Technical Manager

Sphere Solutions

Location: Bath / Bristol region

Contract: Freelance – 6 Months

Sector: Residential Development & Regeneration

A leading regional housing developer and regeneration specialist is seeking an experienced Residential Technical Manager to support its Pre-Construction and Commercial team on a portfolio of new-build and regeneration housing projects.

The organisation delivers large-scale residential-led developments, affordable housing, mixed-tenure schemes and estate regeneration projects across the South West. Working closely with local authorities, planners, contractors and consultants, the business plays a key role in providing high-quality, sustainable homes while reinvesting in local communities.

This role sits at the heart of pre-construction, bridging design, commercial and delivery to ensure projects are fully coordinated, buildable, cost-effective and ready to move into construction.

The Role

You will take technical ownership of multiple residential schemes from planning and design through to construction readiness, ensuring that drawings, specifications, design information and procurement packages are aligned with budgets, programmes and build methodology.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role, supporting both the commercial and construction teams by ensuring designs are fully coordinated, compliant and deliverable.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the technical delivery of residential schemes through the pre-construction and design development phases

Coordinate consultants, architects, engineers and specialist designers

Lead the design process through RIBA stages 2–4

Review and manage planning conditions, building regulations, NHBC and statutory approvals

Ensure designs are fully coordinated, buildable and commercially viable

Prepare and manage technical design programmes aligned with commercial and construction milestones

Support the commercial team with tender queries, value engineering, scope clarification and risk management

Review drawings, specifications and schedules to ensure they meet cost, quality and programme requirements

Manage technical risks, design changes and consultant performance

Support procurement of key packages including groundworks, structures, envelope and M&E

Ensure compliance with Building Safety, fire strategy, sustainability and regulatory standards

Prepare projects for smooth handover into construction teams

About You

You will be an experienced Residential Technical Manager or Senior Design Manager with a background working for housebuilders, residential developers, housing associations or main contractors delivering housing projects.

You will be confident managing multiple stakeholders while ensuring design information is accurate, coordinated and aligned with commercial objectives.

Essential Experience

Strong background in residential development (traditional housing and/or apartment blocks)

Proven experience managing pre-construction and design phases

Excellent understanding of planning, Building Regulations, NHBC and fire strategy

Experience working closely with commercial and construction teams

Ability to manage consultants and control technical risk

Strong coordination, communication and problem-solving skills

Contract Details

Freelance role

Initial 6-month contract

Office and project-based across the Bath / Bristol region

Competitive day rate

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-funded, long-term residential delivery organisation with a strong development pipeline and a reputation for quality, sustainability and community-focused housing