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- Tasks: Lead a talented team to create innovative furniture designs for high-end residential projects.
- Company: Join a top-rated company known for stylish bedroom and bathroom furniture in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, 23 days holiday, and a pension plan.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative environment that values design innovation and operational efficiency.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in AutoCAD design, with a strong grasp of furniture construction and materials.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence product development and collaborate with industry leaders.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Renowned for delivering contemporary 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) Ltd
Contact Detail:
Careers In Design (Recruitment) Ltd 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 furniture design and manufacturing. Being able to discuss contemporary styles and innovations during your interview will show that you're not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare examples of past projects where you've successfully translated client briefs into manufacturable designs. Highlighting your experience with similar challenges will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the furniture design and manufacturing sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who may provide insights or even referrals for the position at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your technical skills, especially in AutoCAD and CNC programming. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these areas during discussions will set you apart from other candidates and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
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've 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 optimise project briefs, as this is crucial for the role.
Proofread and Format: Before submitting your application, ensure that your documents are free from errors and formatted professionally. A clean, well-organised application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for a Design Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at Careers In Design (Recruitment) Ltd
✨Showcase Your Design Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with AutoCAD and how you've successfully translated architectural drawings into production-ready designs. Highlight specific projects where your design skills made a significant impact.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership
As a Design Manager, you'll be leading a team. Share examples of how you've effectively managed teams in the past, focusing on collaboration and communication. Discuss how you motivate your team to achieve project goals.
✨Understand the Manufacturing Process
Familiarise yourself with the company's manufacturing methods and materials. Be ready to discuss how your design choices can influence production efficiency and cost-effectiveness, showing that you can bridge the gap between design and manufacturing.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, particularly in relation to design and client briefs. This will demonstrate your hands-on approach and critical thinking skills.
