Senior Design Manager

Location: Clerkenwell

Design & Pre-Construction Manager

Location:

Central London
Salary: £75,000 – £105,000+ (DOE) + Package

We are working with a well-established specialist contractor delivering luxury natural stone, bespoke interiors, and premium architectural finishes across some of London’s most prestigious commercial, hospitality, and residential projects.

With a strong reputation for quality, technical excellence, and long-term client relationships, the business provides fully integrated in-house design, procurement, and installation of high-end finishes.

Due to continued growth, they are now seeking an experienced Design & Pre-Construction Manager to take full ownership of the pre-construction and design coordination process, with a core focus on de-risking projects before they reach site.

The Design & Pre-Construction Manager role

You will be responsible for setting projects up for success from bid stage through to handover, ensuring that scope, design, cost, and risk are fully aligned.

Key responsibilities include:

* Leading the full pre-construction and design coordination process

* De-risking projects through detailed technical review, design management, and early supplier engagement

* Managing specialist subcontractors, designers, and key European suppliers

* Taking ownership of the stone and specialist finishes design process

* Aligning scope, programme, cost, and quality prior to construction

* Developing and improving internal systems, processes, and documentation

* Attending client and consultant meetings and setting out design strategy

* Supporting handover to site teams and ensuring delivery readiness

* Protecting margin and ensuring commercial robustness

This is a highly influential role with genuine ownership of how projects are structured and delivered.

About you as the Design & Pre-Construction Manager

You will be a technically strong, detail-driven professional with a passion for quality and process.

You will likely have:

* Minimum 5 years’ experience in high-end fit-out, specialist interiors, or premium finishes

* A strong background in design management, pre-construction, or technical delivery

* Proven experience working with luxury materials and finishes (ideally stone)

* Strong commercial and procurement awareness

* Experience managing specialist subcontractors and suppliers

* An obsessive eye for detail and commitment to quality

* Confidence working with clients, consultants, and internal teams

* A practical, hands-on, delivery-focused mindset

An interior design, architectural, or technical background would be highly advantageous.

Working Environment & Benefits

* Office-based role: 5 days per week (Central London)

* Regular travel to Italy and Europe to engage with suppliers and quarries

* In-house design support and technical resources

* Training and development provided

* Genuine long-term progression opportunity

Salary & Package

* Base salary: £75,000 – £100,000+ depending on experience and impact

* Profit Shares

* Further package to be agreed

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a senior, design-led pre-construction role within a quality-driven, specialist contractor, where you will directly influence project outcomes and business performance