Design Manager

Matthew James Group Ltd; Wallingford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Matthew James Group Ltd in South Oxford is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead the design process for high‑value projects in a specialist manufacturing environment, ensuring concepts translate into accurate, production‑ready designs.

You will produce detailed technical drawings with AutoCAD, Rhino, and EasyStone, interpret architectural and client requirements, manage multiple live projects, and collaborate with clients, architects, commercial teams and production to deliver practical,

Qualifications

• Strong CAD/3D design capability with production‑ready drawings.
• Experience producing detailed drawings for manufacture or installation.
• Ability to interpret architectural drawings and client requirements.

Responsibilities

• Produce and oversee detailed technical drawings and design packages using AutoCAD, Rhino, EasyStone or similar 2D/3D CAD software.
• Interpret architectural drawings, specifications and client requirements.
• Develop concepts and drawings into accurate, production‑ready designs.
• Manage design activity across multiple concurrent projects.
• Ensure designs are practical and achievable within manufacturing and site constraints.
• Liaise directly with clients, architects, quantity surveyors, production and site teams.
• Resolve technical and design queries throughout the project lifecycle.
• Check and approve drawings before release to production.
• Support estimating and pre‑construction teams with technical input.

Skills

Project management

Client liaison

Detail-oriented

Communication

Tools

AutoCAD

Rhino

EasyStone

Job description

Design Manager

South Oxford

Permanent | Full-time

£45,000 - £60,000

We are recruiting for an experienced Design Manager to join a specialist manufacturing business delivering technically demanding, high-value projects.

This is a hands‑on role suited to somebody who combines strong CAD and technical design capability with experience managing projects through from architectural/client requirements into accurate, production‑ready designs.

You will take ownership of the design process across multiple live projects, working closely with clients, architects, commercial teams and production to ensure designs are accurate, practical and commercially viable.

As Design Manager, you will:

• Produce and oversee detailed technical drawings and design packages using AutoCAD, Rhino, EasyStone or similar 2D/3D CAD software
• Interpret architectural drawings, specifications and client requirements
• Develop concepts and drawings into accurate, production‑ready designs
• Manage design activity across multiple concurrent projects
• Ensure designs are practical and achievable within manufacturing and site constraints
• Liaise directly with clients, architects, quantity surveyors, production and site teams
• Resolve technical and design queries throughout the project lifecycle
• Check and approve drawings before release to production
• Support estimating and pre‑construction teams with technical input

The ideal Design Manager will have

• Strong experience using AutoCAD, Rhino, EasyStone or similar CAD/design software
• Experience producing detailed drawings for manufacture, fabrication, construction or installation
• Experience working with natural stone, masonry, architectural products, natural materials or a closely related specialist manufacturing environment
• Experience handling technically detailed, high‑value projects
• The ability to interpret architectural drawings and specifications
• Experience dealing directly with clients, architects and other project stakeholders
• The ability to manage several projects and deadlines simultaneously