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- Tasks: Lead design coordination and manage complex commercial projects from start to finish.
- Company: Ambit, a specialist contractor known for high-quality commercial interiors.
- Benefits: Gain exposure to complex projects and clear career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values integrity, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make a real impact on innovative design solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management or technical coordination, preferably in commercial fit-out.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Reporting to: Senior Design Manager
ABOUT AMBIT
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 ROLE
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.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- 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
- Cut & Carve Technical Delivery - Manage design interfaces relating to structural alterations, strip-out works, and existing building constraints - Coordinate integration of new services and fit-out packages - Identify design risks and coordinate timely resolution, escalating key issues where appropriate - Ensure technical solutions are practical, compliant, and aligned with project constraints
- Programme & Commercial Alignment - 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 - Provide input into pre-construction and tender activities where required
- Stakeholder Management - 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
- Quality & Compliance - 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
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Technical & Industry Experience - 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
- Core Competencies - Strong coordination and organisational skills - Ability to manage workstreams with accountability and minimal oversight - Good technical problem-solving capability - Confident communicator across multiple stakeholders
APPROACH & EXPECTATIONS
- Takes ownership of deliverables and drives outcomes
- Comfortable operating within a structured project team on first assignment
- Escalates issues appropriately while maintaining momentum on packages
- Demonstrates the capability to step into a fully independent Design Manager role
WHY JOIN AMBIT
At Ambit, we take pride in building spaces that help organisations thrive. Joining our team means becoming part of a culture that values integrity, teamwork, and continuous improvement. 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 Manager employer: Ambit
Contact Detail:
Ambit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best design projects. When you land an interview, bring it along to showcase your experience and creativity—it's a great conversation starter!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Ambit and understanding their projects. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their values and approach to design delivery—this will show you're genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Ambit team specifically.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in commercial fit-out and refurbishment projects, and show us how your skills align with our focus on precision and craftsmanship.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: We love a good problem-solver! In your application, share examples of how you've tackled design challenges in past projects. This will help us see your collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join the Ambit team!
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 responsible for. Familiarise yourself with the specifics of Cut & Carve projects and be ready to discuss how you've managed similar packages in the past.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Ambit values a problem-solving mindset, so prepare examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles. Be ready to explain how you identified issues, coordinated with stakeholders, and implemented effective solutions.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a Design Manager, you'll need to communicate with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your communication style.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Knowledge
Brush up on your understanding of building regulations and construction detailing. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past projects, especially in relation to compliance and coordination with architects and consultants.