Design Manager in London

Design Manager in London

London Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Ambit

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 and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Gain exposure to challenging projects and clear career progression opportunities.
  • Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Join a team that values integrity and teamwork while transforming innovative designs into reality.
  • 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.

Design Manager in London 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.
Ambit

Contact Detail:

Ambit Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Manager in London

✨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 land you that Design Manager role.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills in real-time! Consider creating a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past projects and design solutions. This way, when you get the chance to chat with potential employers, you can demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving mindset.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t be shy about following up! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role at Ambit.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining the Ambit team and contributing to our commitment to excellence.

We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in London

Design Coordination
Technical Delivery
Building Regulations Knowledge
Construction Detailing
Project Management
Stakeholder Management
Revit Proficiency
BIM Experience
Problem-Solving Skills
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Design Package Management
Risk Identification and Resolution
Quality Assurance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Design Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in design management, especially in commercial fit-out or refurbishment projects. We want to see how you've taken ownership of design packages and tackled complex challenges.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your past roles and responsibilities, especially around coordination and technical delivery. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to Ambit and the Design Manager role. Mention specific skills that align with our needs, like your understanding of building regulations and experience with Revit. This shows us you’ve done your homework!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates about your application status. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

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 buildability and compliance. 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 strong organisational skills and readiness to collaborate effectively.

✨Be Ready to Discuss Technical Solutions

Brush up on your knowledge of building regulations and construction detailing. Be prepared to discuss how you've identified design risks and coordinated timely resolutions in previous projects. This will showcase your problem-solving capabilities and your understanding of practical, compliant solutions.

✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex design concepts. Since stakeholder management is key in this role, being a confident communicator will set you apart. Prepare to share how you've maintained clear communication on progress, risks, and deliverables in your past experiences.

Design Manager in London
Ambit
Location: London

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