Head of Design in Leeds

Head of Design in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Vantage Spaces

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and grow the design team, creating innovative interior planting solutions.
  • Company: Vantage Spaces transforms indoor environments with sustainable planting designs.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus structure, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting people with nature in workspaces.
  • Qualifications: Significant experience in interior design and strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to represent the company at industry events.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

At Vantage Spaces, we specialise in transforming indoor environments with innovative planting solutions, including green walls, living planting, planted ceilings, and unique planted furniture. Our mission is to create spaces where people thrive by connecting them with nature, fostering collaboration and community in workspaces and beyond. Based in Leeds, London and Manchester, we offer comprehensive services from design consultation and on-site installation to ongoing maintenance of plantscapes. We are passionate about creating sustainable, impactful designs that enhance both well-being and aesthetic value. 'Bringing space alive' is at the heart of everything we do!

About the role

We are looking for a Head of Design to lead and grow our design function, delivering standout concepts that help secure new work. This is a senior role responsible for owning the interior planting design function, leading the design team, and ensuring all work delivers both creative excellence and strong commercial outcomes. You will play a key role in winning new business, shaping compelling design proposals, and working closely with the Client Relations Director to convert opportunities into successful projects. The role combines design leadership, team management, and commercial impact, ensuring our design work continues to set us apart in the market.

What you’ll be responsible for:

  • Leading the design function
  • Owning and developing the interior planting design function
  • Leading and managing the design team, providing direction, support, and development
  • Setting and maintaining high design standards aligned with the Vantage brand
  • Ensuring consistency and quality across all design output
  • Managing design workload and priorities across the team
  • Continuously improving design processes, tools, and systems
  • Building a high-performing design team
  • Supporting commercial growth
  • Helping convert opportunities into business through compelling design proposals
  • Leading design input on high-value and strategically important opportunities
  • Working closely with the Client Relations Director to develop commercially strong proposals
  • Ensuring costings and quotations are accurate and commercially viable
  • Presenting design concepts confidently to clients
  • Identifying ways to improve proposal quality, conversion rates, and profitability

Client and stakeholder engagement:

  • Building strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal teams
  • Acting as a senior design voice within the business
  • Presenting design ideas clearly and confidently to support winning work
  • Ensuring smooth transition from design through to delivery

Marketing and brand:

  • Supporting our marketing team with content, by showcasing standout projects
  • Contributing to case studies and design-led marketing content
  • Ideas to strengthen the Vantage brand
  • Opportunity to represent Vantage Spaces at events, meetings, and industry forums

Operational excellence:

  • Ensuring design activity supports business growth and project delivery
  • Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and ways of working
  • Encouraging innovation and creativity within the design team
  • Working collaboratively across the business to strengthen the design function

What we’re looking for:

  • Significant experience in interior design, ideally within commercial or workplace environments
  • Experience leading or managing a design team
  • Strong creative and technical design capability
  • Experience producing commercial proposals and costings
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite
  • Experience presenting design concepts to clients
  • Strong commercial awareness and understanding of how design supports winning work
  • Knowledge or experience in horticulture or interior planting
  • Experience working in a design-led commercial environment
  • Knowledge of using a CRM system daily e.g. HubSpot, Pipedrive or similar (training can be provided if not)
  • Strong leader who can inspire and develop a design team
  • Commercially minded and focused on winning work
  • Confident communicator with the ability to influence clients and stakeholders
  • Strategic thinker who balances creativity with commercial outcomes
  • Highly organised with strong attention to detail
  • Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-focused

Head of Design in Leeds employer: Vantage Spaces

At Vantage Spaces, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and collaborative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for creative expression in the design field. Located in Leeds, with travel to London and Manchester, we offer a unique chance to be part of a team dedicated to transforming indoor environments while enjoying competitive salaries and a bonus structure that rewards innovation and success.
Vantage Spaces

Contact Detail:

Vantage Spaces Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Design in Leeds

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend design events, workshops, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might be looking for someone just like you!

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your work! Create a stunning portfolio that highlights your best design projects. Make sure it reflects your unique style and approach to interior planting. This is your chance to shine and grab attention!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to present your ideas, make it count. Be confident, clear, and passionate about your designs. Remember, you’re not just selling a concept; you’re selling your vision for transforming spaces.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. It shows you're genuinely interested in joining Vantage Spaces and being part of our mission to bring spaces alive!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design in Leeds

Interior Design
Team Leadership
Creative Design Capability
Technical Design Skills
Commercial Proposal Development
AutoCAD
SketchUp
Adobe Creative Suite
Client Presentation Skills
Commercial Awareness
Horticulture Knowledge
CRM System Proficiency
Strong Communication Skills
Strategic Thinking
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Design: When you're writing your application, let your love for design shine through! Talk about what inspires you and how you connect with nature in your work. We want to see your creativity and enthusiasm for transforming spaces.

Tailor Your Proposal: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role at Vantage Spaces. Highlight your experience in interior design and how it aligns with our mission of creating thriving environments. We appreciate a personal touch!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, especially those that relate to leading a design team and managing projects. We value clarity just as much as creativity!

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Vantage Spaces

✨Know Your Design Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your interior design knowledge, especially in commercial spaces. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how they align with Vantage Spaces' mission of creating thriving environments through innovative planting solutions.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Design, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed design teams in the past, focusing on how you foster creativity and collaboration.

✨Be Commercially Savvy

Understand the business side of design. Be prepared to discuss how your design proposals have contributed to winning work and driving profitability. Highlight any experience you have with producing commercial proposals and accurate costings.

✨Engage with Their Vision

Familiarise yourself with Vantage Spaces' projects and their approach to integrating nature into indoor environments. Show genuine enthusiasm for their mission and be ready to share your ideas on how you can contribute to their vision of 'bringing space alive'.

Head of Design in Leeds
Vantage Spaces
Location: Leeds

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