Design Manager

Desaga Recruitment Ltd; Hertford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Desaga Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Design Manager / Senior Technical Designer for luxury residential joinery in Hertford / London. You will lead the technical design process, coordinate drawings, and mentor a team of Technical Designers and Joinery Draughtsmen on prestigious, high-end projects.

The role requires expert AutoCAD 2D skills, experience with 3D design software, and a meticulous eye for detail to ensure manufacturing accuracy and premium craftsmanship.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Technical Designer in luxury interiors.
• The role requires strong interpretation of architectural drawings and client specifications.
• Ability to lead and mentor a technical design team with meticulous attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage the technical design process across multiple high-end residential joinery projects.
• Oversee production of detailed setting-out and manufacturing drawings.
• Lead and mentor Technical Designers and Joinery Draughtsmen.
• Liaise with architects, interior designers, clients, PMs and workshop teams.
• Review drawings and specifications to ensure manufacturing readiness.
• Ensure drawings are accurate, coordinated and ready for installation.
• Resolve design challenges while preserving luxury quality and aesthetics.
• Attend design coordination meetings and workshops.
• Collaborate with production to ensure designs are practical and commercially viable.
• Manage drawing schedules, approvals and deadlines.
• Maintain meticulous attention to detail throughout the design process.

Skills

Mentoring

Leadership

Attention to detail

Reading architectural drawings

Tools

AutoCAD 2D

Inventor

SolidWorks

Job description

Design Manager / Senior Technical Designer - Luxury Residential Joinery

Location: Hertford / London

Salary: £50,000 - £75,000 DOE + package

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

The Opportunity

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Design Manager / Senior Technical Designer to join a well-established specialist bespoke joinery contractor delivering exceptional projects within the high-end and super-prime residential sector.

The company specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of luxury bespoke joinery, working on prestigious private residences, luxury apartments and high-value residential developments.

Projects involve intricate architectural joinery, bespoke cabinetry, luxury kitchens, dressing rooms, wardrobes, wall panelling and other high-specification interior finishes.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced technical design professional to take a leading role within the design department, overseeing the development of detailed technical drawing packages and ensuring the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the technical design process across multiple high-end residential joinery projects.
• Oversee the production of detailed setting-out drawings, manufacturing drawings and technical design packages.
• Lead, support and mentor Technical Designers and Joinery Draughtsmen.
• Liaise closely with architects, interior designers, private clients, Project Managers and workshop teams.
• Review architectural drawings, design specifications and client requirements.
• Ensure all technical drawings are accurate, fully coordinated and suitable for manufacture and installation.
• Resolve complex design challenges while maintaining the aesthetic and quality requirements expected within luxury residential projects.
• Attend design coordination meetings and technical workshops.
• Work closely with production teams to ensure designs are practical, achievable and commercially viable.
• Manage drawing schedules, design approvals and technical deadlines.
• Maintain exceptional attention to detail across all aspects of the design process.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience as a Design Manager, Senior Technical Designer, Senior Joinery Draughtsman or similar.
• Strong background in high-end bespoke joinery, luxury residential interiors or super-prime residential fit-out.
• Excellent technical knowledge of bespoke cabinetry, architectural joinery, specialist finishes, materials and manufacturing techniques.
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD 2D.
• Experience using Inventor, SolidWorks or other 3D design software would be advantageous.
• Ability to interpret complex architectural drawings and interior design specifications.
• Experience producing and coordinating detailed manufacturing and setting-out drawings.
• Strong understanding of workshop production processes and installation requirements.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Previous experience leading or mentoring a technical design team would be beneficial.
• A meticulous approach to design, with an appreciation for the precision and craftsmanship required on luxury residential projects.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary depending on experience.
• Opportunity to work on prestigious, high-value residential projects.
• Exposure to exceptional bespoke joinery and luxury interior design.
• Opportunity to take ownership of technical design packages and contribute to the development of the design department.
• Long-term career progression within an established specialist contractor.