WE ARE LOOKING FOR AN
ASSOCIATE DESIGN MANAGER
Sigma are experts at transforming commercial space. With over 20 years’ experience operating in the fast-paced and dynamic retail sector, Sigma provide a true end-to-end service; from store construction and consolidation to fixture procurement, projects, and mechanical & electrical installation. Gondola Pro, Sigma’s dedicated design house, specialises in delivering innovative, practical, and commercially driven design solutions for leading retail and commercial clients.
Ranked in the top 10% of the 2019 Sunday Times International FastTrack 200 awards, we’ve been acknowledged as being one of Britain’s fastest growing private companies.
It’s our people that make us who we are, and we are proud to have some of the most experienced, knowledgeable, passionate, and dedicated individuals within our industry, at every level in our business. Sigma is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
Outline of role
Working across the UK and Ireland, the Associate Design Manager will support the delivery of high-quality, innovative design solutions through Gondola Pro, Sigma’s in-house design function.
This role will involve overseeing design projects from concept through to delivery, ensuring alignment with client requirements, brand standards, operational feasibility, and commercial objectives. You will collaborate closely with internal teams, clients, and external partners to ensure seamless integration of design into live projects.
The role will primarily support projects across the south of the UK (south of Birmingham), with regular client engagement (including London), alongside monthly travel to head office in Castleford.
Main responsibilities
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Support the management and delivery of design projects from initial concept through to final implementation.
- Collaborate with clients to understand requirements, translate briefs, and develop creative and practical design solutions.
- Coordinate with internal project, commercial, and delivery teams to ensure design feasibility and alignment with programme and budget.
- Oversee and contribute to the production of design drawings, visualisations, and technical documentation.
- Review design outputs for quality, consistency, and compliance with client and regulatory standards.
- Manage stakeholder relationships, including clients, consultants, and suppliers.
- Support value engineering and continuous improvement of design solutions.
- Ensure designs are aligned with construction methodologies, M&E requirements, and operational constraints.
- Contribute to innovation within Gondola Pro, including new concepts, materials, and technologies.
- Assist in mentoring and supporting junior designers within the team.
Knowledge and skills required
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Experience within retail design, commercial fit-out, or a similar fast-paced environment.
- Strong understanding of design processes from concept to delivery.
- Ability to interpret client briefs and translate them into practical design solutions.
- Good knowledge of construction methods, materials, and integration with M&E services.
- Strong organisational and project coordination skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to build and maintain effective client and stakeholder relationships.
- Creative thinker with strong attention to detail and commercial awareness.
- Proficient in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar).
- Proactive, adaptable, and able to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
Qualifications required
Essential
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Degree or equivalent qualification in Design, Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field (or relevant experience)
- Proven experience within a design or design management role
- Strong working knowledge of industry-standard design tools
Desirable
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Membership of a relevant professional body
- Experience within retail or multi-site rollouts
- Knowledge of sustainability and environmentally conscious design
- Experience working alongside construction or M&E delivery teams
Benefits:
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25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- A day’s ‘birthday leave’ to be taken within your birthday month
- Opportunity to buy or sell up to 3 days holiday*
- Opportunity for hybrid working*
- Ability to participate in the Octopus EV salary sacrifice scheme*
- Ability to participate in the Cycle to Work Scheme*
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Healthshield cash plan with discounts on high street stores
- Free external financial advice – offering support for mortgages, pensions and insurances
- Enhanced family friendly pay*
- Free tea, coffee and fruit on all sites
- Subject to eligibility
Opportunity to be involved with
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Group Colleague Board
- Quarterly Corporate Events / Charity Involvement
Established more than two decades ago, Sigma Group has delivered thousands of new and refurbished spaces for major brands, both domestic and international. Today, we support full, multi-site transformations with in-house capability, thanks to our expert-led teams servicing the UK and beyond.
