Senior Design Manager

Senior Design Manager
Main Contractor | West London | Residential & Public Sector | Site-Based
 
A well-established main contractor is looking to appoint a Senior Design Manager for a £60m flagship project in Hammersmith & Fulham, due to start on site next month.
 
This is a delivery-focused role, leading design on a technically complex, mixed-use scheme comprising two residential blocks with a new-build school centrally located between them.
 
The role is suited to someone operating at senior DM level, comfortable taking full ownership of the design function on site, with a Design Manager reporting into you.
 
The Project

£60m scheme
Two residential blocks delivering 150 flats
Integrated new school
Traditional procurement
BIM-led design
Strong sustainability focus (including Passive House principles)
Site based in Hammersmith & Fulham
Programme running through to 2029 
The Role

Full responsibility for design delivery from start on site through completion
Lead and manage the design team and external consultants
Line management of a Design Manager reporting into you
Chair and run design workshops, DTM meetings and consultant reviews
Ensure design is fully coordinated, buildable and aligned with programme
Interface closely with site, commercial and supply chain teams
Manage approvals, technical queries, RFIs and change control
Drive compliance across residential and education requirements 
What they’re looking for

Proven experience at Senior Design Manager level with a main contractor
Strong background in residential-led schemes and/or schools / education
Experience with larger, process-led contractors strongly preferred
Confident running design independently on complex, multi-workstream projects
Comfortable being site-based and closely integrated with delivery teams 
The Company
A financially stable (turnover circa £200m), long-established contractor delivering large, complex residential and public-sector projects across London.
 
They operate with the structure and processes of a Tier-style environment, but without the bureaucracy — offering strong project support, long-term pipeline security, and sensible leadership.
 
Package

Up to £90,000 basic (absolute top of budget)
£6,000 car / travel allowance
Up to 10% performance-related bonus
Pension
Long-term project security
Clear responsibility and visibility on a flagship London scheme 
Also known as: Senior Design Manager, Design Lead, Lead Design Manager
 
Interested?
Michael Ogunyankin
(phone number removed) | (url removed)
No pressure — happy to have a confidential conversation to sense-check fit