At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design coordination and manage complex commercial projects from start to finish.
- Company: Ambit, a specialist fit-out contractor known for excellence in commercial interiors.
- Benefits: Gain exposure to challenging 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, with strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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.
Locations
Design Manager in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: Ambit
Ambit is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of integrity, teamwork, and continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for a Design Manager to thrive. With opportunities to work on complex, technically demanding projects across the UK, employees benefit from a clear pathway to leadership roles and full ownership of design delivery, all while collaborating with a dedicated team committed to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in real-time! If you get the chance, ask for an informal chat or a coffee meeting with someone at Ambit. This way, you can demonstrate your knowledge about commercial fit-out projects and how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Brush up on your understanding of building regulations and construction detailing. We want to see how you tackle design challenges, so think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Ambit and being part of our collaborative approach to delivering high-quality projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in design management, especially in commercial fit-out projects. We want to see how your skills align with our needs at Ambit!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, share specific examples of how you've tackled design challenges in the past. We love a good problem-solver, so let us know how you’ve made things work under pressure!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences shine through without any fluff.
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 Design Manager role at Ambit.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambit
✨Know Your Design Packages
Before the interview, make sure you understand the specific design packages you'll be responsible for. Familiarise yourself with the technical aspects and challenges of Cut & Carve projects, as well as how to ensure compliance and buildability. This will show your potential employer that you're ready to take ownership from day one.
✨Showcase Your Coordination Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed coordination between architects, consultants, and subcontractors in past roles. Highlight your ability to lead design team meetings and drive actions to maintain programme alignment. This will demonstrate your readiness to step into a Design Manager role.
✨Understand Ambit's Approach
Research Ambit’s values and project delivery methods. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their commitment to excellence and problem-solving mindset. Showing that you resonate with their culture will help you stand out as a candidate who fits well within their team.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of building regulations, construction detailing, and software like Revit. Be prepared to answer technical questions that assess your understanding of design risks and solutions. This will not only showcase your expertise but also your confidence in handling complex projects.
