Senior Design Manager in Birmingham

Senior Design Manager in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 55000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Journey

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design projects from concept to production, managing creative teams and ensuring design feasibility.
  • Company: Join Journey, a global design agency shaping the future of multidimensional experiences.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible start date, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on collaboration and mentorship in a fast-paced setting.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in a creative environment that blends innovation with storytelling.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in design management and proficiency in design software required.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the full design lifecycle—from creative concept through detailed design and production handover.
  • Oversee multidisciplinary design teams (concept artists, CAD technicians, 3D modelers, engineers, scenic designers).
  • Translate creative briefs into actionable design strategies, ensuring alignment with project scope, budgets, and timelines.
  • Review and approve drawings, 3D models, material specifications, storyboards, and technical documentation.
  • Collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, and fabrication teams to ensure design intent is technically feasible and production-ready.
  • Manage client communication for all design-related matters, including presentations, revisions, and technical clarifications.
  • Coordinate design schedules, resource allocation, design workflows, and version control.
  • Ensure compliance with safety guidelines, engineering constraints, and buildability requirements.
  • Support procurement teams with technical spec sheets, material lists, and vendor coordination.
  • Provide creative direction and mentorship to the design department.
  • Technical & Professional Requirements
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Engineering, Scenic Design, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in design management within themed entertainment, creative fabrication, attractions, events, or similar industries.
  • Strong proficiency with design and visualization software: Auto CAD, Solid Works, Rhino, Sketch Up, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, and relevant 3D rendering tools.
  • Demonstrated experience interpreting engineering drawings and integrating mechanical, structural, and electrical requirements into design.
  • Understanding of fabrication methods including carpentry, metalwork, scenic painting, props, animatronics, and interactive technologies.
  • Exceptional ability to convert creative vision into practical and manufacturable design solutions.
  • Strong leadership, team management, and stakeholder communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under fast-paced timelines.
  • Strong attention to detail and problem-solving ability.

Contract Type

  • Full-time FTC contract
  • Location
  • : Birmingham

Ideal start date

  • 15 August 2026 (flexibility available for the right candidate)
  • Salary Pay Range
  • £55,000
  • £60,000
  • GBP
  • About Journey
  • The Multidimensional Experience Agency

Journey is a global design and innovation agency shaping the future through multidimensional experiences (MDX) that connect people, brands, and culture.

Our layered MDX approach crafts story-driven, sensory-rich engagement across physical, immersive, digital, and virtual spaces—fuelled by creative and technological innovation.

Born from a legacy of pioneering studios, Journey blends strategic thinking with deep creative expertise to deliver solutions across industries.

Journey’s MDX approach fuels growth and forges lasting value for audiences and partners, by creating cultural connections that resonate with impact.

Start your journey here www. journey. world

Senior Design Manager in Birmingham employer: Journey

At Journey, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and entrepreneurial work culture that empowers our team members to thrive. As a Remote Senior Product Designer, you'll have the opportunity to shape innovative booking experiences for luxury hotels while working alongside passionate professionals who value creativity and teamwork. With a focus on personal growth and a commitment to excellence, Journey offers a unique environment where your contributions directly impact the success of our clients and the industry as a whole.

Journey

Contact Details:

Journey Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager in Birmingham

Get Your Portfolio Game On Point

As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!

Slide into Networking Events

Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Journey who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!

Learn the Software Inside Out

Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.

Refine Your Interview Skills

Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager in Birmingham

Design Lifecycle Management
Team Leadership
Creative Concept Development
Project Scope Management
Budget Management
Timeline Management
Technical Documentation Review

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!

Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Journey!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Journey. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!

Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Journey

Master the Technical Questions

In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.

Bring Your Portfolio to Life

Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability

In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.

Engage with Your Interviewers

Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Journey.