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- Tasks: Lead a talented team to create bespoke furniture designs from developer briefs.
- Company: Join a top-notch company known for premium bedroom and bathroom furniture in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, 23 days holiday, and pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative environment that values innovation and operational efficiency.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in AutoCAD design, with expertise in furniture construction and materials.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence product development and collaborate with industry leaders.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
Renowned for delivering contemporary, made-to-measure bedroom and bathroom furniture, this company has earned a strong reputation among London’s leading property developers. Operating from a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, the business combines design innovation with practical buildability to deliver premium furniture for high-spec residential developments.
As Design Manager, you’ll take ownership of a small but highly skilled team, responsible for translating developer briefs into commercially viable, manufacturable furniture designs. This role is pivotal to ensuring the seamless flow between design, manufacturing, and site delivery while also contributing to product innovation and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Ensure timely delivery of accurate and commercially sound tender and production drawings
- Collaborate with the purchasing team to ensure correct material and hardware specification
- Work closely with estimators, sales teams, and clients to interpret and optimise project briefs
- Create CNC programs for in-house manufacture using CAD-based software
- Support NPD (new product development) initiatives based on client and market needs
- Report design team KPIs to the Operations Manager and contribute to performance reviews
Skills and Experience needed:
- 7+ years’ experience in technical AutoCAD design for fitted or bespoke furniture
- Expertise in interpreting architectural drawings and producing production-ready technical details
- Solid understanding of materials, furniture construction and manufacturing methods
- Familiarity with hardware and fittings from suppliers such as Häfele or Hettich
- Hands-on approach, strong problem-solving skills and confident team communicator
- Cabinet Vision, CNC programming and cut list generation would be an advantage
In return, the salary is c£50k plus discretionary company performance related bonus, 23 days holiday accruing each year and pension.
Design Manager employer: Careers In Design (Recruitment) Limited
Contact Detail:
Careers In Design (Recruitment) Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in bespoke furniture design and manufacturing. This will not only help you understand the market better but also allow you to speak confidently about how your experience aligns with the company's innovative approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who have experience with high-spec residential developments. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your AutoCAD skills and ensure you're comfortable with creating production-ready technical details. Consider taking a short course or workshop if you feel you need a refresher, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past. Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate with various departments, as these are crucial for the Design Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your 7+ years of experience in technical AutoCAD design, focusing on fitted or bespoke furniture. Include specific examples of projects where you interpreted architectural drawings and produced production-ready technical details.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for design innovation and how your hands-on approach has contributed to past projects. Mention your familiarity with materials and manufacturing methods, as well as any experience with CNC programming and cut list generation.
Showcase Relevant Skills: When detailing your skills, emphasise your problem-solving abilities and team communication skills. Highlight your experience collaborating with purchasing teams and sales teams to ensure project briefs are optimised.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Design Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Careers In Design (Recruitment) Limited
✨Showcase Your Design Portfolio
Bring along a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work. Make sure to include examples of bespoke furniture designs and any projects where you translated developer briefs into successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Be prepared to discuss your experience with AutoCAD and any other relevant software. Highlight specific projects where your technical skills made a significant impact on the design process or project delivery.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with purchasing, sales, and manufacturing teams in the past. This will show your ability to communicate effectively and drive projects forward.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, particularly in relation to design and manufacturing processes.
