Commercial Design Manager

Commercial Design Manager

Full-Time 39000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Recruit Build Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Negotiate contracts, manage invoicing, and oversee project profitability.
  • Company: Leading multi-disciplinary consultancy with a supportive team culture.
  • Benefits: Up to £65,000 salary, hybrid working, and generous annual leave.
  • Other info: Enjoy a sociable environment with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Combine your architectural skills with commercial leadership for real impact.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Architect or experienced Architectural Technologist with strong commercial skills.

The predicted salary is between 39000 - 65000 £ per year.

Salary: Up to £65,000 including car allowance + excellent benefits

Location: Huddersfield (Hybrid working)

Are you a highly experienced Architect or Technologist with sharp commercial instincts and a proven ability to build strong contractor relationships? This is your opportunity to join a leading multi-disciplinary consultancy where your financial acumen and negotiation skills will be at the heart of success. You’ll play a pivotal role in steering the commercial side of architectural projects. From negotiating fees and contracts to managing invoicing and profitability, you’ll ensure the consultancy delivers value while maintaining excellent client and contractor relationships. This is the ideal role for a senior-level Architect or Technologist who thrives on the business side of architecture — balancing design expertise with commercial leadership.

Key Responsibilities

  • Negotiate fees and oversee contract agreements with clients and contractors
  • Manage invoicing, fee recovery, and financial control across projects
  • Monitor profitability and mitigate commercial risks
  • Advise clients on contractual and financial obligations
  • Strengthen contractor relationships to support smooth collaboration
  • Promote commercial awareness across the architectural team

About You

  • Qualified Architect or highly experienced Architectural Technologist with required commercial skill set.
  • Strong commercial management experience in consultancy or design practice
  • Skilled in fee negotiation, contract management, and invoicing processes
  • Familiar with RIBA Plan of Work stages 1–7
  • Confident communicator with excellent client-facing skills
  • Self‑motivated, independent, and commercially astute
  • Full UK driving licence with flexibility to travel

Benefits

  • Competitive package up to £65,000 including car allowance
  • Up to 30 days annual leave + bank holidays
  • Hybrid working & 9-day fortnight option
  • Contributory pension & life assurance
  • Annual bonus and regular salary reviews
  • Funded professional training and CPD
  • Supportive, sociable team culture with a forward‑thinking ethos

Join a consultancy where your commercial expertise and contractor relationships will drive real impact. Step into a role that recognises and rewards your ability to combine architectural knowledge with business leadership. Apply today and take the next step in your career.

Commercial Design Manager employer: Recruit Build Ltd

Join a leading multi-disciplinary consultancy in Huddersfield, where your expertise as a Commercial Design Manager will be valued and rewarded. With a competitive salary package, hybrid working options, and a supportive team culture, this role offers exceptional opportunities for professional growth and development. Experience a workplace that fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing you to thrive in both architectural design and commercial leadership.

Recruit Build Ltd

Contact Details:

Recruit Build Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Commercial Design Manager

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 Recruit Build Ltd 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 Commercial Design Manager

Commercial Management
Contract Negotiation
Fee Recovery
Financial Control
Profitability Monitoring
Risk Mitigation
Client Advisory

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 Recruit Build Ltd!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Recruit Build Ltd. 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 Recruit Build Ltd

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 Recruit Build Ltd.