Design Manager; Mat Cover

Design Manager
- Coworking Office Spaces

London EC4A 4AD
(Hybrid) - Office in City Thameslink/Blackfriars on Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1-2 days WFH or other sites

£40,000–£45,000

9-12 Month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover – including a full handover starting 12th October 2026)

Spacemade is reshaping the flexible workspace industry, partnering with landlords to create and operate hospitality-forward environments where ambitious businesses thrive. As our portfolio expands across the UK, we are preparing to launch two brand-new sites in early 2027 while developing further expansions throughout the year.

We are seeking a commercially minded, technical Design Manager to step into a 9-12 month maternity cover. This role offers a unique career progression opportunity. We are explicitly open-minded on previous job titles: if you are an experienced Interior Designer, Part 2 Architectural Assistant, or Architectural Designer looking to step beyond pure CAD production and take full ownership of design management, consultant coordination, FF&E procurement, and project delivery, this is your platform.

• Lead design from concept to delivery → Own the design process across new site acquisitions, from initial feasibility test fits and space planning through to site launch.
• Coordinate external teams → Manage external architects, Design & Build (D&B) teams, consultants, contractors, and key suppliers to keep projects aligned with design standards, programme timelines, and budgets.
• Drive FF&E & procurement → Develop and manage complete furniture, artwork, accessories, and bespoke joinery packages from initial specification to procurement and site installation.
• Maintain technical standards → Review technical drawing packages, specifications, and detailing to ensure full alignment with Spacemade brand guidelines and UK Building Regulations.
• Support operational locations → Provide ongoing design support during project handover, mobilisation, refurbishments, and minor improvement works across existing sites.

You’ll know you’re doing a great job when:

• Project delivery across two new 2027 sites is executed to a high design standard, on schedule, and within agreed budgets.
• External consultants, contractors, and suppliers are effectively coordinated with clear technical design reviews.
• FF&E and furniture packages are seamlessly procured, delivered, and styled ready for site launches.
• Spacemade design guidelines are consistently applied, balancing aesthetic quality with operational and commercial viability.

• You are ready to step up into Design Management
  : you want to move beyond purely drawing packages to manage procurement, consultant relationships, and commercial project decisions.
• You bring a strong technical foundation
  : you understand UK Building Regulations, construction detailing, and technical reviews inside out.
• You have an eye for workplace & hospitality design
  : you know how to combine space efficiency with warm, hospitality-led aesthetics, finishes, and styling.
• You are highly organised and commercially aware
  : you can balance creative design ambition against strict programme schedules and budgets.

• Professional background in commercial workplace fit-outs (CAT
  
  B), hospitality/F&B interiors, flexible workspace, or architectural practices.
• Interior Design or Architectural qualification/background (e.g., experienced Interior Designer, Part 2 Architectural Assistant, or Architectural Designer).
• Proficiency in design software
  , including AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and Sketch Up (or similar 3D software).
• Solid technical knowledge of UK Building Regulations, space planning (NIA…