Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage design processes for a commercial fit-out project, ensuring smooth transitions and problem-solving.
- Company: Join a dynamic team working on a £25m project in the heart of Piccadilly.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible freelance work with a competitive pay structure and the chance to enhance your portfolio.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-profile project that blends creativity with practical execution in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management for commercial projects is preferred; practical problem-solving skills are essential.
- Other info: Start date is May 2025, with a duration of 9-10 months.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Freelance Design Manager - Commercial Fit-Out
Location: Piccadilly
Start Date: May 2025
Duration: 9-10 Months
The Situation:
A 25m two-phase project is rattling along nicely. Phase 1 ("Structures" - demolition, structural works, general heavy lifting) wraps up in about two months. After that, it’s on to Phase 2: 9m of commercial fit-out, where things get considerably shinier and more client-facing.
We now require a Design Manager to bridge the gap between the 'knocking down' and the 'making it look expensive', and to see the fit-out through to completion without undue excitement.
The Role:
- Review the design, spot the issues before they become your issues.
- Ensure the fit-out can actually be built (you'd be surprised how often this needs saying).
- Co-ordinate between structural and fit-out elements with minimal drama.
- Work out what’s missing, what’s needed, and what nobody’s thought about yet.
- Generally keep the design process moving so the project doesn’t grind to a halt while people argue over ceiling details.
If you know your way around a fit-out site and can keep designers, contractors, and clients broadly pointed in the same direction, you’ll fit right in.
What You’ll (Ideally) Bring:
- Solid experience as a Design Manager on commercial projects, preferably with a main contractor.
- A practical mind - capable of looking at a design and asking: "Will this actually work?"
- A steady hand transitioning from heavy structure to detailed fit-out.
- Proficiency with relevant design management and project tracking software (no, we don’t mean spreadsheets you made yourself in 2009).
- The ability to solve problems sensibly, not theatrically.
- (Structural engineering experience not essential, though understanding how big things stay up is handy.)
Alternative Titles: Design Manager, Project Design Manager, Construction Design Manager, Design Coordinator - call yourself what you like, as long as you can do the job.
How to Apply:
If this sounds tolerable and you’re available, give Michael Ogunyankin a call or send your updated CV (ideally something resembling the truth) to the provided email. If you’re not free but know someone suitable, do the decent thing and pass it on.
Design Mgr/Coordinator employer: Borne Resourcing Limited
Contact Detail:
Borne Resourcing Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Mgr/Coordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the commercial fit-out industry. Attend relevant events or join online forums where you can connect with others who might know about opportunities or can refer you to the right people.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest design management and project tracking software. Being proficient in these tools will not only enhance your skills but also show potential employers that you're up-to-date with industry standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed the transition from structural work to fit-out. This will demonstrate your practical understanding of the role and your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company and the specific project details before applying. Understanding their previous projects and design philosophy will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Mgr/Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Design Manager in a commercial fit-out context. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements mentioned in the job description to tailor your application accordingly.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience as a Design Manager on commercial projects. Emphasise your ability to bridge structural and fit-out elements, and showcase any proficiency with design management software that aligns with the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key points from the job description. Explain how your practical mindset and problem-solving skills make you a suitable candidate for managing the transition from heavy structure to detailed fit-out.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or inconsistencies. Ensure that all information is accurate and presents you in the best light possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at Borne Resourcing Limited
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles as a Design Manager, especially on commercial projects. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, particularly in transitioning from structural work to fit-out.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Expect questions that assess your ability to solve problems sensibly. Prepare examples where you identified potential issues before they escalated and how you coordinated solutions among different teams.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Software
Make sure you know the design management and project tracking software commonly used in the industry. Be ready to discuss your proficiency and how you've used these tools to keep projects on track.
✨Understand the Fit-Out Process
Brush up on the specifics of the fit-out process and be ready to explain how you would ensure that designs are practical and can be built effectively. This will show your understanding of the role and its requirements.
