Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: United Infrastructure Ltd

Location: Wrotham, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Infrastructure Operations

Date Posted: April 29, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and manage all design and technical aspects of critical infrastructure projects, ensuring successful delivery within budget and established timelines.

• Lead and coordinate design teams, external consultants, and subcontractors throughout the project lifecycle, from initial design through to construction.

• Drive technical excellence and compliance with United Infrastructure's standards, current regulations, and safety protocols.

• Contribute to bid processes by conducting technical appraisals, assessing design requirements, and developing comprehensive design programs.

• Actively identify value engineering opportunities and mitigate risks associated with design and construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager, indicating a need for extensive experience in managing complex infrastructure projects, particularly within residential buildings. The emphasis on "delivering critical infrastructure projects" and "revitalising homes and communities" suggests a strong connection to the Social Infrastructure division, which involves retrofit, refurbishment, and maintenance. The role requires a blend of technical design expertise, project management acumen, and leadership capabilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Leadership & Coordination: Lead technical and design processes, ensuring full coordination and compliance with United Infrastructure requirements and current regulations to achieve necessary approvals and enable on-site commencement in line with agreed programs and safety standards.

• Project Delivery Management: Manage design teams and subcontractors throughout design, procurement, and construction phases, proactively monitoring progress to ensure delivery on time and within budget, while meeting company targets for revenue generation through cost-effectiveness and buildability of the design.

• Technical Appraisal & Bidding: Review and input into allocated bids, undertaking technical appraisals of design information, assessing design requirements, compliance, consultant fee requirements, and producing detailed design programs.

• Risk & Value Management: Assess the quality of received information, identify value engineering opportunities, manage risks, collate consultant costs, and prepare contractor proposals. Review Engineering and Technical (ER) specifications to ensure alignment with project goals.

• Design Programme & Scoping: Produce, develop, control, and manage project-specific design programs, providing regular progress reporting. Undertake detailed project-specific design scoping and procure consultant and subcontractor designers, assessing their competency.

• Consultant & Subcontractor Management: Monitor and manage consultant fees and invoicing. Manage and coordinate external consultants in their day-to-day duties related to design, coordination, and technical aspects, driving high standards and ensuring delivery within constraints of time, quality, budget, and technical requirements.

• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight: Fulfill the roles of CDM Principal Designer and Building Regulations Principal Design, acting as the named Designated Individual. Ensure designs comply with company standards, budgetary constraints, and all applicable legislation, planning consents, and system literature.

• Information Management & Control: Oversee document control for registration and distribution of design and technical information. Monitor and manage the processing of information through workflows on the document management system, ensuring current drawings are filed correctly and information exchange adheres to company protocols.

• Site & Project Engagement: Undertake site visits as required, attend site and project meetings, and monitor work executed on site for compliance with design and specifications. Manage, investigate, and respond promptly to Requests for Information (RFIs) from the site team and subcontractors, reviewing and advising on corrective measures for identified design issues.

• Handover & Documentation: Monitor and obtain all critical certificates for completion and handover. Oversee and participate in the collation of handover information, including the Golden Thread, Health & Safety files, O&M manuals, and resident packs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant focus on end-to-end design lifecycle management, from early bid input to final handover documentation. The emphasis on CDM Principal Designer and Building Safety Act compliance is critical, suggesting that experience with regulatory frameworks for high-risk residential buildings is paramount. The role requires robust project management skills to balance cost, time, quality, and technical requirements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Minimum Level 4 qualification such as HNC/NVQ4 in an Architectural, Design, Technical, or Construction-based discipline, or equivalent.

Experience:

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

• Extensive experience in high-rise development projects.

• Demonstrated experience in producing and managing design programs.

• Experience with CAD software (AutoCAD or Revit) is desirable.

• Knowledge and understanding of Building Information Modeling (BIM) is desirable.

• Experience with Temporary Works is desirable.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Comprehensive ability to manage and coordinate all design and technical aspects of projects.

• Technical Coordination: Expertise in coordinating complex designs, including structural, M&E, façades, and internal specifications.

• CDM Principal Designer: Proven experience fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a CDM Principal Designer.

• Building Regulations & Safety Compliance: Strong understanding of current Building Regulations and the Building Safety Act, including dutyholder roles and competency requirements for Highly Regulated Buildings (HRB).

• Value Engineering: Capability to identify and implement cost-effective design solutions without compromising quality or safety.

• Project Programming: Proficiency in developing, controlling, and managing project-specific design programs and reporting progress.

• Procurement & Scoping: Experience in scoping design requirements and procuring consultant and subcontractor designers, including competency assessment.

• Stakeholder Management: Effective communication and negotiation skills to manage relationships with internal teams, external consultants, subcontractors, clients, and planning authorities.

• Buildability Analysis: Ability to review and assess designs for practical construction feasibility and efficiency.

• Risk Management: Proactive identification, assessment, and mitigation of design-related risks.

Preferred Skills:

• High Rise Development Expertise: Specific experience and knowledge related to the unique challenges of high-rise construction.

• Building Safety Legislative Framework: In-depth knowledge of the Building Safety Act, Building Regulations (dutyholder roles & competency requirements), and HRB Procedure Regulations.

• CAD (AutoCAD/Revit): Practical experience with industry-standard design software.

• BIM Knowledge: Understanding of Building Information Modeling principles and applications.

• PAS9980, EWS1s, FRAEW: Knowledge of fire risk assessment standards and related assessments.

• Temporary Works: Familiarity with the planning and management of temporary works on construction sites.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in residential building design and a deep understanding of UK construction regulations, particularly the Building Safety Act. The "Essential" list clearly defines the core competencies required, while "Desirable" skills offer pathways for candidates to further differentiate themselves. The experience level of "10+" years is reflected in the depth of knowledge expected regarding project lifecycle management and regulatory compliance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Coordination Case Studies: Showcase examples of complex design coordination projects, detailing how challenges were overcome, and demonstrating integrated solutions across structural, M&E, façade, and interior specifications.

• Value Engineering & Cost Optimization: Present case studies that illustrate successful value engineering initiatives, demonstrating how cost savings were achieved while maintaining or enhancing design quality, buildability, and safety standards.

• Regulatory Compliance Examples: Include documentation or examples of projects where strict adherence to Building Regulations, CDM, and the Building Safety Act was critical, highlighting your role in ensuring compliance and obtaining necessary approvals.

• Project Lifecycle Management Examples: Provide evidence of managing design processes from bid stage through to construction completion, including examples of design programming, risk mitigation strategies, and successful handover documentation (e.g., O&M manuals, H&S files).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing and optimizing workflows for design management, including RFI processes, document control, and change management, illustrating how efficiency and clarity were improved.

• System Implementation & Automation: Showcase experience in implementing and utilizing design and document management systems, such as those processing information through workflows, with examples of how these systems enhanced project delivery.

• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Provide examples of how design performance was measured and analyzed, including the use of trackers for design approvals, consultant fee management, and reporting on progress against design programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio demonstrating practical application of design management principles, regulatory compliance, and process efficiency is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their contributions to specific projects, quantify achievements where possible (e.g., cost savings, time efficiencies), and explain the methodologies used for managing complex design processes and stakeholder interactions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive Pension Scheme: Contributing to your long-term financial security.

• Generous Annual Leave: Providing ample opportunity for rest and personal pursuits.

• Professional Development Support: Opportunities for training, certifications, and further education to enhance skills in areas like BIM, advanced CAD, and regulatory updates.

• Health and Wellbeing Programs: Initiatives to support employee health and overall wellbeing.

• Company Car/Allowance: Acknowledging the requirement for travel to various sites and client meetings.

• Life Assurance: Providing peace of mind for employees and their families.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Some flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and attend site meetings outside of standard hours, with potential for time off in lieu.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate reflects the senior nature of the role and the specialized technical and regulatory knowledge required. Benefits are typical for senior positions within the UK construction and infrastructure sector, aiming to attract and retain experienced talent. The mention of a company car or allowance is common for roles involving significant site travel and client interaction.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Infrastructure (Utility and Social Infrastructure)

Company Size: United Infrastructure Ltd is described as a "rapidly expanding business," suggesting a dynamic environment with growth opportunities. While an exact employee count isn't provided, the operational scope across utility and social infrastructure implies a significant workforce.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's focus on critical infrastructure projects indicates a mature operational base.

Team Structure:

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close collaboration with various departments, including Commercial, Operations, Client teams, Planning Authorities, and Building Control.

• Design Team Leadership: The Senior Design Manager will lead and manage internal design teams as well as external consultants and subcontractors.

• Reporting Hierarchy: The role involves managing direct reports and reporting progress upwards, likely to a Project Director or Head of Design, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on reviewing technical specifications, assessing design information, and managing data through document management systems points to a data-informed approach.

• Process Optimization: Continuously identifying value engineering opportunities and improving design workflows is a key operational methodology.

• Compliance & Standards: Adherence to company standards, current regulations, safety protocols, and legislative frameworks is fundamental to all operations.

Company Website: https://unitedinfrastructure.com/ (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: United Infrastructure operates in essential sectors, implying a stable yet growth-oriented business. The culture likely values technical expertise, project delivery, safety, and collaboration. The emphasis on "delivering critical infrastructure projects" suggests a mission-driven environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Management position, requiring extensive experience (10+ years) and demonstrated leadership in design and technical aspects of infrastructure projects, particularly residential. It involves significant responsibility for project outcomes, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director, Head of Design, or a similar senior leadership role within the organization. They will, in turn, manage design teams, consultants, and subcontractors.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on project success by ensuring designs are cost-effective, buildable, compliant, and delivered on time. This directly influences project profitability, client satisfaction, and the company's reputation for delivering quality infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress into roles such as Head of Design, Director of Technical Services, or broader Project Director positions, overseeing larger portfolios or more complex projects.

• Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like high-rise development, sustainable design, or advanced construction technologies (BIM, modular construction).

• Mentorship & Training: Potential to mentor junior design managers and contribute to the development of the internal design function, possibly leading training initiatives.

• Strategic Input: Involvement in strategic planning for design processes, technology adoption, and bid strategy development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within the infrastructure sector, moving from direct project management to broader leadership responsibilities. The company's growth suggests opportunities for individuals who can contribute to scaling its design and technical capabilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Wrotham, United Kingdom, and is described as "On-site." This indicates a primary office-based working environment with significant time spent at project sites.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Wrotham, Kent, United Kingdom. However, the nature of infrastructure projects means frequent travel to various construction sites across the UK will be necessary.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires active participation in technical coordination workshops, package reviews, and design team meetings, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (CAD, potentially BIM), document management systems, and project management tools is expected.

• On-Site Interaction: Regular site visits and attendance at site meetings necessitate adapting to dynamic construction environments.

Work Schedule:

• The standard working hours are 40 hours per week. However, the demands of project deadlines and site coordination may require flexibility, including early starts, late finishes, or attendance at meetings outside of core hours. This is common in the construction industry to ensure project milestones are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is an on-site role that blends office-based strategic work with hands-on project site involvement. Candidates should be comfortable with travel and working in diverse environments, from office settings to active construction sites.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess suitability against the core requirements, with a focus on design management experience in residential construction and regulatory knowledge.

• Technical Interview: Likely to involve detailed discussions about your experience with design coordination, CDM Principal Designer duties, Building Safety Act compliance, buildability analysis, and risk management. You may be asked to walk through specific project examples.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your process, problem-solving skills, and impact on project outcomes. Emphasis will be on your ability to articulate complex technical details and justify design decisions.

• Competency-Based Interview: Questions assessing leadership, people management, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, often using behavioral examples ("Tell me about a time when...").

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership (e.g., Director), focusing on strategic fit, cultural alignment, and long-term career aspirations within United Infrastructure.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best showcase your experience in residential infrastructure projects, high-rise developments, and managing complex design challenges.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the project context, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges faced (technical, regulatory, logistical), the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, risk mitigation).

• Highlight Regulatory Compliance: Explicitly demonstrate how you ensured compliance with CDM regulations, Building Safety Act requirements, and other relevant legislation.

• Showcase Technical Acumen: Be prepared to discuss technical details, design coordination strategies, and buildability considerations.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to illustrate the success of your initiatives (e.g., percentage reduction in RFIs, cost savings achieved through value engineering, adherence to program timelines).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem-Solving: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you might need to address a design conflict, a regulatory issue, or a buildability challenge on a project. Focus on your structured approach to problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making.

• Process Improvement Task: You might be asked to outline how you would improve a specific design process (e.g., RFI turnaround, change management) or establish a new one (e.g., for BIM implementation).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and practical experience in managing complex infrastructure design. A well-prepared portfolio is essential for demonstrating tangible skills and achievements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Revit is highly desirable, essential for reviewing and potentially contributing to design drawings.

• BIM Software: Knowledge and understanding of Building Information Modeling (BIM) principles and software (e.g., Navisworks for coordination) are preferred, indicating a forward-thinking approach to design collaboration.

• Document Management Systems (DMS): Experience with systems used for managing and processing project documentation, including workflows for registration, distribution, and archiving (e.g., Aconex, Asite, or similar enterprise solutions).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools for project scheduling and progress tracking (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6) to manage design programs.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, cost tracking, fee management, and creating progress reports.

CRM & Automation:

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Teams or similar for facilitating communication and collaboration among dispersed teams and stakeholders.

• Risk Management Tools: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with tools or methodologies for risk assessment and tracking would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools crucial for design, documentation management, and project control in the construction industry. Candidates with experience in BIM and robust document management systems will be well-positioned.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Health & Safety Excellence: A paramount value, with a drive for "world-class Health and Safety" expected to be delivered in all aspects of work. This translates to a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating safety risks within design.

• Customer Satisfaction: A focus on delivering high standards and excellence, contributing to positive customer experiences, particularly within the Social Infrastructure sector.

• Innovation & Efficiency: Delivering "innovative solutions" and seeking "value engineering opportunities" suggests a culture that encourages creative problem-solving and process improvement.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The emphasis on managing and coordinating with diverse teams (internal, external consultants, subcontractors, clients) indicates a strong value placed on collaborative working relationships.

• Integrity & Compliance: Adherence to company policies, procedures, and all relevant legislation is a non-negotiable aspect of operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Structured: The role requires a proactive management style, effective delegation, and structured approaches to meetings and communication.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with Commercial, Operations, and Client teams to ensure design alignment with project delivery, cost, and client expectations.

• Feedback & Improvement: A culture that likely encourages constructive feedback to improve designs, processes, and overall project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: United Infrastructure appears to value a results-oriented approach grounded in safety, quality, and collaborative effort. The company culture is likely one where individuals are empowered to take ownership and drive improvements within their domains.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Demands: Effectively managing the inherent tensions between budget constraints, tight project timelines, evolving client requirements, and stringent regulatory compliance in design.

• Complex Stakeholder Management: Navigating the diverse interests and communication needs of multiple stakeholders, including clients, regulatory bodies, internal departments, and numerous external consultants and subcontractors.

• Ensuring Buildability & Value: Translating complex design requirements into practical, buildable solutions that are also cost-effective and deliver long-term value, especially on high-rise residential projects.

• Keeping Pace with Legislation: Staying abreast of and implementing evolving construction legislation, particularly concerning building safety, and ensuring full compliance across all projects.

• Managing Remote Teams/Consultants: Effectively coordinating and quality-assuring the work of external consultants and subcontractors who may be geographically dispersed.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in BIM, specific structural or M&E systems, or advanced construction methodologies.

• Regulatory Updates: Access to training and resources on the latest building safety legislation, CDM regulations, and planning policies.

• Leadership Development: Formal programs or on-the-job training in advanced people management, strategic planning, and executive communication.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to attend industry conferences, workshops, and professional body events to stay current with best practices and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges in a critical industry. The company's expansion suggests a supportive environment for individuals looking to advance their careers and expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design process for a high-rise residential project from tender to handover. What are the key risks, and how do you mitigate them?" (Focus on structured process, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.)

• "How do you ensure compliance with the Building Safety Act and CDM regulations as a Principal Designer? Provide an example of a challenging compliance issue you resolved." (Highlight your understanding of legislation and problem-solving skills.)

• "Walk me through a value engineering exercise you led. What was the project, what opportunities did you identify, and what was the outcome in terms of cost, buildability, and performance?" (Prepare a specific case study with quantifiable results.)

Company & Culture Questions:

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

• "How do you align your design approach with company values, particularly regarding health and safety?" (Connect your experience to the company's stated values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each case study, frame it as a narrative: the problem, your solution, and the result. Clearly articulate your specific role and contribution.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides or digital documents. Include relevant drawings, plans, or process flowcharts where appropriate, but avoid overwhelming detail.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the outcomes – cost savings, schedule improvements, risk reduction, enhanced safety, successful regulatory approval. Quantify wherever possible.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about technical aspects, decision-making rationale, and specific challenges encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong technical foundation, robust project management skills, deep regulatory knowledge, and leadership capabilities, all supported by concrete examples from your experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the United Infrastructure Careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your most relevant experience in residential building design, high-rise development, CDM Principal Designer roles, and understanding of the Building Safety Act.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your responsibilities and achievements in previous design management roles, using keywords from the job description such as "design coordination," "technical appraisal," "value engineering," and "CDM Principal Designer."

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a professional portfolio that includes 2-3 detailed case studies showcasing your project management skills, technical expertise, and successful outcomes, especially focusing on regulatory compliance and cost-efficiency.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research United Infrastructure's projects, values, and recent activities to inform your application and prepare for interview discussions. Understand their focus on both Utility and Social Infrastructure.

⚠️ 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.