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- Tasks: Lead design projects, ensuring quality and compliance while collaborating with teams.
- Company: Ambit, a specialist in high-quality commercial interiors across the UK.
- Benefits: Gain exposure to complex projects and a clear pathway to leadership roles.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on excellence and career growth.
- Why this job: Transform design concepts into reality and make a real impact on workplaces.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management or technical coordination, with strong knowledge of building regulations.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Ambit is a specialist fit-out and refurbishment contractor delivering high-quality commercial interiors across the UK. We focus on the technical delivery of workplaces, transforming design concepts into fully realised spaces with precision, efficiency, and craftsmanship.
Known for our problem-solving mindset, collaborative approach, and commitment to excellence, we partner with clients, designers, and consultants to deliver complex projects safely, on time, and to the highest standard.
The Design Manager will play a key role in the delivery of a complex commercial Cut & Carve project, reporting into a Senior Design Manager on their first project within Ambit. From the outset, the successful candidate will be expected to take ownership of defined design packages, managing coordination, technical output, and programme alignment, while working within an established project structure.
The role provides exposure to Ambit’s approach to delivery and standards, with the expectation that the individual will progress quickly into a fully autonomous Design Manager position on future projects.
- Design Coordination & Package Ownership
- Take ownership of allocated design packages from pre-construction through to completion
- Review and interrogate design information to ensure buildability, compliance, and coordination
- Manage day-to-day coordination with architects, consultants, and subcontractors
- Lead elements of Design Team Meetings and drive actions to maintain programme alignment
- Manage design interfaces relating to structural alterations, strip-out works, and existing building constraints
- Identify design risks and coordinate timely resolution, escalating key issues where appropriate
- Ensure technical solutions are practical, compliant, and aligned with project constraints
- Contribute to and manage elements of the Design Release Schedule (DRS)
- Ensure design deliverables are issued in line with construction sequencing and procurement requirements
- Support review of design solutions to ensure alignment with cost, programme, and buildability
- Act as a coordination point between consultants, internal teams, and subcontractors
- Support client-facing activities, including design reviews and presentations
- Maintain clear communication on progress, risks, and deliverables
- Work collaboratively with Project Management and Commercial teams
- Ensure all design outputs meet Ambit standards and regulatory requirements
- Manage and track design changes across allocated packages
- Support the production of coordinated and technically robust design documentation
Experience in a Design Manager, Assistant Design Manager, or Technical Coordinator role:
- Background in commercial fit-out, refurbishment, or Cut & Carve projects
- Strong understanding of building regulations and construction detailing
- Experience managing design packages within a live project environment
Software & Tools
- Proficient in Revit
- Experience working within coordinated drawing and BIM environments
Comfortable operating within a structured project team on first assignment. Demonstrates the capability to step into a fully independent Design Manager role.
At Ambit, we take pride in building spaces that help organisations thrive. You’ll gain exposure to complex, technically demanding projects, with a clear pathway to leading your own schemes and taking full ownership of design delivery.
Design Lead - to be a manager employer: Ambit
Contact Detail:
Ambit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Lead - to be a manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend design events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in interviews! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best design projects and be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in past roles. This is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in Ambit and our approach to design. Tailor your application to show how you fit into our culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Lead - to be a manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in design management or similar roles. We want to see how you've tackled complex projects before, especially in commercial fit-out or refurbishment. Don't be shy—this is your chance to shine!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to tailor your application to Ambit’s values and the specific role. Mention how your problem-solving mindset and collaborative approach align with our culture. This shows us that you’re not just sending a generic application but are genuinely interested in joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Design Manager role. Use bullet points if it helps to break down your skills and experiences!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all the necessary documents in one go. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambit
✨Know Your Design Packages
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the design packages you'll be managing. Familiarise yourself with the specifics of commercial fit-out and refurbishment projects, especially Cut & Carve. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to take ownership from day one.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Ambit values a problem-solving mindset, so prepare examples of how you've tackled design challenges in the past. Think about specific instances where you identified risks and coordinated solutions, and be ready to discuss these during the interview.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a Design Manager, you'll need to act as a coordination point between various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use examples from your experience to illustrate how you've maintained clear communication on progress, risks, and deliverables in previous roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Revit and BIM
Since proficiency in Revit and experience in BIM environments are crucial for this role, brush up on your skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects and how they contributed to successful design outcomes.