Design Manager

Virtual Hire Staffing; Sunderland; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday

Hybrid working - 3 days in Sunderland,

Free onsite parking

Structured progression and development

Job summary

Virtual Hire Staffing in Sunderland is seeking a Design Manager to lead the design process on multi-sector fit-out projects in a hybrid Sunderland-based role, with a salary band of £40,000–£45,000.

Ideal candidate has background as Architectural Technician or Architect and will mentor designers, coordinate with build teams, and ensure deliverable, coordinated designs from day one. This role offers progression.

Qualifications

• Background as Architectural Technician or Architect.
• Experience managing design on commercial construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of UK planning processes and technical detailing.
• Excellent communication with clients, consultants and site teams.
• Ready to lead and develop a design team.
• Available on short notice is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design process on live projects from feasibility to technical delivery.
• Coordinate architectural design with construction, groundworks and fit-out teams to close scope gaps early.
• Manage relationships with clients, architects, consultants and planning authorities.
• Review and quality-check technical drawings and design information.
• Mentor and support junior design staff with path to leading the design team.
• Support bids and feasibility studies with buildable design solutions.

Skills

Architectural Technician

Architect

Design management

Communication skills

Leadership

Job description

Job Summary

Design Manager | Sunderland (Hybrid) | £40,000–£45,000

Take the next step in your design career and help lead multi-sector fit-out projects for a growing name in the construction market.

Our client is looking for an Design Manager, ideally with a background as an Architectural Technician or Architect to join their Sunderland-based team. This is a genuine progression opportunity for someone ready to take ownership of projects and grow into a leadership role, guiding and developing a design team over time. Your salary will increase significantly in time.

You’ll manage the design process across sports & leisure, workplace, retail, hospitality and education projects, working closely with the build teams to ensure designs are deliverable, coordinated and commercially sound from day one.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading the design process on live projects, from feasibility and planning through to technical delivery
• Coordinating architectural design with construction, groundworks and fit-out teams to close scope gaps early
• Managing relationships with clients, architects, consultants and planning authorities
• Reviewing and quality-checking technical drawings and design information
• Mentoring and supporting junior design staff, with a clear path to leading the design team
• Supporting bids and feasibility studies with practical, buildable design solutions

What We’re Looking For

• Background as an Architectural Technician, Architect, or similar design-led construction role
• Proven experience managing design on commercial construction projects
• Strong understanding of the UK planning process and technical detailing
• Confident communicator, comfortable liaising with clients, consultants and site teams
• Ready to take on responsibility and grow into a leadership position
• Short notice period or immediate availability would be an advantage

Benefits

• 28 days holiday
• Hybrid working - 3 days in the Sunderland office, 2 from home
• Free onsite parking
• Structured progression and development within a growing design team