Senior Design Manager

Design Manager Commercial Office Refurbishment | £60M Project | City of London About the Project A major £60M commercial office refurbishment across two prime City of London buildings. The scope includes full-floor fit-outs, MEP coordination, specialist systems integration, and delivery to multiple occupiers across a 24-month programme. The design is at RIBA Stage 3/4 with early contractor involvement; the successful candidate will own design delivery through to practical completion. The Role You will lead the design function across both buildings, accountable for: * Design integrity and specification management through coordination with consultants * Programme delivery design freeze milestones, consent sequences, clash resolution * Cost management quotation review, value-engineering, variation orders * Stakeholder management client presentations, occupier requests, expectations * Site liaison RFI resolution, site-issued instructions, design coordination on-site You'll work directly with the Project Manager and Site Manager, and lead a design team of 2–3. Essential Requirements 8+ years in commercial fit-out or refurbishment; 3+ years as Design Manager on £20M+ projects Fluent in Building Regulations, MEP coordination, and specialist systems (HVAC, lighting, AV, data) Revit proficiency (BIM coordination); AutoCAD for drawing amendments Proven track record delivering design on time and within budget Desirable RIBA-registered architect or technologist (Part 3) Experience on high-spec London office projects (Canary Wharf, Bishopsgate types) Knowledge of fit-out sustainability standards (BREEAM, WELL, Fitwell) What We're Looking For Technical confidence to spot clashes, challenge quotes, explain decisions to clients Pace and pragmatism in a fast-track environment; clear decision-making under pressure Ownership you lead the design team and drive progress Ability to translate between architects' intent and site reality The Offer * Salary: £80,000–£75,000 per annum * Contract: Permanent * Location: City of London * Reporting to: Project Manager Start date: ASAP