Design Manager
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£44,300
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role may qualify for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2455 is an eligible occupation, but we are only 53% sure that is the right code. Bespoke Careers is a licensed sponsor, so if the code fits, the role should qualify. Check the occupation eligibility rules against what the job actually involves.
Worth checking: this could also be SOC 1251 (Property, housing and estate managers), which is not on the eligible-occupation list. Ask Bespoke Careers what the duties actually are.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2455 Construction project managers and related professionals Most likely code | £33,400 | £35,400 | £39,900 | £44,300 |
2451 Architects Also possible | £33,400 | £38,100 | £42,800 | £47,600 |
1251 Property, housing and estate managers Also possible | £33,400 | £42,600 | £42,600 | £42,600 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
An exciting opportunity for an experienced Design Lead to join a growing residential development business, taking a senior role in shaping design quality and delivery across UK-wide projects.
Working closely with the Development Director and Development Managers, you’ll lead the design process from concept through to technical design, procurement, construction and handover. You’ll oversee a diverse portfolio of large-scale residential schemes, collaborating with architects, consultants, contractors and internal teams to ensure designs are high quality, commercially viable and deliverable.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced design professional to step into a senior, client-side leadership role, with genuine influence over projects and the wider design strategy of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the design process across residential projects from concept through to delivery and handover.
- Work closely with Development Directors and Managers to establish clear design briefs and project requirements.
- Coordinate architects, consultants and wider design teams, ensuring projects meet agreed quality, programme and commercial objectives.
- Review design proposals, technical information, specifications and construction packages.
- Provide clear design direction and ensure design decisions are properly coordinated and deliverable.
- Develop and maintain design standards, guidelines, material palettes and best practice across the business.
- Support consultant selection, appointments and procurement processes.
- Work collaboratively with development, construction, investment, marketing and mobilisation teams.
- Identify opportunities to improve design quality, efficiency, sustainability and long-term asset value.
- Provide design leadership and support across multiple projects and stages simultaneously.
- Ensure design decisions are clearly communicated and appropriately documented throughout the project lifecycle.
Skills and Experience
- Significant experience within architecture, design management, property development or a related built-environment discipline.
- Strong experience delivering medium to large-scale residential projects.
- Good understanding of the UK residential development sector and the design and construction process.
- Experience working within a Design & Build, developer-led or client-side environment would be advantageous.
- Strong understanding of RIBA stages, technical design, procurement and construction.
- Proven experience managing external architects, consultants and multidisciplinary design teams.
- Excellent design judgement, with the ability to balance quality, cost, programme, buildability and operational requirements.
- Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- Confident working with senior stakeholders and external consultants.
- A collaborative, proactive and commercially aware approach.
- Able to provide clear design direction while remaining pragmatic and solutions-focused.
If you want to work in a small team, with big impact, send me your CV now!
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Bespoke Careers, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Construction project managers and related professionals (SOC 2455) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~36k in sample- Middle half £37,596–57,720
- Median £45,396
- Going rate £44,300
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £33,400–39,900
Similar sponsored roles
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Browse more sponsored jobs at Bespoke CareersAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Bespoke Careers holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2455 going rate of £44,300. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.