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.
Design Manager in Preston 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 Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Design Manager role that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in real-time! If you get the chance, bring a portfolio of your past projects to interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your design coordination and problem-solving abilities right on the spot.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies like Ambit directly through our website and express your interest in future opportunities. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on your knowledge of building regulations and construction detailing. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show you’re ready to take ownership of design packages.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Preston
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 how you can contribute to our collaborative approach at Ambit.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to describe your experience and achievements. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 Cut & Carve projects and be ready to discuss how you've taken ownership of 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 risks, coordinated solutions, and ensured compliance with building regulations.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a Design Manager, you'll need to liaise with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing technical details or presenting design reviews. This will demonstrate your ability to manage communication effectively.
✨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. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects and how they contributed to successful design coordination.
