At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design for a major £60M office refurbishment in the heart of London.
- Company: Dynamic firm specialising in high-spec commercial projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on iconic buildings while leading a talented design team.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in commercial fit-out; strong knowledge of MEP and design management.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 80000 € per year.
A major £60M commercial office refurbishment across two prime City of London buildings. The scope includes full‑floor fit‑outs, MEP coordination, specialist systems integration, and delivery to multiple occupiers across a 24‑month programme. The design is at RIBA Stage 3/4 with early contractor involvement; the successful candidate will own design delivery through to practical completion.
You will lead the design function across both buildings, accountable for:
- Design integrity and specification management through coordination with consultants
- Programme delivery design freeze milestones, consent sequences, clash resolution
- Cost management quotation review, value‑engineering, variation orders
- Stakeholder management client presentations, occupier requests, expectations
- Site liaison RFI resolution, site‑issued instructions, design coordination on‑site
You’ll work directly with the Project Manager and Site Manager, and lead a design team of 2‑3.
Essential Requirements
- 8+ years in commercial fit‑out or refurbishment; 3+ years as Design Manager on £20M+ projects
- Fluent in Building Regulations, MEP coordination, and specialist systems (HVAC, lighting, AV, data)
- Revit proficiency (BIM coordination); AutoCAD for drawing amendments
- Proven track record delivering design on time and within budget
Desirable
- RIBA‑registered architect or technologist (Part 3)
- Experience on high‑spec London office projects (Canary Wharf, Bishopsgate types)
- Knowledge of fit‑out sustainability standards (BREEAM, WELL, Fitwell)
What We’re Looking For
- Technical confidence to spot clashes, challenge quotes, explain decisions to clients
- Pace and pragmatism in a fast‑track environment; clear decision‑making under pressure
- Ownership you lead the design team and drive progress
- Ability to translate between architect’s intent and site reality
The Offer
- Salary: £80,000-£75,000 per annum
- Contract: Permanent
- Location: City of London
- Reporting to: Project Manager
- Start date: ASAP
Senior Design Manager in London employer: Build Tech Recruitment Ltd
As a Senior Design Manager at our company, you will be part of a dynamic team working on a prestigious £60M commercial office refurbishment in the heart of the City of London. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and professional growth, offering competitive salaries and benefits, as well as opportunities to lead high-profile projects that make a tangible impact in the industry.
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 portfolio that highlights your best projects, especially those that align with commercial fit-out or refurbishment. We recommend using a clean, professional format that makes it easy for potential employers to see your design integrity and project management skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to design management and project delivery. We suggest you also come armed with examples of how you've tackled challenges in past projects, especially around cost management and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in commercial fit-out and refurbishment projects, especially those over £20M. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
Showcase Your Projects:Include specific examples of projects you've managed, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to deliver design on time and within budget. We love seeing a proven track record, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your cover letter, be clear and concise about why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Use language from the job description to show you understand what we’re looking for. It helps us see your enthusiasm!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply 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 you’re keen to join the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Build Tech Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the £60M commercial office refurbishment project. Familiarise yourself with the design stages, MEP coordination, and the key challenges that might arise. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with the project's needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Design Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed design teams in the past, particularly on large-scale projects. Highlight your ability to resolve clashes, manage stakeholder expectations, and drive progress under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Be ready to discuss your fluency in Building Regulations, MEP systems, and your proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD. Consider bringing a portfolio or examples of your previous work that showcase your technical skills and how they contributed to successful project outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about potential design challenges you might face on this project and how you would approach them. This will demonstrate your critical thinking and ability to translate architectural intent into site reality.
