Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: United Infrastructure

Location: Loughton, London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations - Construction Design & Technical Management

Date Posted: March 31, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage all design and technical aspects of critical infrastructure projects, ensuring strict adherence to budget and program timelines.

• Lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams, including external consultants and subcontractors, throughout the project lifecycle from design through to construction.

• Drive the technical design process to maximize revenue generation through cost-effective, buildable, and compliant design solutions.

• Ensure all designs meet United Infrastructure's stringent requirements, current regulations, and safety standards, facilitating timely project approvals and site commencements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is deeply embedded within the operational execution of construction projects, focusing on the critical interface between design intent and site reality. The Senior Design Manager acts as a key facilitator for GTM (Go-to-Market) success by ensuring that projects are designed for efficient delivery and profitability. Success in this role hinges on robust process management, stakeholder alignment, and a deep understanding of construction methodologies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Strategy & Oversight: Ensure comprehensive coordination of all design elements, verifying compliance with United Infrastructure's standards, relevant regulations, and safety protocols to enable smooth site initiation and project progression.

• Team & Consultant Management: Lead technical and design processes, manage design teams and subcontractors, and monitor progress to guarantee timely and budget-compliant project delivery.

• Technical Design Management: Manage the technical design of schemes in alignment with agreed programs, focusing on meeting company targets and optimizing revenue through high-quality, cost-efficient, and buildable designs.

• Bid & Tender Support: Review and contribute to allocated bids by performing technical appraisals of design information, assessing design requirements, compliance, consultant fee estimations, and developing detailed design programs.

• Value Engineering & Risk Mitigation: Evaluate the quality of received information, identify opportunities for value engineering, assess risks, consolidate consultant costs, and prepare contractor proposals.

• Scope & Procurement: Define project-specific design scopes, procure consultant and subcontractor designers, and assess their competency based on submitted questionnaires and supporting evidence.

• Program & Reporting: Produce, develop, control, and manage project-specific design programs, providing regular progress reports to stakeholders.

• Regulatory Compliance: Fulfill the CDM Principal Designer role and Building Regulations Principal Design role, being named as the Designated Individual.

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

• Alternative Methods Assessment: Review and assess alternative construction methods and practices to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Coordination Workshops: Organize and manage regular technical coordination workshops, package reviews, and design team meetings to foster collaboration and problem-solving.

• Package Issuance: Ensure fully complete, correct, and coordinated design packages are issued to Commercial and Construction teams for seamless execution.

• Information Flow Management: Manage the flow of design and technical information to Commercial, Operations, and Client teams, ensuring clear and timely communication.

• Change Management: Oversee the change control process for variations in drawing revisions, construction programs, and costs, ensuring all modifications are properly documented and approved.

• Approvals & Submissions: Collate all required information and liaise with Planning Authorities and Building Control for timely submissions and to obtain necessary approvals.

• Document Control: Oversee document control processes, including registration, distribution, and workflow management of design and technical information on the document management system.

• Site Verification: Conduct site visits and attend site meetings to monitor work execution against design benchmarks and specifications, and manage the processing of RFIs (Requests for Information) from site teams and subcontractors.

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

• Health & Safety: Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and the group's health, safety, and environmental policy, championing world-class health and safety standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder alignment, which are critical for successful revenue generation and operational efficiency in the construction sector. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a deep understanding of construction project lifecycles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Minimum Level 4 qualification (HNC/NVQ4 or equivalent) in a design, technical, or construction-based discipline is desirable.

Experience:

• Proven track record of successfully managing all aspects of the design and technical process for residential buildings.

• High-rise development experience is essential.

• Experience in designer scoping and managing consultant fees.

• Experience producing and managing design programs.

Required Skills:

• Leadership & Management: Pro-active management style, capability to lead and coordinate with a wider team, effective delegation, negotiation, motivation, and influencing skills. People management of direct reports including goal setting, performance management, feedback, direction, support, and coaching.

• Technical Expertise: Strong technical knowledge and skillset to assess, challenge, and monitor design work compliance. Ability to review drawings and identify buildability and technical issues. Knowledge of methodology and sequencing in delivering construction projects, including design and pre-construction activities.

• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Analytical approach to work with a keen eye for detail. Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

• Communication: Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with all levels of management and project teams, both internal and external.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of the building safety legislative framework, including the Building Safety Act, Building Regulations (dutyholder roles & competency requirements), and the HRB Procedure Regulations.

• Time Management: Excellent organizational skills, effective at leading/participating in meetings, ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

• Process Orientation: Thorough understanding of design and pre-construction activities, including sequencing and methodology.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Advanced Software Proficiency: Experience with CAD software (AutoCAD or Revit). Knowledge and understanding of BIM (Building Information Modelling).

• Specialized Knowledge: Knowledge of PAS9980 fire risk assessments, EWS1s, and FRAEW. Temporary works knowledge and experience.

• Customer Focus: Passionate about construction and customer satisfaction, with a focus on high standards and excellence.

• Procurement Experience: Proven track record of design requirements for procurement and construction purposes.

• Driving License: Valid driving license.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of leadership, technical acumen, and regulatory understanding, crucial for managing complex construction designs and ensuring operational success. The emphasis on high-rise development and building safety legislation points to a need for specialized, high-stakes operational execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Detailed examples of residential building projects managed from a design and technical perspective, showcasing your role in ensuring budget and program delivery.

• Design Coordination Examples: Demonstrations of how you have coordinated complex designs involving multiple disciplines (structural, M&E, facades, etc.) and ensured integration.

• Risk & Value Engineering: Case studies illustrating your ability to identify and mitigate design risks and implement value engineering solutions, with quantifiable outcomes.

• Regulatory Compliance Documentation: Evidence of managing and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals (e.g., Building Control, Planning Authorities), including examples of fulfilled Principal Designer roles.

Process Documentation:

• Design Program Management: Examples of project-specific design programs you have developed, managed, and reported on, highlighting your ability to control timelines and resources.

• Workflow & Information Management: Demonstrations of your process for managing the flow of design information, including experience with document control systems and workflows.

• Change Management Protocols: Examples of your process for managing design changes, variations, and RFIs, including how you track and communicate impacts on program and cost.

• Consultant & Subcontractor Management: Documentation showcasing your process for scoping, procuring, and managing external consultants and subcontractor designers, including competency assessments and fee management.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of design management processes, risk mitigation strategies, and regulatory compliance is essential. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their methodologies for coordinating complex projects and managing design-related financial and time constraints, reflecting a robust operational framework.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in London's construction sector, the estimated salary range is £70,000 - £95,000 per annum. This estimate considers the role's seniority, responsibility for high-rise developments, and the specific requirements related to building safety legislation.

• Methodology: This estimate is derived from analysis of comparable roles in the UK construction market, factoring in location (London), experience level (10+ years), and the specialized technical and leadership demands of the position. Data sources include industry salary surveys, recruitment agency reports, and publicly available compensation data for similar roles in the region.

Benefits:

• Pension Scheme: Comprehensive company pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Health & Well-being: Private medical insurance, potentially including access to wellness programs and mental health support.

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave allowance, in addition to public holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous professional development, including funding for relevant courses, certifications, and professional body memberships.

• Company Vehicle/Allowance: Provision of a company car or car allowance, given the need for site visits and travel.

• Life Assurance: Company-paid life assurance cover.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-related bonuses linked to project success and company profitability.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• Some flexibility may be expected to meet project deadlines and attend critical site meetings or events, particularly during peak construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range reflects the critical nature of the Senior Design Manager role in ensuring project success, profitability, and compliance within a highly regulated industry. The benefits package is designed to support the well-being and professional growth of experienced professionals in demanding roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: United Infrastructure operates within the Utilities and Social Infrastructure sectors of the UK construction market. This involves designing, building, and maintaining critical networks for water, energy, and telecommunications, as well as undertaking retrofit, refurbishment, and maintenance projects for homes and communities. The industry is characterized by high regulatory scrutiny, a focus on safety, and the need for efficient project delivery to meet client demands and profitability targets.

Company Size: United Infrastructure is a rapidly expanding business, indicating a dynamic and evolving work environment. As a growing company, opportunities for influence and career advancement may be more prevalent, but it also suggests a need for adaptable processes and individuals who can contribute to shaping operational frameworks.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, the company's rebranding from "United Living" to "United Infrastructure" signifies a strategic evolution and a commitment to growth and expanded capabilities in critical infrastructure projects. This suggests a company with a history but a forward-looking vision.

Team Structure:

• Operations-Focused: The Senior Design Manager will likely be part of a larger operations or project delivery division, working closely with project managers, commercial teams, construction leads, and site engineers.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role necessitates extensive collaboration with various internal departments (e.g., Commercial, Operations, Construction) and external stakeholders (clients, consultants, subcontractors, regulatory bodies).

• Reporting: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a senior operations director or head of design, with direct management responsibility for a team of designers and technical staff.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using project data, technical assessments, and financial reports to inform design decisions and ensure compliance with targets.

• Process Optimization: Continuous focus on refining design and technical processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance buildability.

• Risk Management: Proactive identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks throughout the design and pre-construction phases.

• Quality Assurance: Strict adherence to company standards and regulatory requirements to ensure the highest quality of design output.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: United Infrastructure's focus on critical infrastructure and its growth trajectory suggest a company that values operational excellence, technical expertise, and a commitment to delivering complex projects reliably. The culture likely balances the need for rigorous process adherence with the agility required for a rapidly expanding organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior Management level within the operations function. It requires significant autonomy, strategic input, and the ability to manage complex, high-stakes projects independently. The responsibilities span from detailed technical oversight to strategic bid input and regulatory compliance, indicating a role that bridges tactical execution with operational strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Director-level position within the operations or project delivery hierarchy (e.g., Head of Design, Operations Director). They will have direct reports, including design engineers, technicians, and potentially junior design managers. This structure allows for clear lines of responsibility and strategic alignment.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on revenue and profitability. The quality, cost-effectiveness, and buildability of the design directly influence project costs, construction timelines, and the ability to secure new business through competitive bids. Effective design management minimizes project delays, reduces rework, and ensures client satisfaction, all of which are critical for sustained revenue growth and operational success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into more senior operational leadership roles, such as Head of Design, Technical Director, or Operations Director, overseeing larger teams and broader project portfolios.

• Specialization & Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of infrastructure design, building safety regulations, or advanced construction methodologies (e.g., BIM, modular construction).

• Strategic Input: Involvement in developing long-term design strategies, process improvements, and innovation initiatives for the company's infrastructure projects.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior design staff and contribute to the development of the company's talent pool.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior Design Manager role offers a clear path for career progression within the operations and project delivery functions of a growing infrastructure company. The emphasis on strategic impact and specialized knowledge development makes it an attractive position for experienced professionals looking to advance their careers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at the Loughton, London office. This suggests a professional office environment that likely accommodates design studios, project management teams, and administrative functions.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Loughton, London. This location offers access to transport links within the Greater London area, facilitating commuting for employees and potentially client/site visits.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is expected to foster collaboration among design teams, project managers, commercial staff, and other operational functions. Regular meetings, workshops, and informal discussions are likely integral to the daily workflow.

• Technical Resources: Access to necessary design software (CAD, BIM), document management systems, and communication tools will be provided to support the technical and administrative demands of the role.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with a dedicated team of designers, engineers, and project professionals, promoting knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. While the role is primarily office-based, the nature of construction projects may occasionally require flexibility to attend site meetings, respond to urgent queries, or meet critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site work environment in Loughton, London, is designed to support the collaborative and technically demanding nature of design management within the construction sector. It emphasizes direct team interaction and access to essential resources for efficient project execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess your relevant experience, qualifications, and alignment with the core requirements, particularly regarding residential construction, high-rise experience, and building safety knowledge.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior operations or design leader) to explore your leadership style, technical expertise, problem-solving approach, and experience with design management processes. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your career.

3. Technical/Portfolio Review: A session dedicated to reviewing your portfolio. You will be expected to present 1-2 key projects, detailing your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the impact on budget, program, and quality. Focus on demonstrating your understanding of buildability, compliance, and value engineering.

4. Team/Stakeholder Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential peers and key stakeholders (e.g., Project Managers, Commercial Leads) to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and your ability to communicate effectively across different functions. You may be asked situational questions related to team management and cross-functional challenges.

5. Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with a senior executive to confirm suitability and discuss overall strategic alignment and long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the objective, your specific role and responsibilities, the key challenges (technical, regulatory, budget, program), your implemented solutions, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, time efficiencies, compliance achieved).

• Highlight Operations Impact: Emphasize how your design management decisions directly contributed to project success, profitability, and risk mitigation. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Showcase Technical Rigor: Include examples of design reviews, coordination efforts, problem-solving for buildability issues, and adherence to complex regulations like CDM and Building Safety Act requirements.

• Demonstrate Leadership & Communication: Use examples to show how you managed teams, motivated consultants, and communicated effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Focus on Residential & High-Rise: Tailor your examples to showcase experience directly relevant to the role's core requirements, especially high-rise residential projects.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your decision-making process, how you handled specific design conflicts, and your approach to managing change.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design challenge for a residential project and asked to outline your approach to managing it, including risk assessment, coordination strategy, and key considerations for compliance and buildability.

• Process Improvement: Be ready to discuss how you would improve existing design processes within an organization like United Infrastructure, focusing on efficiency, collaboration, or compliance.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare for questions on how you would handle disagreements with a Project Manager regarding design changes or manage a consultant who is consistently missing deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is designed to thoroughly evaluate a candidate's technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and practical experience in managing complex design processes within the construction industry. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates operational impact and problem-solving skills will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD is essential, with Revit being a desirable skill for BIM integration. These tools are fundamental for creating, modifying, and reviewing technical drawings.

• BIM Software (Desirable): Experience with Building Information Modelling (BIM) software is preferred, indicating an understanding of integrated design processes and digital project delivery.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems like Aconex, Procore, or similar platforms for managing project documentation, workflows, and information exchange.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Oracle Primavera) for developing and tracking design programs and project timelines.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for cost analysis, data manipulation, tracking consultant fees, and generating progress reports.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience using or interpreting data from dashboards that track project progress, design milestones, and key performance indicators.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP/Project Costing Software: While not directly a CRM, familiarity with enterprise resource planning systems or project costing software used by United Infrastructure for financial tracking and bid evaluation would be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Any experience with tools that automate design review processes or information distribution would be advantageous.

• Communication Platforms: Proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal team communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in CAD and document management systems is a baseline requirement. Experience with BIM and project management software is highly desirable, reflecting the industry's move towards more integrated and digitally managed construction projects. Understanding how these tools support operational efficiency and compliance is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards, ensuring that all design decisions prioritize the well-being of workers and the public.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards, honesty, and accountability in all dealings with clients, colleagues, and partners.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where open communication, mutual respect, and shared problem-solving are encouraged across all levels and departments.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to find better, more efficient, and sustainable ways to design and deliver infrastructure projects, embracing new technologies and methodologies.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, delivering high-quality projects that contribute positively to communities.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Approach: Encouraging close working relationships between design, commercial, and construction teams to ensure seamless project execution and early identification of potential issues.

• Proactive Communication: Emphasizing clear, timely, and open communication channels to keep all stakeholders informed and aligned.

• Constructive Feedback: Creating a culture where feedback is welcomed and used as a tool for continuous improvement in design processes and project delivery.

• Problem-Solving Orientation: A collective effort to tackle challenges head-on, leveraging the diverse expertise within the team to find effective solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely values a strong sense of responsibility, a commitment to quality and safety, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving, essential for managing the complexities of infrastructure projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulations: Staying abreast of and ensuring compliance with an evolving landscape of building safety legislation (Building Safety Act, CDM), planning laws, and industry standards.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Balancing the diverse and sometimes conflicting requirements of clients, internal departments, consultants, subcontractors, and regulatory bodies.

• Integrating New Technologies: Adapting to and implementing new design technologies like BIM and advanced digital tools while ensuring team adoption and effective utilization.

• Balancing Cost, Quality, and Time: The perpetual challenge of optimizing design to meet stringent budget and timeline constraints without compromising on quality, safety, or buildability.

• High-Rise Specifics: Addressing the unique technical, safety, and logistical challenges associated with large-scale high-rise residential developments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training courses and certifications focused on advanced building safety, BIM, specific construction methodologies, or contract management.

• Industry Events: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, seminars, and workshops to stay updated on best practices, emerging trends, and regulatory changes.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within United Infrastructure or to mentor junior members of the design team, fostering leadership skills.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader experience by working closely with commercial, procurement, and construction teams, deepening understanding of the entire project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role stem from the inherent complexities and regulatory demands of the infrastructure and construction sectors. Growth opportunities are geared towards developing specialized expertise and advancing into broader leadership roles within operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design process for a high-rise residential project from inception to site handover. What are the critical milestones and potential pitfalls?" (Focus on process, risk, and stakeholder management).

• "How do you ensure design compliance with the Building Safety Act and CDM regulations? Provide specific examples of how you've fulfilled the Principal Designer role." (Highlight regulatory knowledge and practical application).

• "Walk me through a situation where you had to implement value engineering on a project. What was the challenge, your proposed solution, and the outcome?" (Demonstrate analytical skills and cost-consciousness).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about United Infrastructure and our work in the utility and social infrastructure sectors?" (Research company projects, values, and recent news).

• "How do you ensure your design decisions align with company values, particularly regarding safety and customer satisfaction?" (Connect your experience to their stated values).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: For each project presented, clearly state the project's scale, your specific contribution, and the quantifiable results (e.g., "Reduced construction costs by 7% through value engineering," "Ensured on-time delivery of design packages, preventing program delays").

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation to tell a clear narrative: the challenge, your strategic approach, the actions taken, and the successful outcome.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly link your portfolio examples to the required skills, such as leadership, technical expertise, regulatory compliance, and problem-solving.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design details, construction methods, and regulatory interpretations.

• Focus on Operations Alignment: Explain how your design management directly supported operational efficiency, profitability, and project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of construction processes, regulatory frameworks, and leadership capabilities, supported by concrete examples from your portfolio that highlight operational impact and problem-solving prowess.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor Your CV: Adapt your resume to prominently feature your experience in residential construction, high-rise developments, and your understanding of building safety legislation (CDM, Building Safety Act). Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 1-2 of your most relevant and impactful projects for presentation. Ensure you have clear documentation and data to support your achievements in design management, coordination, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.

• Research United Infrastructure: Familiarize yourself with their company website, recent projects, and their mission in utility and social infrastructure. Understand their values and how your experience aligns.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review common design management challenges, regulatory requirements, and construction methodologies relevant to high-rise residential projects. Practice articulating your problem-solving approach.

• Rehearse Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice presenting your case studies concisely and effectively, focusing on operational impact and quantifiable results. Be prepared for detailed follow-up questions.

⚠️ 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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