Design Manager - London - £80K

Location London
Discipline: Design/Technical
Job type: Permanent
Salary: ££80,000
Contact name: Joe Naden

Contact email: joe@kennarecruitment.co.uk
Contact phone: 0207 1646298
Published: 9 days ago
Expiry date: 09 May 2025 23:59

Design Manager – Fit Out Contractor

Location: London
Salary: £65,000 – £80,000 + Package
Sector: Commercial Fit Out & Refurbishment

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

A respected and well-established traditional fit out contractor is seeking a skilled Design Manager to join their London team. Known for delivering high-quality commercial interiors across the capital, they operate on traditional procurement models, working closely with architects, consultants, and client teams to deliver complex Cat A, Cat B, and refurbishment projects. £1m - £30m

About the Role:

As Design Manager, you'll be the technical and coordination lead across multiple projects, ensuring that design intent is accurately delivered on site, while managing interfaces between consultants, subcontractors, and the project delivery team. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives on technical detail, stakeholder engagement, and design management in a collaborative contracting environment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage the coordination of design information between the client team, architects, consultants, and subcontractors

  • Attend and lead design workshops, technical meetings, and consultant coordination sessions

  • Review and manage drawing packages, ensuring accuracy, buildability, and compliance with programme

  • Liaise with internal project managers, commercial teams, and site teams to ensure seamless delivery

  • Manage design approvals, RFIs, and submittals in line with contract requirements and timelines

  • Support value engineering and technical resolutions where required

  • Monitor compliance with statutory regulations, including Building Control, CDM, and landlord requirements

Key Requirements:

  • 4+ years’ experience in a Design Manager role within traditional fit out / interiors contracting

  • Strong technical understanding of commercial fit out (Cat A & B), joinery, MEP coordination, and finishes

  • Able to interpret architectural and consultant drawings and lead the coordination process

  • Confident in managing multiple stakeholders, including client-side teams and external designers

  • Familiarity with managing consultant performance, design deliverables, and drawing approval schedules

  • Relevant qualifications in construction, architecture, or engineering preferred

What’s on Offer:

  • Competitive salary: £65,000 – £85,000 (depending on experience)

  • Package includes bonus, travel allowance, pension, and private healthcare

  • Opportunity to work with one of London’s leading traditional fit out contractors

  • Long-term pipeline of prestigious projects across central London

  • Supportive, experienced team environment with opportunities for progression