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 exciting project challenges.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- 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 Building Regulations and MEP systems.
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 architects’ 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 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 opportunities for career advancement within a thriving environment. Join us to lead impactful projects while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the world's most vibrant business districts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising your pitch. We recommend highlighting your experience with commercial fit-outs and how you've managed design integrity in past projects. Show them you’re the perfect fit for leading their design function!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the company and their projects! Knowing the ins and outs of their recent refurbishments will help you stand out. We want you to impress them with your knowledge and enthusiasm for their work.
✨Tip Number 4
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 engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager
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, especially on projects over £20M. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Projects:Include specific examples of past projects where you’ve led design delivery. Mention any high-spec London office projects you've worked on, as this will really catch our eye. We love seeing your achievements in action!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and to the point. Explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role and how you can contribute to our £60M project. We appreciate straightforward communication!
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. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 Technical Skills
Be ready to discuss your proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD, especially how you've used these tools in past projects. Prepare examples where your technical skills directly contributed to resolving design clashes or improving project outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability to manage design integrity effectively.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Scenarios
Think of instances where you've successfully managed client expectations or navigated complex stakeholder relationships. Be prepared to share these stories, focusing on your communication style and how you ensure everyone is on the same page throughout the design process.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
As you'll be leading a design team, it's crucial to convey your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've motivated your team, driven progress, and made clear decisions under pressure. Highlighting your ability to translate architectural intent into site reality will set you apart as a strong candidate.
