Design Manager (Chatham)

Job Role: Design Manager

Area: Chatham

Salary: £80k – £90k

I am currently recruiting for a Design Manager to join one of my clients based in Chatham. They are a well-established main contractor, delivering high-quality commercial fit out and cut & carve projects across Kent and London.

This is a dynamic role where you’ll play a key part in driving design strategies, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and delivering exceptional project outcomes.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the design process from pre-construction through to handover
• Lead design meetings and workshops with clients, architects, consultants, and internal teams
• Review and coordinate all designs
• Ensure design information is accurate, buildable, and aligns with programme and budget
• Identify design risks and drive solutions to resolve coordination issues
• Collaborate closely with project managers, commercial teams, and site teams
• Ensure compliance with all statutory requirements and regulations
• Assist with planning submissions, building control, and technical approvals

The ideal candidate will be:

• Proven experience as a Design Manager. Ideally within commercial fit out and/or cut & carve projects
• Strong technical background
• Comfortable working across Cat A, Cat B, and structural reconfiguration schemes
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Knowledge of relevant building regs, CDM, and planning processes
• Proficient in reviewing drawings using software like AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, etc