Design Manager (Pre-Development)

Job Title: Deign Manager (Pre-Development) Salary: 55,000 - 60,000 plus package Location: Wakefield The opportunity A well-established residential developer is looking for a Pre-Development Design Manager to join its Technical team. You'll take charge of a portfolio of housing sites, steering each one from early feasibility through planning and technical design to a construction-ready position. You'll work closely with the Land and Commercial teams, helping to shape how sites are appraised, designed and delivered. This is a hands-on role with real ownership, suited to someone who enjoys keeping several projects moving at once. What you'll be doing Leading multiple residential sites at the same time, from initial site review and feasibility through to planning, technical design and pre-constructionReviewing architectural and engineering proposals, spotting constraints, risks and opportunities, and making sure designs are practical, buildable and in line with the wider development strategyAppointing and managing external architects, engineers, planning consultants and other advisers, holding them to deadlines and deliverablesOverseeing the planning process alongside internal teams and consultants, tracking progress and conditions and addressing potential delays earlyBuilding and maintaining detailed pre-construction programmes, including milestones, dependencies and critical-path activitiesKeeping trackers, risk registers and action logs up to date, and reporting on progress, risks and decisions needed to senior managementSupporting the Land team on new opportunities and acquisition decisions, and working with Commercial to keep design proposals in line with budgets, cost plans and appraisalsWhat we're looking for A background in residential development, housebuilding or a closely related sectorA solid understanding of the planning process, including applications, policy and site constraintsGood working knowledge of both architectural and engineering disciplines, with the ability to review and coordinate design informationProven experience managing several sites at once and producing and running pre-construction programmesCommercial awareness, including viability, cost implications, value engineering and how design decisions affect returnsStrong communication and stakeholder management skills, with confidence challenging constructivelyA highly organised, detail-focused and proactive approach, comfortable in a fast-paced environmentSuitable backgrounds Experience with a developer, housebuilder or a consultancy working with residential developers is ideal. Candidates from architectural, engineering, technical development management or residential pre-construction backgrounds will also be considered, provided they can show the planning knowledge, project management ability and broad technical understanding needed. Calibre Search promote equality in the workplace and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified candidates regardless of their sex, race, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age. We act as both an employment agency and employment business.