Design Manager

Build Recruitment Limited; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fit out contractor in London is seeking an experienced Design Manager to oversee the design function across fit out projects. You will manage the design process from pre-construction to completion, ensuring compliance with regulations and stakeholder collaboration. The ideal candidate has proven experience in fit out contracting and strong organisational skills. Competitive salary and opportunities for career progression are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Genuine career progression

Opportunity to work on high-profile projects

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Design Manager within fit out or refurbishment contracting.
• Strong knowledge of Cat A & B office fit out projects.
• Excellent understanding of building regulations and compliance standards.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and drive collaboration.
• Detail-driven with excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full design process from pre-construction through to completion.
• Coordinate design input from consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Review drawings for buildability, compliance, and value engineering opportunities.
• Work closely with commercial and site teams to align design with budgets and programmes.
• Ensure design information is issued to meet project deadlines.
• Maintain strong communication with clients, consultants, and internal teams.

Skills

Design management

Building regulations knowledge

Stakeholder management

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Job description

Overview

Design Manager – Cat A & B Fit Out — London Fit Out Contractor Permanent

We are working with a leading fit out contractor who specialise in delivering high-quality Cat A & B commercial fit out projects across London. With a healthy pipeline of secured work, they are now seeking an experienced Design Manager to play a key role in coordinating and driving the design process.

The Role

As Design Manager, you’ll oversee and manage the design function across fast-paced fit out schemes, ensuring that design solutions are practical, buildable, cost-effective, and meet client requirements. You’ll collaborate with architects, consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams to deliver design information on time and to the highest standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full design process from pre-construction through to completion.
• Coordinate design input from consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Review drawings for buildability, compliance, and value engineering opportunities.
• Work closely with commercial and site teams to align design with budgets and programmes.
• Ensure design information is issued to meet project deadlines.
• Maintain strong communication with clients, consultants, and internal teams.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience as a Design Manager within fit out or refurbishment contracting.
• Strong knowledge of Cat A & B office fit out projects.
• Excellent understanding of building regulations and compliance standards.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and drive collaboration.
• Detail-driven with excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Strong client-facing and communication skills.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to deliver high-profile Cat A & B fit out schemes in London.
• A stable pipeline of work with a respected contractor.
• Genuine career progression within a collaborative team.