader project portfolios.

• Strategic Contribution: Involvement in developing and refining design management strategies, processes, and standards for the entire organization as it continues to expand.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within the technical and design management functions of a growing infrastructure company. The emphasis on senior responsibilities and strategic input suggests opportunities for significant professional growth and leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Loughton, London, indicating a primary office-based environment with significant requirements for site visits. This suggests a blend of office work for planning, coordination, and administrative tasks, and on-site presence for project oversight, team engagement, and issue resolution.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Loughton, London. This offers access to the London metropolitan area and surrounding regions where United Infrastructure undertakes its utility and social infrastructure projects. Proximity to major transport links would be beneficial for site travel.

Workspace Context:

• The office workspace likely supports collaborative activities, including design coordination workshops, team meetings, and project reviews. Access to necessary IT infrastructure, design software, and communication tools is expected.

• Technology will include standard office productivity suites, robust project management software, and specialized design tools like AutoCAD and Revit, with potential exposure to BIM platforms and document management systems.

• Opportunities for interaction with design teams, project managers, commercial staff, and potentially clients will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, the nature of construction projects often necessitates flexibility to attend to urgent site issues, client meetings, or critical deadlines. This may involve occasional extended hours or weekend work, particularly during crucial project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role, coupled with the requirement for site visits, implies a dynamic work environment that balances office-based strategic work with practical, on-the-ground project oversight.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CVs and applications, with a focus on relevant experience in infrastructure design management, regulatory compliance, and team leadership.

• First Interview: Typically with an HR representative and/or a hiring manager, focusing on behavioral questions, career history, and initial assessment of suitability. Preparation should include examples demonstrating leadership, problem-solving, and technical acumen.

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: This stage will likely involve a deep dive into the candidate's portfolio. Expect to present and discuss specific projects, detailing your role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and outcomes achieved. Be prepared to discuss design coordination processes, value engineering, risk management, and compliance strategies.

• Final Interview: May involve a panel interview with senior leadership, focusing on strategic thinking, cultural fit, and long-term vision for design management within United Infrastructure.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in high-rise residential or infrastructure development, highlighting your role as Senior Design Manager.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your contributions and their impact using metrics (e.g., cost savings from value engineering, schedule adherence, reduction in RFI’s, successful regulatory approvals).

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your approach to design coordination, team management, risk assessment, and compliance. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Highlight Regulatory Expertise: Showcase your understanding and application of CDM, Building Safety Act, and other relevant UK construction legislation.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle conflict, and your strategies for motivating teams and managing consultants.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design challenge or a problem from a past project and asked to outline your approach to resolving it, including technical considerations, stakeholder engagement, and process steps.

• Process Improvement Task: Be ready to discuss how you would improve a specific design process within United Infrastructure, focusing on efficiency, compliance, or collaboration.

• Regulatory Compliance Question: Questions may test your knowledge of specific aspects of the Building Safety Act or CDM regulations and how you would ensure compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate practical experience and technical knowledge related to infrastructure design management and UK construction regulations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD is essential, with Revit experience being highly desirable for BIM integration and 3D modeling.

• BIM Software: Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modeling) principles and software such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or similar platforms is increasingly important for integrated design and collaboration.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems like Aconex, Procore, or company-specific platforms for managing project documentation, drawings, and information flow.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for developing and tracking design programs.

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in using spreadsheets (Excel) for data analysis, cost tracking, and reporting is fundamental.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create and interpret reports from project management and document control systems to provide clear progress updates.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Collaboration Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and potentially collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams or Slack for internal communication and coordination.

• ERP/Financial Systems: Familiarity with how design costs integrate into broader financial and enterprise resource planning systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes core design and project management tools. The increasing importance of BIM suggests that candidates with Revit and broader BIM knowledge will have a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in the infrastructure sector, ensuring all design decisions prioritize health and safety for workers and end-users. This translates to rigorous compliance with CDM and Building Safety Act.

• Integrity and Compliance: Operating with honesty and adhering strictly to all regulations, company policies, and ethical standards in all design and management activities.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a culture where open communication and mutual support among design teams, consultants, and other project stakeholders are encouraged.

• Innovation and Efficiency: Continuously seeking better, more cost-effective, and buildable design solutions, leveraging new technologies and methodologies to improve project delivery.

• Customer Focus: Delivering high-quality infrastructure that meets the needs of clients and end-users, ensuring satisfaction through thoughtful design and execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and Integrated: Encouraging early and continuous collaboration across all project disciplines to resolve issues efficiently and prevent costly downstream problems.

• Open Communication: Maintaining transparent communication channels with internal teams, external consultants, and clients, ensuring all parties are informed and aligned.

• Constructive Feedback: Creating an environment where feedback on designs and processes is welcomed and used for continuous improvement, fostering a learning culture.

• Problem-Solving Oriented: A collaborative approach to tackling challenges, bringing together diverse perspectives to find the most effective solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely emphasizes a strong commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient project delivery, underpinned by collaborative teamwork and a drive for continuous improvement in design processes and outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulations: Keeping abreast of and ensuring compliance with evolving UK construction legislation, particularly the Building Safety Act and its implications for dutyholder roles and designer competence.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively coordinating and managing the expectations of various internal teams (Commercial, Operations, Construction), external consultants, subcontractors, clients, and regulatory bodies.

• Balancing Project Constraints: Successfully integrating design requirements with strict budget limitations, tight program schedules, and site-specific constraints while maintaining quality and safety standards.

• Driving Design Innovation: Encouraging and implementing new design methods, materials, or technologies within a traditional industry, potentially facing resistance to change.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to undertake advanced training in BIM, specific construction techniques, fire safety engineering, or legal/regulatory compliance.

• Professional Body Engagement: Support for membership and continued professional development (CPD) with relevant professional bodies like CIOB, CIAT, or RICS.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Potential to be mentored by senior industry professionals and to mentor junior design managers, developing leadership capabilities.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of utility and social infrastructure projects provides broad experience and deepens technical knowledge across different project types and complexities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant professional challenges, particularly concerning regulatory compliance and stakeholder management. However, these challenges are coupled with substantial growth opportunities for individuals seeking to advance their careers in design and technical leadership within the infrastructure sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design process for a large-scale residential development, from inception to site handover. How do you ensure compliance with the Building Safety Act and CDM regulations?" (Focus on: structured process, regulatory knowledge, stakeholder management, risk mitigation)

• "How do you foster collaboration between design teams, consultants, and site operations to ensure buildability and address technical queries efficiently?" (Focus on: communication strategies, conflict resolution, proactive engagement, RFI management)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about United Infrastructure and our work in utility and social infrastructure?" (Focus on: company research, understanding of their market, alignment with company values)

• "How do you ensure your design team upholds the company's commitment to health and safety and quality?" (Focus on: leadership style, process for instilling values, performance management)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 projects that best highlight your experience in high-rise residential or complex infrastructure, demonstrating your role and impact as a Senior Design Manager.

• Structure: For each project, clearly outline: Project scope and challenges, Your specific responsibilities and approach, Key design decisions and their rationale, How you managed consultants/teams, Solutions to technical or regulatory issues, Achieved outcomes (cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements).

• Visual Aids: Use drawings, diagrams, or photos where appropriate to illustrate design concepts, coordination issues, or site progress.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story about your involvement, emphasizing problem-solving, leadership, and your ability to deliver successful outcomes. Be prepared to discuss the business impact of your decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of design management principles, UK construction regulations, and the ability to articulate practical experience through project-specific examples. The portfolio is a critical component and should be presented strategically.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the link provided on the Smart Recruiters platform.

• Tailor your CV: Ensure your resume highlights specific experience in infrastructure design management, residential projects, regulatory compliance (CDM, Building Safety Act), team leadership, and budget/programme management. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that showcase your end-to-end design management capabilities, focusing on challenges, solutions, and outcomes. Be ready to present these in detail.

• Research United Infrastructure: Familiarize yourself with their projects, values, and recent news (including their rebranding to United Infrastructure) to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

• Practice your interview responses: Prepare for behavioral, technical, and situational questions, particularly those related to design strategy, stakeholder management, and regulatory compliance. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

⚠️ 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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