At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage fit-out projects, create designs, and oversee installations for student homes.
- Company: Fast-growing student housing company with a mission to enhance rental experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Exciting role with significant site presence and autonomy in a rapidly expanding company.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of student living across the UK.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in property or construction, strong CAD skills, and project management experience.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Homie is a fast-growing student housing company building a UK-wide portfolio of shared homes for second- and third-year students. Our mission is to build student homes that look amazing, stand up to heavy use, and offer a rental experience that is better than the market norm. Launched in 2024 and already scaling quickly, Homie operates across Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Durham, Liverpool and Bristol, with a new Manchester-area office opening later this year. As we grow, we are building an in-house delivery team to take full ownership of property upgrades and fit‑outs.
The Project & Design Manager plays a central role in delivering fit‑outs across the Homie portfolio. This is a hands‑on role that sits between design, procurement, and site delivery. You will work alongside our Development Manager to deliver projects from empty shell to tenant‑ready, producing practical layouts using CAD, specifying and sourcing furniture and finishes, and overseeing installs on site. You will also work closely with our investment team, producing layouts and contributing to development plans for newly acquired properties as we grow the portfolio. This role involves significant time on site and regular travel and is not a desk‑based or purely design‑focused position.
What You’ll Do
- Manage multiple fit‑out projects across the portfolio from start to finish
- Create and manage project programmes and timelines
- Coordinate contractors, suppliers, and installers
- Spend regular time on site to drive progress and resolve issues quickly
- Ensure fire safety measures and compliance requirements are embedded into all projects, working with contractors and consultants to deliver full regulatory compliance.
- Develop repeatable interior schemes suitable for student housing
- Balance cost, durability, and aesthetics
- Adapt layouts to older housing stock and awkward floor plans
- Produce floor plans, furniture layouts, and drawings using CAD software
- Source furniture, lighting, fixtures, and finishes
- Manage budgets and cost targets
- Place and track orders and coordinate deliveries
- Build and maintain supplier relationships
- Oversee installation of kitchens, bathrooms, furniture, and finishes
- Carry out snagging and quality control prior to sign‑off
About You
- 3+ years experience in property, fit‑outs, interiors, or a construction‑related role
- Strong CAD skills, such as AutoCAD or SketchUp
- Experience managing multiple projects at the same time
- Confident working with contractors and suppliers
- Commercial mindset with the ability to make clear decisions
- Comfortable spending significant time on site
Nice to have
- Experience with HMOs or student housing
- Furniture procurement or bulk purchasing experience
- Understanding of UK building regulations and HMO standards
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to join a growing business at an early stage and take real ownership of delivery. You will have visibility, autonomy, and the chance to shape how Homie designs and delivers its homes as the portfolio expands.
Package
Salary: £35,000 to £45,000 depending on experience. North West based with regular travel across the UK wide portfolio - use of shared company vehicle. Initially hybrid, then based in our Manchester office opening later this year. High responsibility role with room to grow as the business scales.
Project & Design Manager in Manchester employer: Homie
Contact Detail:
Homie Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project & Design Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best projects and designs. Make it visually appealing and easy to navigate. When you apply through our website, include a link to your portfolio so we can see what you’re capable of!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Homie and our mission. Understand our approach to student housing and think about how your experience aligns with our goals. Bring ideas to the table during the interview – we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in our minds as we make decisions. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for the Project & Design Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace Project & Design Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in property, fit-outs, or interiors. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Project & Design Manager, so don’t hold back on those relevant projects you've managed!
Get Creative with CAD: Since strong CAD skills are a must-have for this role, include specific examples of how you've used software like AutoCAD or SketchUp in your previous work. We love seeing practical layouts and designs that you've created, so let your creativity shine through!
Demonstrate Your Project Management Skills: This role involves juggling multiple projects at once, so be sure to mention any experience you have in managing timelines and coordinating with contractors and suppliers. We’re looking for someone who can keep everything on track, so show us how you’ve done it before!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Homie
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with your past projects. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, especially in fit-outs and interior design. This will show your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Show Off Your CAD Skills
Since strong CAD skills are crucial for this role, bring along examples of your work. Whether it’s floor plans or furniture layouts, having tangible evidence of your abilities can really impress the interviewers and demonstrate your design capabilities.
✨Understand the Student Housing Market
Do some research on the student housing market, particularly in the areas Homie operates. Being able to discuss trends, challenges, and what makes a great student home will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also invested in the company’s mission.
✨Prepare Questions About Compliance and Safety
Given the importance of fire safety and compliance in this role, prepare thoughtful questions about how Homie ensures these standards are met. This shows you’re serious about quality control and understand the regulatory landscape, which is key for a Project & Design Manager.