Design Manager

Design Manager – Fit Out Location: London Salary: Competitive + Benefits (Bonus, Travel Allowance, Pension, Healthcare) The Company Our client is a leading Tier 1 main contractor specialising in high-end fit-out and refurbishment projects across London and the UK. Renowned for their expertise in delivering complex, design-led commercial interiors, they manage projects ranging from £5m to £150m+, working with some of the most prestigious clients in the industry. With a solid presence in the London market and a healthy pipeline of secured work, the business continues to grow. As part of this expansion, they are looking to appoint a Design Manager to play a key leadership role in delivering major fit-out schemes and developing internal design capability. This is a rare opportunity to join a collaborative, technically focused team where you will have real influence over project outcomes and design strategy. The Role As Design Manager, you will work on the design management process across multiple high-value fit-out projects. Operating across pre-construction and delivery phases, you will be the primary liaison for all design matters, ensuring effective coordination, technical accuracy, and alignment with project goals. You will work closely with the client, consultants, and internal teams to manage design deliverables, drive innovation, and maintain programme integrity from concept through to handover. Key Responsibilities Lead the full design management lifecycle on major Cat A and Cat B commercial fit-out projects. Coordinate with internal pre-construction, commercial, and delivery teams to develop and implement project-specific design strategies. Act as the primary point of contact for design, managing communication between clients, consultants, architects, and subcontractors. Oversee the production, review, and approval of design documentation to ensure compliance with statutory requirements, technical standards, and client expectations. Chair design coordination meetings, workshops, and risk reviews, resolving issues and ensuring design decisions are fully integrated into delivery plans. Identify potential design risks and implement proactive mitigation strategies to maintain programme and budget. Manage design programmes, technical trackers, and information schedules to ensure timely delivery of design packages. Contribute to the tender process by reviewing Employers’ Requirements and supporting Contractor’s Proposals. Champion best practice in buildability, value engineering, and sustainable design solutions. Support and mentor Design Managers and junior team members, contributing to the development of internal design capabilities. Manage design changes during construction, ensuring the integrity of the design intent is maintained throughout. Ensure all designs meet planning conditions, Building Control requirements, and fire safety strategy standards. Example Project Value: £30M Scope: Multi-storey Cat B office fit-out, including bespoke reception and arrival spaces, executive suites, open-plan work areas, meeting and conference zones, breakout spaces, and premium finishes throughout. Candidate Requirements To succeed in this role, you will bring a blend of technical acumen, project leadership, and communication skills. The ideal candidate will have: Demonstrable experience as a Design Manager on complex fit-out or refurbishment projects in London. Deep understanding of Cat A and Cat B commercial office schemes. Background in architecture, building services engineering, or construction management. Strong knowledge of UK building regulations, statutory approvals, and current construction methods. Ability to manage multidisciplinary design teams and coordinate across architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines. Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with confidence in client-facing roles. Excellent communication and organisational abilities, with a proactive, solution-led mindset. Experience mentoring or managing junior design team members is highly desirable. What’s on Offer Competitive base salary (commensurate with experience) Annual performance-related bonus Travel allowance Private healthcare Contributory pension scheme Career progression within a growing business Involvement in high-profile and technically challenging commercial projects Collaborative and forward-thinking team culture If you’re an experienced Design Manager looking to step into a senior leadership role—or a Senior Design Manager seeking your next challenge—this is a fantastic opportunity to join one of London’s most respected contractors at the forefront of the commercial fit-out market