Senior Design Manager in London

Senior Design Manager in London

London Full-Time 72000 - 88000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design for exciting commercial fit-out projects from concept to completion.
  • Company: Dynamic contractor known for high-quality commercial fit-outs in London.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Shape beautiful spaces while collaborating with talented teams and clients.
  • Qualifications: Experience in commercial fit-out projects and strong leadership skills required.
  • Other info: Join a vibrant team and make a real impact in the design industry.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.

This is a hands-on design leadership role within a busy, high-quality commercial fit-out contractor. You’ll own design standards and delivery across large fit-out and refurbishment programmes, driving projects from concept through to completion. You’ll be the go-to design lead for internal teams, project managers and external consultants - confident, decisive and commercially astute. This isn’t about design in isolation; it’s about shaping spaces that work beautifully and perform technically, while keeping projects on track and clients happy.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee design direction and delivery on large commercial fit-out and refurbishment projects.
  • Take full ownership of design quality, clarity and integration across all stages.
  • Lead and manage internal design teams with clear direction and accountability.
  • Collaborate directly with project managers to align design with programme, budget and client expectations.
  • Coordinate with external design consultants and contractors to ensure design intent is realised on site.
  • Present design ideas confidently to stakeholders and adapt based on constructive feedback.
  • Maintain design documentation and drive ideas that are practical and buildable.

Requirements

  • Significant experience managing design on commercial fit-out/refurbishment projects.
  • Previous experience at a renowned London contractor highly advantageous.
  • Strong leadership skills with a track record of guiding design teams and influencing cross-functional partners.
  • Confident communicator with the ability to represent design decisions to clients and stakeholders.
  • Excellent technical understanding of construction, detailing and buildability.
  • Commercial awareness and a pragmatic mindset.
  • Proficiency in design tools (Revit, Adobe Suite) and clear documentation skills.

If you are interested in learning more, please email claudia@bigblue.uk.com with your CV and Portfolio.

Senior Design Manager in London employer: Bigblue

As a leading commercial fit-out contractor based in Waterloo, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where creativity meets practicality. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ongoing training opportunities and a culture that encourages innovation and teamwork, making us an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the design industry.
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Contact Detail:

Bigblue Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend design events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your work! Create a stunning portfolio that highlights your best projects, especially those related to commercial fit-out and refurbishment. We recommend using our website to share your portfolio; it’s a great way to get noticed by potential employers.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising your pitch. Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, leadership style, and how you’ve successfully managed projects in the past. We want you to come across as confident and decisive, just like the role demands!

✨Tip Number 4

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to show your genuine interest in the role and the company.

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

Design Leadership
Project Management
Collaboration
Stakeholder Communication
Technical Understanding of Construction
Detailing and Buildability
Commercial Awareness
Proficiency in Revit
Proficiency in Adobe Suite
Design Quality Management
Team Management
Adaptability to Feedback
Documentation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Senior Design Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've managed, especially in commercial fit-out.

Showcase Your Portfolio: Your portfolio is your chance to shine! Include a variety of projects that demonstrate your design capabilities and how you've successfully led teams. Make it visually appealing and easy to navigate.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for design and how your experience aligns with our needs. Be confident and personable – we want to get to know you!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Bigblue

✨Know Your Design Standards

Before the interview, brush up on the design standards relevant to commercial fit-out projects. Be ready to discuss how you’ve maintained quality and clarity in your previous roles, as this will show your understanding of the expectations for the Senior Design Manager position.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience. Think about times when you successfully guided a design team or influenced cross-functional partners. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and manage internal teams effectively.

✨Communicate Confidently

Practice presenting your design ideas clearly and confidently. You might be asked to explain your thought process or adapt your ideas based on feedback, so being articulate and open to discussion is key. Remember, it’s all about collaboration!

✨Understand the Technical Side

Brush up on your technical knowledge of construction and detailing. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure buildability in your designs. This will show that you not only have a creative vision but also the practical skills to bring it to life.

Senior Design Manager in London
Bigblue
Location: London
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  • Senior Design Manager in London

    London
    Full-Time
    72000 - 88000 £ / year (est.)
  • B

    Bigblue

    50-100
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