Design Manager | Residential Developer | Richmond | Dec 2025

A growing developer based in Richmond is looking for an experienced Design Manager to support both live residential-led schemes and upcoming tender packages across London and the Home Counties.

You'll play a key role in strengthening the pre-construction and design coordination function, working closely with senior leadership to bring clarity, structure and technical control to a high-quality development pipeline.

This is a pivotal hire for the business ideal for someone confident working independently, coordinating consultants and sub-trade teams, and making an immediate impact.

The Role
• Provide design management support across live projects and early-stage tenders
• Coordinate consultants, supply chain, site teams and project stakeholders to meet programme, quality and technical delivery targets
• Review drawings/specifications for buildability, risks and value engineering opportunities
• Lead design meetings, RFIs, approvals and document control through pre-construction and handover stages
• Work alongside estimating, commercial and delivery teams to align design intent with procurement and construction strategy

What they're looking for
• 5+ years' experience as a Design Manager within a main contractor or developer
• Strong understanding of contractor-side design coordination, technical reviews and pre-construction workflows
• Confident managing consultants and supporting multiple schemes simultaneously
• Clear communicator with strong organisational and coordination ability
• Able to bring structure and clarity to design workflows, documentation and delivery interface

The Company
This is a privately owned development company specialising in premium residential-led and mixed-use schemes in London and the South East.
Since formation they've delivered over 3,000 residential units and 150,000 sq ft of commercial space across more than 50 schemes, with a GDV in excess of £1.1bn.

You'll join a hands-on senior team that value initiative, technical excellence and collaboration with flexibility around hybrid working and genuine long-term career opportunities

Also known as: Design Manager, Senior Design Coordinator, Pre-Construction Manager

Interested?
Michael Ogunyankin (phone number removed) | michael @ borneltd . com
Feel free to get in touch if it sounds like your next move or if someone in your network could be a strong fit