Senior Design Manager

Bigblue; England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading commercial fit-out contractor in the UK seeks a Senior Design Manager to oversee design direction and delivery on significant refurbishment projects. In this hands-on role, you will lead internal design teams, ensure quality across all stages, and collaborate with clients and external partners to maintain design integrity and technical performance. Excellent leadership and communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in design tools like Revit and Adobe Suite. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing design on commercial fit-out / refurbishment projects.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of guiding design teams.
• Proficiency in design tools (Revit, Adobe Suite).

Responsibilities

• Oversee design direction and delivery on large commercial fit-out projects.
• Lead and manage internal design teams with clear direction.
• Coordinate with external consultants to ensure design intent is realised.

Skills

Design leadership

Communication

Team management

Technical understanding

Commercial awareness

Proficiency in Revit

Proficiency in Adobe Suite

Job description

Senior Design Manager – Contractor – Commercial Fit-Out

£90,000 - £110,000 I Permanent I Waterloo

This is a hands‑on design leadership role within a busy, high‑quality commercial fit‑out contractor.

You’ll own design standards and delivery across large fit‑out and refurbishment programmes, driving projects from concept through to completion. You’ll be the go‑to design lead for internal teams, project managers and external consultants—confident, decisive and commercially astute. This isn’t about design in isolation; it’s about shaping spaces that work beautifully and perform technically, while keeping projects on track and clients happy.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design direction and delivery on large commercial fit‑out and refurbishment projects.
• Take full ownership of design quality, clarity and integration across all stages.
• Lead and manage internal design teams with clear direction and accountability.
• Collaborate directly with project managers to align design with programme, budget and client expectations.
• Coordinate with external design consultants and contractors to ensure design intent is realised on site.
• Present design ideas confidently to stakeholders and adapt based on constructive feedback.
• Maintain design documentation and drive ideas that are practical and buildable.

Requirements

• Significant experience managing design on commercial fit‑out / refurbishment projects.
• Previous experience at a renowned London contractor highly advantageous.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of guiding design teams and influencing cross‑functional partners.
• Confident communicator with the ability to represent design decisions to clients and stakeholders.
• Excellent technical understanding of construction, detailing and buildability.
• Commercial awareness and a pragmatic mindset
• Proficiency in design tools (Revit, Adobe Suite) and clear documentation skills.

If you are interested in learning more, please email [e-mail] with your CV and Portfolio.