Senior Design Manager

Design Manager

Commercial Office Refurbishment | £60M Project | City of London

A major £60M commercial office refurbishment across two prime City of London buildings. The scope includes full‑floor fit‑outs, MEP coordination, specialist systems integration, and delivery to multiple occupiers across a 24‑month programme. The design is at RIBA Stage 3/4 with early contractor involvement; the successful candidate will own design delivery through to practical completion.

You will lead the design function across both buildings, accountable for:

• Design integrity and specification management through coordination with consultants
• Programme delivery design freeze milestones, consent sequences, clash resolution
• Cost management quotation review, value‑engineering, variation orders
• Stakeholder management client presentations, occupier requests, expectations
• Site liaison RFI resolution, site‑issued instructions, design coordination on‑site

You’ll work directly with the Project Manager and Site Manager, and lead a design team of 2‑3.

8+ years in commercial fit‑out or refurbishment; 3+ years as Design Manager on £20M+ projects

Fluent in Building Regulations, MEP coordination, and specialist systems (HVAC, lighting, AV, data)

Revit proficiency (BIM coordination);
AutoCAD for drawing amendments

Proven track record delivering design on time and within budget

• RIBA‑registered architect or technologist (Part
  3)
• Experience on high‑spec London office projects (Canary Wharf, Bishopsgate types)
• Knowledge of fit‑out sustainability standards (BREEAM, WELL, Fitwell)

• Technical confidence to spot clashes, challenge quotes, explain decisions to clients
• Pace and pragmatism in a fast‑track environment; clear decision‑making under pressure
• Ownership you lead the design team and drive progress
• Ability to translate between architect’s intent and site reality

• Salary: £80,000-£75,000 per annum
• Contract:
  
  Permanent
• Location:
  
  City of London
• Reporting to:
  Project Manager
• Start date:
  
  ASAP