Design Manager - Architectural Metalwork/Structural Steel

Fetch Recruit; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Fetch Recruit is recruiting a Design Manager for a London-based steelwork contractor. You will lead design and drafting across multiple live projects, ensuring buildable, cost-effective solutions and detailed oversight of output quality.

You will mentor a team of draughtsmen, supervise Tekla Structures output, and coordinate with architects, engineers and clients during site surveys and progress meetings as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a design/draughting team in architectural metalwork or structural steelwork.
• Ability to interpret complex architectural and structural drawings.
• Proven ability to coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors and clients.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate all design and draughting activities for multiple live projects.
• Lead and mentor a team of draughtsmen, overseeing output quality.
• Oversee drawing production using Tekla Structures and other CAD software.
• Liaise with architects, structural engineers, main contractors and clients to resolve design queries and drive technical solutions.
• Attend site surveys and progress meetings as needed.
• Support project teams through fabrication and installation phases, ensuring designs are buildable, cost-effective, and compliant.

Skills

Leadership & mentoring

Reading complex drawings

Communication with stakeholders

Organisational skills

Tools

Tekla Structures

Job description

Our client is a specialist architectural and structural steelwork contractor delivering bespoke large-scale projects across London and the South East.

As Design Manager, you will:

• Manage and coordinate all design and draughting activities for multiple live projects
• Lead and mentor a team of draughtsmen, supporting their development and overseeing output quality
• Oversee drawing production using Tekla Structures and other CAD software
• Liaise with architects, structural engineers, main contractors, and clients to resolve design queries and drive technical solutions
• Attend site surveys and progress meetings as needed
• Support project teams through fabrication and installation phases, ensuring designs are buildable, cost-effective, and compliant

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in a Design Manager, Senior Draughtsman, or similar leadership role within architectural metalwork, structural steelwork, or a related sector
• Ability to read and interpret complex architectural and structural drawings
• Confident communicating with architects, designers, fabricators, and site teams
• Proficiency with Tekla Structures is essential
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail