At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design function and shape the drawing office in a growing joinery manufacturer.
- Company: Phillips Joinery, a high-end bespoke joinery business with exciting growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and genuine influence over design processes.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with significant investment and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading a modern design team and introducing innovative CAD software.
- Qualifications: Experience in bespoke joinery and leadership in design roles required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Design Manager, or a senior CAD Designer/Technical Designer ready to step up, from a bespoke joinery background? This is an opportunity to lead the design function within a growing, high-end joinery manufacturer. You'll have real autonomy to shape the drawing office, introduce better systems and processes, and build out the team as the business expands.
Phillips Joinery is an established specialist joinery business with two operating factories, delivering bespoke exterior joinery — including windows and doors — as well as heritage restoration, commercial fit-out and interior joinery projects. Following a recent acquisition and significant investment, the business has a full order book, ambitious expansion plans and a strong platform for growth.
As Design Manager, you'll take ownership of the drawing office, overseeing the production of accurate client-approval and manufacture-ready drawings. You'll work closely with commercial, operations and production teams, lead the introduction of 3D CAD software and design standards, and play a central role in building a modern, structured design function.
The Role
- Lead and develop the drawing office function as the business grows
- Oversee production of accurate client approval and manufacture-ready drawings for bespoke joinery projects
- Drive the introduction of 3D CAD software, alongside existing 2D CAD processes
- Oversee detailing of exterior and interior joinery, including windows, doors, heritage restoration and commercial fit-out work
- Manage interpretation of architects' drawings, specifications, site information and client requirements
- Oversee technical site surveys, supporting projects from post-sale through to production
- Work closely with estimating, commercial, production and installation teams to ensure designs are practical and production-ready
- Set and improve drawing standards, file management, processes and design documentation across the business
- Lead the transition from legacy drawing methods into a modern, structured design function
- Build and develop the wider design team as the business and drawing office grow
The Person
- Background in bespoke joinery, furniture manufacture, architectural joinery or a closely related sector
- Proven experience in a Design Manager, senior CAD/Technical Design or similar leadership role
- Strong experience using AutoCAD 2D, ideally including Design for Manufacture/production detailing
- Experience producing detailed drawings for manufacture — not just concept or client presentation drawings
- Comfortable interpreting technical drawings, specifications and site measurements
- Practical understanding of joinery construction, materials and manufacturing processes
- Experience with 3D CAD software, or leading its introduction, would be advantageous
- A proactive, organised leader who enjoys improving systems, building teams and taking ownership
The Package
- £50,000 DOE
- Join a business with a full order book, significant investment and exciting growth plans
- Genuine influence over CAD software, drawing standards and design processes
- Opportunity to lead and build a new drawing office function from the ground up
- Hybrid working available following successful induction and probation
Design Manager in Nottingham employer: Tait Francis
Tait Francis is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and craftsmanship thrive. With a strong focus on employee development and collaboration, team members are encouraged to grow their skills while working on prestigious residential projects across the UK. The company's commitment to quality and innovation, combined with its supportive culture, makes it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the joinery sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Nottingham
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Tait Francis, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Tait Francis specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tait Francis
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Tait Francis, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Tait Francis value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
