- slightly tired of "practice life", but
- still deeply design-led (details, materiality, context, build quality), and
- at your best when you're driving project delivery…
- programme + coordinate multiple projects into their key site windows
- manage supplier/contractor interfaces so sites run smoothly
- resolve technical/site queries fast, clearly, decisively (keeping momentum)
- maintain standards + quality through inspections, reporting, right-first-time thinking
- keep clients calm and reassured during construction (a major pressure point)
- improve repeatable details/systems and strengthen delivery processes over time
- build relationships across the supply chain and expand the contractor network where needed
- manage a small technical team day-to-day (2-3 architectural technologists) + additional support from the wider multi-disciplinary team on technical queries / delivery flow
- coordinate construction packages pre-site (architects, engineers, sub-contractors, suppliers)
- programme key site milestones and keep all parties aligned
- carry out site inspections for compliance, build quality and issue resolution
- handle client + contractor queries and keep builds moving
- report progress to senior leadership and support aftercare following key milestones
- implement quality control, standardisation, and continual improvement of details/processes
- architect or technologist with serious delivery maturity (Stage 4/5 + site confidence)
- a people person - confident and authoritative with contractors, but human and reassuring with clients
- commercially aware and outcome-driven (you understand where delivery risk sits)
- naturally organised: programmes, trackers, actions, issue-resolution
- design-sensitive: you care about detail, good design, materiality, and how things are actually built
- entrepreneurial in mindset - you like improving systems, not just following them
- residential project experience, ideally working with private / self-build clients
- interest in sustainability
- Competitive base salary (DOE)
- Highly competitive bonus linked to delivery outcomes and business activity (with upside as the business scales)
- Hybrid: 3 days office / 2 days home
- 35 days holiday (incl. bank holidays)
- 4% employer pension
- Business travel support provided for site visits
Design Manager - Greater Glasgow - Grõ Careers
Description
Job Description
If you're an experienced architect or technologist who's…
This could be a defining move.
Grõ Careers is partnered exclusively with a design-led residential developer delivering sustainable, architect-designed, bespoke homes in exceptional landscapes. Each home is different. Each site has its own demands. And the company culture is unapologetically design-sensitive - the kind of place where context, proportion, and craft still matter during delivery.
This isn't a front-end concept role.
It's a delivery-led Design Manager position, taking projects post-warrant and owning the build journey through key structural milestones on site - while protecting the design intent and client experience.
Why This Role Is Different
Most "delivery" roles lose the design heart.
Here, the design is the product - and your job is to make sure it's delivered properly.
You'll be Glasgow-based (hybrid), with regular site time (fortnightly) - coordinating people, solving problems, and keeping clients confident through construction.
The Key Deliverables
You'll be measured by how effectively you:
Role Scope
In simple terms, you sit at the centre of delivery as the technical authority + coordination lead.
You'll be expected to:
Revit
This is not a Revit production role - but it helps hugely if you can review details, spot what's missing, and (when needed) jump into Revit to tweak/issue a quick fix. Candidates without Revit experience are urged to apply.
The Ideal Profile
Package
Apply Exclusively Via Grõ Careers
If you want a rare move into a design-led developer-side Design Manager role, Send your CV to Grõ Careers by hitting the apply button. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to share a portfolio. Additional details will be shared discreetly with shortlisted architectural assistants only.