Senior Design Manager

Senior Design Manager required in Kent

GVR Solutions are working with a specialist carpentry and joinery fit-out contractor based in Kent, delivering high-quality bespoke joinery and carpentry packages across a range of commercial and fit-out projects.

Due to continued growth, they are looking to appoint an experienced Senior Design Manager with a strong technical background in carpentry and joinery, particularly in the design, manufacture and installation of doors and associated joinery packages.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong design professional who understands the full process from initial design development through to manufacture, coordination and on-site installation.

• Lead and develop consistent processes and procedures for design.
• Lead and manage the Design Managers and design resources to ensure effective delivery across our projects.
• Retain responsibility for overseeing allocated projects, working collaboratively with the Design Managers to ensure workloads, accountability and ownership are appropriately distributed across the team.
• Lead the resolution of technical design issues, working with project design teams including architects, engineers and the supply chain.
• Develop and produce design drawings, specifications and related construction documents.
• Ensure compliance with building regulations, standards, safety requirements and sustainability requirements.
• Lead and coordinate with Project Managers and Main Contractors to align design with project requirements and objectives.
• Manage design schedules, track progress and ensure the timely delivery of design milestones and key deliverables.
• Maintain overall design requirements across all projects and ensure design obligations are effectively managed and delivered.
• Attend client design meetings.
• Provide regular updates to the Operations and Commercial Directors, highlighting progress, risks, responsibilities and key deliverables.
• Provide specialist and expert design advice to teams internally and clients externally.
• Work closely with suppliers and supply chain partners to manage design requirements and ensure deliverables meet agreed standards, requirements and deadlines.
• Attend tender interviews and meetings.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and develop team members effectively.
• Customer-focused approach with behaviours that promote excellent service and represent the organisation positively at every opportunity.
• Proven experience in construction project design and design management across multiple project stages.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, building regulations, and industry best practice.
• Proficient in the use of design software and Building Information Modelling (BIM) platforms.
• Excellent project management, leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams and resolve design and project-related conflicts.
• Experienced in developing, coordinating, and maintaining comprehensive door schedules across a range of sectors.
• Construction design coordination and multidisciplinary design management.
• Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) management.
• Strong understanding of architectural, structural, and construction design principles.
• Knowledge of building regulations, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and industry standards.
• Team leadership, mentoring, and performance development.