Design Manager – Bespoke Commercial JoineryAbout the Role
We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to join an established specialist joinery business.
The business specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of high-quality bespoke joinery packages for commercial interiors, typically delivering projects with joinery values of up to approximately £300,000.
This is a key role within the business, responsible for managing the design process from initial client brief and tender information through to detailed production drawings, manufacture and installation. You will work closely with clients, architects, contractors, workshop teams and site installation teams to ensure projects are delivered accurately, efficiently and to the required quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the design process for multiple commercial joinery projects from concept through to manufacture and installation.
- Review project specifications, drawings, schedules and tender information to establish design requirements.
- Develop practical, cost-effective joinery solutions that meet the design intent and project requirements.
- Produce and oversee detailed manufacturing and construction drawings.
- Coordinate design information with clients, architects, interior designers, contractors and other project stakeholders.
- Manage drawing approvals and ensure design information is issued accurately and on programme.
- Identify design issues, clashes and potential manufacturing or installation problems at an early stage.
- Work closely with the estimating and commercial teams to ensure designs align with project budgets and agreed scopes.
- Liaise with the workshop and production teams to ensure designs are practical and suitable for manufacture.
- Support site teams during installation, resolving design queries and providing technical assistance where required.
- Manage design changes, variations and revisions throughout the project lifecycle.
- Maintain accurate project documentation and ensure design records are kept up to date.
- Manage priorities and workloads across several projects, ensuring key design deadlines are achieved.
- Contribute to improving design processes, drawing standards and overall project delivery.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a technically strong and commercially aware Design Manager with experience in bespoke joinery, interior fit-out or a closely related manufacturing environment.
You will ideally have:
- Proven experience managing joinery design projects from initial brief through to manufacture and installation.
- Strong knowledge of bespoke commercial joinery and interior fit-out.
- Excellent understanding of joinery construction, materials, finishes and manufacturing processes.
- Experience interpreting architectural and interior design drawings and specifications.
- Strong technical drawing and detailing skills, ideally with proficiency in AutoCAD and relevant 3D/CAD software.
- Experience working with CNC manufacturing and/or production environments would be advantageous.
- Good understanding of site installation requirements and construction sequencing.
- Strong attention to detail and a practical, problem-solving approach.
- Excellent communication and coordination skills.
- The ability to manage several projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of how design decisions affect cost, programme and manufacture.
- Confidence dealing directly with clients, contractors, architects and other project stakeholders.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will be:
- Highly organised and methodical.
- Technically minded with excellent attention to detail.
- Practical and solutions-focused.
- Comfortable taking ownership of projects and making decisions.
- Able to communicate effectively with both clients and workshop/site teams.
- Calm under pressure and capable of working to demanding project programmes.
- Commercially aware without compromising quality.
- A collaborative team player who can build strong relationships across design, production and installation.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to work on a varied portfolio of bespoke commercial joinery projects.
- A key role within an established specialist manufacturing and installation business.
- The opportunity to manage projects from design through to completion.
- A practical, hands-on working environment where design and manufacturing teams work closely together.
- Scope for professional development and increased responsibility as the business continues to grow.
Apply with an up to date copy of your CV
Pay: £40,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
