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 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, 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 Slough employer: Ambit
Contact Detail:
Ambit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Slough
✨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, ask for an informal chat or a coffee meeting with potential employers. Bring along some of your best design work to discuss – it’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note that highlights something specific from your conversation. It shows you’re genuinely interested and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it gives you a better chance to showcase your fit for the Design Manager role directly to us.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills: When you're putting together 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!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in our job description. Show us how your background aligns with what we’re looking for at Ambit.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to highlight your key achievements and responsibilities, especially those related to design coordination and technical delivery.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the Ambit team!
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.