Design Manager – (Interior Fit-Out / Joinery / Washrooms) in London

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

Location: London, Office-based

Hours: Mon-Fri 8.00 -17.00

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

About Us

Ruddy Joinery is a leading bespoke joinery manufacturer and multi-trade fit-out specialist, undertaking multi-million-pound projects in the commercial, prime residential and leisure sectors. Established in 1964, we are a proud family business with over 60 years of experience in the industry.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Design Manager to lead and manage the design across our Joinery and bespoke washroom business. Specialising in premium commercial interiors, washrooms, and specialist fit-out packages across London, this role is critical in ensuring the successful coordination, management, and delivery of all design activities across multiple fast-paced projects.

The successful candidate will oversee external design resources, subcontracted designers, and specialist suppliers while acting as the central point of coordination between clients, architects, project managers, manufacturing teams, and site operations. This is a senior position requiring strong technical understanding of joinery, fit-out and washroom construction, excellent programme management, and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders within high-specification environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design Leadership & Coordination
  • Lead and manage all design activities across joinery, fit-out and washroom projects from pre-construction through to installation.
  • Oversee and coordinate external design subcontractors, consultants, and specialist suppliers to ensure design deliverables are issued accurately and on programme.
  • Review, manage, and approve design information including technical drawings, material specifications, fabrication details, and installation packages.
  • Ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across all project design outputs.
  • Chair and lead design coordination meetings with clients, architects, consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams.
  • Manage RFIs, drawing registers, technical submissions, approvals, and revision control processes.
• Project Delivery
  • Ensure all design packages align with project programmes, manufacturing capability, and site installation requirements.
  • Identify and mitigate design risks, clashes, and buildability issues at an early stage.
  • Coordinate closely with Contracts Managers, Site Managers, Commercial teams, and Procurement to ensure seamless project delivery.
  • Monitor subcontractor design performance and ensure deadlines are achieved.
  • Support value engineering exercises while maintaining design intent and project quality standards.
  • Provide technical support during manufacture, procurement, and installation phases.
• Commercial & Operational Responsibilities
  • Manage external design resource allocation and consultant performance.
  • Review appointments, scopes, and deliverables in collaboration with commercial teams.
  • Assist with tender reviews, pre-construction planning, and technical bid submissions.
  • Drive improvements in design coordination procedures and document control systems.
  • Ensure compliance with UK building regulations, fire safety standards, accessibility requirements, and CDM regulations.
• Client & Stakeholder Management
  • Act as the senior design lead and key client-facing representative for all design matters.
  • Build strong relationships with architects, designers, consultants, and main contractors.
  • Attend project meetings and present design progress, technical solutions, and programme updates.
  • Ensure client expectations are managed professionally while balancing programme, budget, and operational constraints.

What We’re Looking For - Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior design management role within joinery, fit-out, washrooms, interiors, or specialist subcontracting.
• Strong technical knowledge of commercial fit-out construction and bespoke washroom systems.
• Experience managing external design consultants, subcontract designers, and specialist suppliers.
• Excellent understanding of drawing coordination, technical detailing, and project delivery.
• Strong knowledge of AutoCAD, BIM and construction drawing review processes.
• Ability to manage multiple fast-track London projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercially aware with strong programme management capability.

Desirable

• Knowledge of BIM/Revit and digital coordination platforms.
• Understanding of manufactured joinery and washroom packages.
• Familiarity with commercial, hospitality, and high-end residential sectors.
• CSCS / SMSTS qualification preferred.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive and solutions-driven mindset.
• Calm and professional under pressure.
• Ability to manage competing priorities within fast-track project environments.
• Strong interpersonal and client-facing communication skills.
• Passion for quality, technical excellence, and high-end finishes.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package (Health Cash Plan, Bike2Work Scheme, EAP, Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, Discounts, Long Service Days, Company Events).
• Opportunity to work on prestigious London fit-out and joinery projects.
• Senior leadership role within a growing and ambitious business.
• Collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Long-term career progression opportunities.

If you feel this is the role for you and would like to join us to support the successful delivery of prestigious projects across London, we would love to hear from you.