Senior Technical Designer

Bearded Kitten; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A global creative agency in Greater London is seeking a Senior Technical Designer to collaborate with teams on scenic environments and live events. The role involves creating detailed technical drawings, conducting site surveys, and ensuring successful installation of designs. The ideal candidate has significant experience in fabrication methods and proficiency in CAD software. This role offers hybrid working and a generous benefits package including additional holiday days and an overtime policy.

Benefits

25 days paid holiday

Christmas leave

Flexi-time policy

Generous overtime policy

Discretionary end of year bonus

Employee referral incentives

Sabbatical scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Access to mental health resources

Qualifications

• Significant experience with fabrication methods related to scenic fit outs and live events.
• Ability to create detailed technical drawings for carpentry and metal fabrication.
• Good understanding of health and safety regulations related to construction.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively to realize designs for events and installations.
• Create technical drawings and assist with cost estimations.
• Conduct site surveys and ensure accurate implementation of designs.

Skills

Creative drive

Problem-solving skills

Detailed technical drawing

Collaboration with teams

Proficiency in AutoCAD

Site survey accuracy

Education

Relevant industry experience

Tools

AutoCAD

Rhino

Vectorworks

Job description

Salary Range

£45,000 - £50,000 DOE

Hybrid Working

Who are we?

BeardedKitten is a global creative experience agency with a portfolio of award‑winning work. Our mission is clear : fearless champion fun and create the unforgettable. Don’t be deceived by our name – Bearded Kitten is the real deal. From large scale brand experiences and sampling tours to culturally led launch events, from building immersive worlds to conferences and employee engagement initiatives we cover it all.

It’s an exciting time to become a Kitten. In the past year the company has grown rapidly and we’ve worked with some of the world’s biggest brands. With an ever growing client base across the UK and beyond this is an opportunity to join a fast‑paced, close‑knit and energetic team.

What is the role?

The Senior Technical Designer will work collaboratively with the design, production and construction departments in the physical realisation of scenic temporary, permanent / semi‑permanent environments and live event concepts for Bearded Kitten (the creative experience agency) and Bearded Kitten Studios (the creative fabrication arm). The successful candidate will be a key part of our creative studio in central London and our workshop in Bromley‑by‑Bow.

As part of this role you will be consulting on design / construction methods, creating technical, bench and CNC drawings for the construction team as well as assembly / layout drawings for on‑site / touring teams. You will also be expected to assist the design department as necessary, as well as working with the new business team in providing costings and specifications for pitches and briefs. The role will be expected to conduct site surveys and assist on the successful installation of the designs that have been created.

What will you do?

• Receive briefs from design and production managers and use your problem solving skills and technical knowledge to arrive at practical solutions.
• 2D drafting and technical construction drawing (bench drawings, floor plans, layouts, install packs).
• 3D modelling and rendering to aid the design department, client sign off and workshop construction.
• Break existing models into 2D components and drawings for our CNC machines.
• Implement a strong working knowledge of carpentry, joinery, metalwork, sculpture and other fabrication methodologies to create practical and cost effective designs.
• Liaise with design / production managers to provide advice on value engineering and estimating.
• Accurately cost up designs and provide estimates for potential fabrication briefs.
• Research new CAD / CAM technologies when required.
• Undertake venue surveys, generating relevant drawings as required.
• Keep all files and folders archived appropriately and ensure a structured and consistent drawings issue register (to production managers and construction).
• Be present in the workshop and at installations to ensure designs are being realised to specification.

Who are we looking for?

• The ideal candidate will have creative drive, the ability to work in a fast paced environment and desire to set the bar high.
• Have significant industry background, with extensive experience of manufacturing methods and materials related to scenic / environmental fit outs and live events (sustainable methods and materials an advantage).
• Ability to create detailed technical drawings for carpentry, joinery, metal fabrication and technical staging layouts.
• Experience of collaborating and working closely with designers, production managers and construction teams.
• Proficiency in the use of 2D and 3D modelling softwares such as AutoCAD, Rhino and / or Vectorworks.
• CNC drawing skills and experience working with setters / programmers.
• A good understanding of H&S / CDM regulations related to construction and manufacturing.
• Ability to carry out accurate and methodical site surveys as and when required.
• Experience in the costing up and price estimating process.
• Willing and able to travel overseas for jobs as required.

The Perks

• 25 days paid holiday, plus Bank Holidays. 1 additional day added per year of service up to 5 days.
• Approximately five additional days off over the Christmas / New Year period.
• Hybrid working. Minimum 3 days from the office, compulsory office day on Wednesdays.
• Flexi‑time policy.
• Generous overtime policy.
• Discretionary end of year bonus scheme.
• New Business Incentive Scheme from day one.
• Employee Referral Incentive Policy from day one.
• Sabbatical Scheme available after three years of service.
• Work mobile and / or eSim and work laptop.
• Employee assistance programme with free access to mental health resources.
• Enhanced maternity & paternity leave policy after 1 year of full service. 3 months full pay including statutory for lead carer or 1 month full pay including statutory for second carer.
• Monthly team socials, plus an annual team offsite with overnight stay.
• Free use of BK equipment; workshop, tools, rehearsal space etc for personal use.
• Employee loan agreements offered for personal equipment.
• Season ticket loans offered.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Guaranteed hilarity and nonsense on a daily basis.

If this sounds like a bit of you, apply now!