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- Tasks: Lead design coordination and pre-construction processes for luxury projects.
- Company: Reputable contractor specialising in high-end finishes and bespoke interiors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit shares, training, and long-term career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on prestigious projects while working with luxury materials.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in high-end fit-out or design management with a keen eye for detail.
- Other info: Office-based role with travel opportunities across Europe.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 105000 £ per year.
Location: Central London
Salary: £75,000 – £105,000+ (DOE) + Package
We are working with a well-established specialist contractor delivering luxury natural stone, bespoke interiors, and premium architectural finishes across some of London’s most prestigious commercial, hospitality, and residential projects. With a strong reputation for quality, technical excellence, and long-term client relationships, the business provides fully integrated in-house design, procurement, and installation of high-end finishes.
Due to continued growth, they are now seeking an experienced Design & Pre-Construction Manager to take full ownership of the pre-construction and design coordination process, with a core focus on de-risking projects before they reach site.
You will be responsible for setting projects up for success from bid stage through to handover, ensuring that scope, design, cost, and risk are fully aligned.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the full pre-construction and design coordination process
- De-risking projects through detailed technical review, design management, and early supplier engagement
- Managing specialist subcontractors, designers, and key European suppliers
- Taking ownership of the stone and specialist finishes design process
- Aligning scope, programme, cost, and quality prior to construction
- Developing and improving internal systems, processes, and documentation
- Attending client and consultant meetings and setting out design strategy
- Supporting handover to site teams and ensuring delivery readiness
- Protecting margin and ensuring commercial robustness
This is a highly influential role with genuine ownership of how projects are structured and delivered.
About you as the Design & Pre-Construction Manager:
You will be a technically strong, detail-driven professional with a passion for quality and process. You will likely have:
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in high-end fit-out, specialist interiors, or premium finishes
- A strong background in design management, pre-construction, or technical delivery
- Proven experience working with luxury materials and finishes (ideally stone)
- Strong commercial and procurement awareness
- Experience managing specialist subcontractors and suppliers
- An obsessive eye for detail and commitment to quality
- Confidence working with clients, consultants, and internal teams
- A practical, hands-on, delivery-focused mindset
An interior design, architectural, or technical background would be highly advantageous.
Working Environment & Benefits:
- Office-based role: 5 days per week (Central London)
- Regular travel to Italy and Europe to engage with suppliers and quarries
- In-house design support and technical resources
- Training and development provided
- Genuine long-term progression opportunity
Salary & Package:
- Base salary: £75,000 – £100,000+ depending on experience and impact
- Profit Shares
- Further package to be agreed
This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a senior, design-led pre-construction role within a quality-driven, specialist contractor, where you will directly influence project outcomes and business performance.
Senior Design Manager employer: Samuel James Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Samuel James Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people in your field. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects that align with high-end fit-out and luxury materials. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience in design management and pre-construction can help them de-risk their projects and ensure quality delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who are passionate about quality and process. Don’t miss out on the chance to join a team that values your skills and offers genuine progression opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in high-end fit-out and design management, as well as any work with luxury materials like stone.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about quality and process in design. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects or teams in the past.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Since we’re looking for someone with an obsessive eye for detail, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. A polished application reflects your commitment to quality, which is key for this role.
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 during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Samuel James Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of high-end fit-out and specialist interiors. Brush up on your knowledge of luxury materials, especially stone, as this will show your passion for quality and detail during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous projects in detail, particularly those where you’ve managed design coordination or pre-construction processes. Highlight how you’ve successfully de-risked projects and aligned scope, cost, and quality.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage in a dialogue. Ask insightful questions about their current projects and challenges. This demonstrates your interest and helps you assess if the company aligns with your values and work style.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Design & Pre-Construction Manager, you’ll need to lead teams and manage subcontractors. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve effectively led teams, resolved conflicts, and ensured project success through collaboration.
