Design Manager

Carrington West; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An employee-owned design studio in London is seeking a Design Manager with a strong background in architecture to manage design projects across various sectors. The ideal candidate will have experience on large-scale projects, exceptional communication skills, and proficiency in InDesign. This role offers a creative work environment with generous benefits including private medical insurance and a profit share scheme, along with hybrid working options.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Hybrid working

Duvet days

Profit share scheme

Social activities and clubs

Qualifications

• A background in architecture (RIBA Part III or equivalent).
• Experience working on large-scale, complex projects.
• Excellent time management, organization, and communication skills.
• Confidence in client-facing settings, with experience in fee/contract negotiation.
• Proficiency in InDesign and an interest in shaping collaborative design processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the design development process across all project stages.
• Ensure alignment with current legislation, certifications, and best practice.
• Coordinate deliverables and design presentations with clarity and precision.
• Oversee document and change control, consultant coordination, and client liaison.
• Manage fees, budgets, resource planning, and project cashflow.
• Motivate design teams with clear goals and shared ambition.

Skills

Architecture background

Experience on large-scale projects

Excellent time management

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Client negotiation

Proficiency in InDesign

Education

RIBA Part III or equivalent

Tools

InDesign

Job description

Bring your creativity to the table - and lead from the front.
Are you a Design Manager with a sharp eye for detail, a knack for coordination, and a passion for making great ideas work in the real world? This is your chance to join a vibrant studio shaping the future of architecture and design - with purpose, energy, and boldness.

Design Manager
London | £50,000+ | Hybrid working | Full-time

Why join this team?
This is more than just another job. It's a place where design comes alive. Based in London, this employee-owned studio combines creativity with commercial acumen across some of the UK's most complex and inspiring projects - from transport infrastructure and civic spaces to healthcare, education, and residential projects.
You'll enjoy:
·A genuinely collaborative working environment
·A design-led, socially engaged approach
·A creative studio culture with plenty of social activities, clubs, and after-hours fun
·Generous benefits including private medical insurance, hybrid working, duvet days, profit share scheme, and more

Key Responsibilities
As a Design Manager, you'll play a pivotal role throughout the project lifecycle - balancing creativity, coordination, and commercial awareness to bring concepts to life. Your key responsibilities will include:
Design & Delivery
·Lead and manage the design development process across all project stages
·Ensure alignment with current legislation, certifications (e.g. BREEAM, WELL), and best practice
·Coordinate deliverables and design presentations with clarity and precision
·Maintain pace and quality of design outputs across the programme
Project & Team Management
·Oversee document and change control, consultant coordination, and client liaison
·Manage fees, budgets, resource planning, and project cashflow
·Lead meetings, scope definition, and input from sub-consultants and external teams
·Support fee negotiations and manage sub-consultant appointments
Internal & External Collaboration
·Motivate design teams with clear goals and shared ambition
·Build strong client relationships and manage expectations effectively

What they're looking for
To thrive in this Design Manager role, you'll need:
·A background in architecture (RIBA Part III or equivalent)
·Experience working on large-scale, complex projects
·Excellent time management, organisation, and communication skills
·Confidence in client-facing settings, with experience in fee/contract negotiation
·Proficiency in InDesign and an interest in shaping collaborative design processes
If you're proactive, creative, and excited by the idea of helping bold ideas become buildable realities, this team wants to hear from you.

Submit your CV and portfolio today to start your journey
Or contact Adam Cripps at Carrington West
[e-mail]
02393876071