Senior Design Manager
Senior Design Manager – Large Residential Scheme (Bath)
The Senior Design Manager will lead the full design process for a major residential development in Bath, ensuring design quality, regulatory compliance, programme alignment, and cost control throughout the project lifecycle. The role requires close coordination with consultants, contractors, and local stakeholders to deliver a high-quality residential scheme within a sensitive planning and heritage context.
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership
Lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams, including architects, engineers, specialist consultants, and suppliers.
Provide leadership, guidance, and mentoring to Design Managers and Coordinators.
Ensure clear allocation of design responsibilities and deliverables across all disciplines.
Design Strategy & Programme
Develop and implement the project design strategy from concept through construction.
Influence early-stage design decisions to optimise buildability, residential quality, cost, and programme.
Prepare and manage design briefs, Design Management Plans, and detailed design programmes aligned with construction milestones.
Monitor design progress and report against agreed targets.
Planning, Compliance & Risk
Manage design compliance with:
Building Regulations and relevant British Standards
Planning permissions, conditions, and reserved matters
Conservation area and listed building requirements (where applicable)
CDM Regulations and Health & Safety obligations
Identify, manage, and mitigate design and interface risks, particularly those affecting residential quality, fire safety, and buildability.
Stakeholder & Authority Liaison
Act as the main point of contact for all design-related matters.
Liaise closely with Bath & North East Somerset Council, planning consultants, and statutory authorities to support approvals and discharge of conditions.
Coordinate internal teams, contractors, and external consultants to maintain alignment and timely decision-making.
Quality, Cost & Value
Implement robust design review and quality assurance processes.
Ensure design information is complete, coordinated, and issued to the correct level of detail.
Manage design budgets and consultant fees.
Drive value engineering and sustainable design solutions while protecting design intent and residential standards.
BIM, Information & Document Control
Oversee the management of drawings, models, and specifications within a BIM-enabled environment.
Ensure all design information is controlled, issued, and approved in line with project protocols using document management systems such as Aconex.
Pre-Construction & Commercial Support
Support pre-construction and procurement activities, including tender design reviews and contractor engagement.
Contribute technical input to programme, cost planning, and construction methodology.
Support the development of client relationships and future residential opportunities.
Qualifications & Experience
Proven experience in a senior design management role delivering large residential or mixed-use schemes.
Background with a main contractor or residential developer.
Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
Chartered status with a recognised professional body (CIOB, RICS, ICE, RIBA), or working towards.
Strong knowledge of UK residential building regulations, planning processes, and construction delivery.
Excellent leadership, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
Please contact Seb Williams @ PSR for more information or apply with an in-depth CV