Design Manager – Client Side
Design Manager – International Premium Estates | London
We are working with one of the world's leading premium international organisations to recruit a Design Manager into their in-house capital projects team in London.
With a portfolio of over 120 premium properties across 30+ countries, this organisation invests heavily in the quality of their built environment — their estates are a direct expression of their brand and the expectations on design are exceptionally high. Backed by major institutional investors and growing at 20% per annum through acquisition and greenfield development, this is a business with serious capital behind it and an ambitious pipeline. This is not an organisation that value engineers its way to mediocrity.
The Role
You will be responsible for managing the full design process across up to 20 live projects simultaneously, from feasibility and masterplanning through to construction stage. You will appoint, brief and hold to account consultant teams — architects, engineers and specialists — across international markets, ensuring design quality is maintained from concept through to delivery.
This is a client-side role. You will be the guardian of design standards on behalf of the business, pushing consultants towards better outcomes rather than managing design down. You need to be comfortable being the most demanding person in the room.
The Person
* Experienced design manager with a track record of managing multiple complex projects concurrently
* Background in consultancy or client-side — high-end residential, luxury hospitality, premium retail or similar sectors welcomed
* Demonstrable international project experience — comfortable working across different markets, cultures and regulatory environments
* Exceptionally organised and process-driven — able to prioritise and reprioritise across a large live portfolio
* Confident managing and challenging consultant teams at all levels
* Architectural background or strong technical design literacy an advantage but not essential
The Package
* Up to £95,000 base salary depending on experience
* 10% bonus
* London-based with international travel circa 20-30