Design Development Manager

The role will report to the Head of Living and Commercial and lead the design of multiple buildings within a wider single 2.5 acre estate while supporting on other projects by:

• Owning and maintaining design briefs, scope of works and design programme and ensuring the project is delivered to a high standard.
• Embedding HB Reavis’ company standards and long-term ownership know-how into the design process, including asset management and facilities management input, to ensure buildings are future-proof, efficient to operate and easy to maintain over time.
• Ensuring the planning programme is met with input from all required consultants by working alongside the development team.
• Supporting the leasing team and ensuring commercial outcomes are aligned with design.
• Leading the timely completion of consultant appointments, including preparing scopes of works and evaluating fee proposals.
• Managing the professional fee budget and design programme while using formal client design management documentation to control this.
• Reviewing design information, monitoring progress and leading client management of RIBA Stages 1-3.
• Recommending client feedback to internal stakeholders including, development, leasing, marketing, cost and procurement teams before issuing coordinated design feedback.
• Leading design reporting including monthly project reviews to UK directors and preparing board materials for key design gate approvals.
• Ensuring all value engineering opportunities are properly considered throughout the design development stage and beyond.
• Driving gross to net efficiency.
• Coordinating change management with the internal cost control team to achieve the construction cost target.
• Leading design input into the project’s risk register with a specific focus on design, CDM and the Building Safety Act.
• Project management of all design aspects, chairing and organising design meetings with external designers and internal experts.
• Supporting growth of junior members of the team to take on more responsibility and autonomy within the masterplan.

This role would suit someone who has 5-10 years’ experience in architecture or design management, and is keen to work with a forward-thinking developer. The ideal candidate would have experience combining multi-disciplinary design skills with project leadership and a wider understanding of the development process, with a proven track record of managing external design teams and consultant appointments. 

Must have

• Mixed-use living led experience with hospitality sector exposure.
• Retrofit project experience.
• Experience in design briefs, scopes of works and consultant appointments.
• Deep understanding of the development process and how value is achieved.
• Deep knowledge of Building regulations, Construction Design Management regulations and the Building Safety Act.

Desirable

• High attention to detail.
• Great communicator with skills in presentation.
• Sustainability expertise including net zero carbon and other certifications such as NABERS, BREEAM, WELL, WiredScore, etc…
• Excellent stakeholder management and organisational project management skills.
• Proficient with the Microsoft Ecosystem particularly PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, etc..
• Mentoring and development of junior team members.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer a competitive and well‑rounded benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, growth and life outside of work.
• Financial security from day one – pension, life assurance, income protection, private medical insurance and health cash plan.
• Smart salary‑sacrifice options – including childcare support, season ticket loans, gym membership, cycle to work and an electric car scheme.
• Flexible ways of working – while we are an office‑first organization, we offer flexible working arrangements and working hours to help you balance work with your personal commitments.
• Wellbeing & family support – employee assistance programme, health screenings, enhanced parental leave and access to wellbeing initiatives.
• A workplace you’ll enjoy – award‑winning, wellbeing‑focused offices, regular social events, volunteering opportunities, healthy snacks and drinks.
• Extra perks that matter – employee discounts and a referral bonus for recommending new colleagues.
• Continuous learning & development – an individual development budget, an annual LLM license tailored to your needs, and targeted development opportunities aligned with your goals.