Design Manager

Fantastic opportunity for a Design Manager to join a leading private equity backed organisation in London developing fantastic places.

Role Summary:

Seeking a proactive and experienced Design Manager to lead and coordinate design activities across a range of interior fit out projects, from on-site projects and liaising with development teams on new opportunities. Working closely with contractors and external consultants, the Design Manager will ensure the timely delivery of high-quality, buildable, and cost-effective design solutions. Ideally, the successful candidate will come from an architectural background and bring strong leadership, coordination, and technical skills to the role to ensure the project aligns with Group’s vision and requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Design Coordination & Management

• Lead the design development process from concept to construction across multiple projects
• Coordinate the input of architects, engineers, planners, and other consultants to ensure alignment with project brief, programme, and budget
• Manage design team performance and output in line with agreed deliverables and quality standards
• Ensure all designs are compliant with relevant building regulations, planning requirements, and health & safety standards

Stakeholder & Consultant Management

• Act as the main point of contact between the client, contractor, and design consultants
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with external consultants, driving collaboration and accountability
• Chair design team meetings to monitor progress, resolve issues, and communicate updates
• Manage scope, appointments, deliverables, and performance of external consultants throughout the design stages

Technical & Construction Integration

• Review design information for buildability, coordination, and technical accuracy
• Liaise with the pre-construction, commercial, and construction teams to ensure the design supports procurement and construction activities
• Provide guidance on value engineering opportunities without compromising design intent or quality
• Manage the flow of design information to ensure smooth project delivery

Risk & Programme Management

• Identify design-related risks and work proactively to mitigate them
• Manage design programmes and ensure key milestones are met
• Oversee the timely submission and approval of planning and building control applications
• Support the tender process with coordinated design information and responses to queries

Qualifications & Experience:

• Preferably degree-qualified in Architecture or a related design discipline
• Previous experience working for a contractor or design & build environment preferred on internal fit-out projects
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a Design Manager or senior architectural role
• Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary consultant teams
• Strong knowledge of UK Building Regulations, planning policy, and construction methods
• Skilled in using design coordination tools (AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks)

Key Competencies:

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities
• Ability to influence, challenge, and drive performance from external consultants
• Solutions-focused with a keen eye for detail and buildability

Desirable Attributes:

• Chartership with RIBA, ARB, or equivalent professional body
• Experience working across internal fit-out in hotel, retail, residential, commercial, or mixed-use projects
• Familiarity with BIM and digital collaboration platforms