How to hire: A Technical Manager for a Residential Developer
Verity Hampson-Smith
Client overview
My partner, a premium residential developer in London, required expert recruitment support for their landmark high-rise residential tower project in central London. This prestigious development demanded exceptional technical leadership to ensure compliance with building safety regulations and design excellence.
The challenge
My partner needed a highly skilled Technical Manager to lead their BSR Gateway 2 submission and coordinate the design team throughout the construction phase. The role required specialised expertise in building safety regulations, technical oversight, and leadership abilities - a combination rarely found in the current competitive construction market.
The approach
I implemented a tailored recruitment strategy combining data-driven talent mapping, strategic advertising, and a consultative process to identify and secure the ideal candidate for this critical position.
Leadership
I'm a specialist recruitment consultant in Residential Construction across Central London, led the project. With extensive experience in the sector and a professional background in events and hospitality, I aim to bring a uniquely people-centric approach to property recruitment. My honest, transparent methodology has helped me to build a strong network across the construction industry, enabling access to top-tier professionals not actively in the job market.
Overview of methodology
Talent mapping
Firstly, I conducted comprehensive talent mapping across the London construction market, identifying qualified professionals with specific experience in high-rise residential developments and BSR compliance. This data-driven approach revealed potential candidates based on verified expertise rather than just availability.
Strategic advertising campaign
A targeted multi-channel advertising campaign was deployed, showcasing our client's employer brand and the unique professional development opportunities offered by this landmark project. The campaign reached passive candidates who weren't actively job-seeking but were open to exceptional opportunities.
Consultative process
Through detailed consultation with project stakeholders, I was able to develop a precise understanding of both technical requirements and cultural fit.
This enabled efficient candidate assessment and aligned with our partner’s needs and candidate capabilities.
Results
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Shortlist-to-interview conversion rate of 100%
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Position filled within the expected timeframe
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Our partner reported excellent cultural and technical fit
Key success factors
The targeted approach combined market intelligence with strategic outreach, delivering a highly qualified Technical Manager who possessed both the specialised expertise and leadership qualities required for our client's landmark development.
If you are looking to hire for your business, get in touch today, and an expert recruitment consultant will be in touch.
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Unique questions you should be asking in your interview
FAQ
A technical manager in the UK oversees technology teams, manages software development projects, and bridges the gap between technical staff and senior management. Their key responsibilities include technical leadership, team management, project delivery, and ensuring technical solutions align with business objectives. Technical managers typically earn £45,000-£80,000 annually in the UK and are essential for companies seeking to scale their IT operations and engineering teams effectively.
A construction technical manager in the UK oversees building projects from design to completion, ensuring compliance with building regulations, health and safety standards, and quality control measures. They coordinate between architects, engineers, contractors, and site teams while managing construction schedules, budgets, and technical specifications. Construction technical managers typically earn £40,000-£65,000 in the UK and are crucial for delivering building projects safely and on time while meeting British Standards and planning requirements.
A technical manager focuses on technical leadership, technology decisions, and managing engineering teams, while a project manager concentrates on project delivery, timelines, budgets, and stakeholder coordination. Technical managers typically require deeper technical expertise and hands-on experience, whereas project managers excel in process management, risk assessment, and cross-functional collaboration. In the UK job market, both roles command similar salaries (£40,000-£70,000), but technical manager roles often lead to CTO positions while project management careers progress toward programme or portfolio management.
Technical manager salaries in the UK typically range from £45,000-£80,000 annually, with London technical managers earning £55,000-£95,000 due to higher living costs. Entry-level technical managers start around £40,000-£50,000, while senior technical managers with 10+ years experience can earn £70,000-£100,000+ depending on industry and company size. Factors affecting technical manager pay include sector (fintech and tech companies pay most), team size, technical expertise, and location across the UK. You can download deverellsmith's Salary Guide & Trends Report 2025 here.
To become a technical manager in the UK, start with a computer science degree or equivalent technical qualification, then gain 3-5 years of hands-on software development or engineering experience in your chosen field. Develop leadership skills through team lead roles, obtain relevant certifications (like PRINCE2 or Agile qualifications), and consider pursuing an MBA or management training. Key steps include building expertise in project management, communication skills, and transitioning from individual contributor to team leadership roles within UK tech companies or consultancies.
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