Design Manager (Hospitality Interiors)

We are recruiting on behalf of our client, a respected London-based interior design consultancy renowned for creating beautifully crafted hospitality environments across the UK and internationally. They are looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager who will play a key role in overseeing projects from the design stage through to completion on site, ensuring that quality, programme and budget are carefully managed throughout the delivery process.

Acting as the technical lead during construction, you will be responsible for maintaining the integrity of the design while managing the flow of technical information between the studio, clients, contractors and specialist subcontractors. You will review and coordinate workshop and shop drawings, RFIs, technical submittals and material samples, ensuring they are assessed promptly, resolved efficiently and remain aligned with the original design intent.

This is a hands-on position that requires a strong technical background. Rather than simply coordinating information, you will be actively involved in producing, reviewing and interrogating technical drawings and construction details yourself. Working closely with the directors and wider design team, you will manage several live projects simultaneously, helping to ensure successful delivery from concept through to completion.

Alongside overseeing technical documentation, you will monitor project programmes and budgets, identifying potential risks to cost, quality or timescales before they become issues. You will coordinate technical information across the design team and external consultants, keeping drawing packages and schedules accurate and up to date as projects progress. You will also support or lead contract administration activities, including attending site meetings, carrying out inspections and snagging, and working collaboratively with contractors and consultants throughout the construction phase. In addition, you will manage FF&E schedules, specifications and procurement tracking, while contributing to value engineering where required.

To be considered, you will have around 8–12 years' post-qualification experience in interior architecture or interior design, with a strong technical grounding and at least 3–5 years delivering high-end hospitality projects. You will have proven construction-stage and contract administration experience, with confidence reviewing shop drawings, submittals and samples, producing and interpreting detailed joinery drawings, and managing projects through the delivery phase. Strong AutoCAD skills, together with experience of FF&E scheduling and procurement tracking, are essential. You will also be an excellent communicator, capable of building effective relationships with clients, contractors, suppliers and specialist subcontractors while ensuring projects remain on programme, within budget and to the highest standards.

Please get in touch if this seems like a suitable opportunity for you.

1 day WFH, early finish on Fridays.