Design Manager - Technical & Design Management job in Islington, London - £45,000 - £60,000

Developer-side role, Mixed-use projects, Leadership opportunity

Job Summary

Design Manager job Islington. This Technical & Design Management role focuses on residential and mixed-use development projects within a private developer environment. You will manage design processes from land acquisition through to construction, working across multiple schemes simultaneously.

Based in Islington, this position involves coordinating in-house teams and external consultants to deliver high-quality developments. The role includes developing concept designs, supporting planning applications, and ensuring projects meet programme, budget, and design expectations.

You will contribute to land bids, feasibility studies, and construction coordination. This opportunity suits an Architect transitioning into a developer-side role with strong leadership and project delivery experience.

About the Company

This private residential developer specialises in acquiring land and delivering mixed-use and residential developments. They manage projects long-term, supported by in-house teams including architects, project managers, and land buyers. Their portfolio includes complex conversions, listed buildings, and contemporary developments.

Projects vary significantly in scale, ranging from individual dwellings to large mixed-use schemes. The company offers a collaborative and sociable working environment, with a focus on delivering high-quality developments. They provide opportunities to work on diverse and technically challenging projects within the built environment sector.

Role & Responsibilities

• Manage design processes across multiple residential and mixed-use development projects from concept through to construction
• Work with land buyers assessing development opportunities and preparing concept schemes for land bids
• Define development briefs and appoint external consultants including design planning and technical specialists
• Lead design teams ensuring coordination between in-house and external stakeholders throughout project lifecycle
• Support planning applications and negotiations with local authorities to secure permissions and project viability
• Collaborate with construction managers and quantity surveyors ensuring design quality budget and programme alignment
• Oversee delivery of construction drawings and technical information across multiple concurrent projects

Skills & Experience Required

• Part III qualified Architect with minimum of four years professional experience within relevant project environments
• Experience leading design teams and delivering projects across residential or mixed-use developments
• Strong understanding of planning processes and ability to manage applications through to approval
• Experience coordinating consultants and managing multidisciplinary teams across project stages
• Ability to work in fast-paced environments managing multiple projects with competing deadlines
• Strong communication skills with confidence engaging stakeholders including local authorities and clients
• Experience working on complex developments including listed buildings or conversions beneficial

Salary & Benefits

• Salary of £45,000 – £60,000 depending on experience and suitability for the role
• Discretionary annual bonus based on individual and company performance outcomes
• Access to company car pool for meetings and site visits as part of the role
• Opportunity to work on projects ranging from £2 million to £60 million in value
• Collaborative and sociable team environment with regular team activities and events
• Exposure to full development lifecycle from land acquisition through to project completion

Who Is This Role Ideal For?

This role is ideal for an Architect seeking to transition into a Design Manager position within a developer environment. It suits individuals who enjoy managing projects from concept through to construction. Candidates looking to work on complex residential and mixed-use developments will benefit from this opportunity.

The position is well suited to those who thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy leading multidisciplinary teams. Professionals seeking a hands-on role with responsibility across the full development lifecycle will find this opportunity rewarding.

About Hunter Dunning

Hunter Dunning is a specialist property and built environment recruitment consultancy established in 2004, focused on quality and long-term partnerships in the UK and Ireland property and construction market.

We specialise in full lifecycle property recruitment, covering architecture, interior design, surveying, land and planning, fire safety and wider construction roles. We offer informed and confidential discussions for both clients and candidates and welcome conversations about this opportunity and your wider career plans within the built environment.

Apply

If you meet the criteria above, send us your CV and portfolio. We receive a large number of applications so if you do not hear back within 7 days consider your application unsuccessful this time.

We will keep a copy of your details on file for future vacancies. In accordance with GDPR, by applying for this position you give us your consent to process your data in-line with our Privacy and Data Protection Policies which can be read on the privacy policy page on our website.

Referral

Did you know we run a referral scheme? We pay a £1000 referral bonus if you introduce us to anyone who we then successfully place into a new job role. Just send us their information and we’ll do the rest.

Terms: A candidate is deemed to have been successfully placed once they have started a new job as a result of an introduction made by Hunter Dunning and when they’ve successfully completed the probation period. See website for full terms & conditions.

Design Manager job in Islington – Your Property Recruitment Specialists ( Job Ref: 6878)