Design Manager - Fit Out & NB

Design Manager

Fit Out Contractor

Essex / Herts Border

£60,000 - £70,000 and package

CSC Recruitment are seeking to source a Design Manager who has experience of working in the commercial, retail, hospitality and aviation fit out market for a medium sized contractor based in Central London.

This contractor has an annual turnover of c.£50 million and has already secured 90% for next year. They have fostered an excellent relationship with one particular client whom they have secured plenty of work for moving forward. Hence, they are seeking a Design Manager to work solely for their projects.

They are seeking a Design Manager to work within a design team consisting of 6 other Design Managers and reporting to the Design Lead. Suitable candidates will be a stand-alone Design Manager who is based on site and capable of pre-construction input, attending tender interviews, on site management and strong communication skills.

This is a site-based role on the Herts/Essex border.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Design Management

• Oversee the design process for commercial fit out projects from inception to completion, ensuring designs meet client specifications, project scope, and industry standards.
• Manage and lead internal design teams (architects, interior designers, space planners) and external consultants (engineers, MEP consultants, etc.).
• Coordinate the design phases including conceptualisation, schematic design, detailed design, and construction documentation.
• Ensure design consistency, quality, and alignment with the project brief throughout the project life cycle.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients during the design phase, ensuring all client requirements are incorporated and addressed.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders including landlords, property managers, building inspectors, and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with codes and regulations.
• Present design concepts, progress, and updates to clients and project teams for feedback and approvals.

Budget & Time line Management

• Work closely with the commercial and project management teams to ensure that designs are cost-effective, feasible, and within project budgets.
• Assist in the preparation of project budgets and provide design input for cost planning and value engineering where necessary.
• Monitor design progress and ensure timely completion of design deliverable in line with project milestones and construction schedules.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure all design work complies with relevant building regulations, fire codes, health and safety standards, and any other local/national legislation.
• Manage the submission and approval process for permits and other regulatory documentation.

Team Leadership & Development.

• Conduct regular design reviews and ensure design teams adhere to best practices, technical standards, and company procedures.
• Coordinate and collaborate with project managers, procurement teams, and construction teams to ensure smooth project delivery.

Design Documentation & Communication

• Oversee the production of detailed design drawings, specifications and schedules for commercial fit outs, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
• Maintain and manage all design documentation, ensuring all revisions and updates are properly recorded and communicated to relevant stakeholders.

Problem Solving & Troubleshooting

• Identify design issues early in the project and work proactively with teams to resolve design conflicts, construct ability issues, or unforeseen challenges.
• Provide technical advice and design solutions when required during the construction phase.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Technical Skills:

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in design management within commercial fit out.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, regulations, and construction processes in commercial environments.
• Proficient in design software (Auto CAD, Sketch Up, Rev it, etc.).
• Familiarity with project management software (MS Project, Primavera, etc.).

Personal Attributes:

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex design concepts to clients and non-technical stakeholders.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Problem-solving mindset with a proactive approach to design challenges.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

For full information about this Design Manager role, please apply now.