Design Manager – Interior Fit-Out / Refurbishment
📍 Location: Bristol
💼 Salary: £50,000 - 65,000 + Pension, Health Care, Bonus
🕒 Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
About the Company
Our client is a leading interior fit-out and refurbishment contractor, delivering exceptional projects across the commercial, hospitality, and residential sectors. With a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and attention to detail, they provide end-to-end solutions from concept design through to project completion.
Due to continued growth, they are looking for an experienced Design Manager to lead and coordinate design activities across multiple high-end fit-out and refurbishment projects.
Role Overview
As a Design Manager, you will be responsible for managing and driving the design process from tender through to completion. You will ensure that design information is accurate, fully coordinated, and delivered on time — supporting project teams in delivering outstanding results that meet client expectations and design intent.
This is a key role that requires both technical expertise and strong leadership skills, working closely with clients, consultants, and internal project teams.
Key Responsibilities
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Manage and oversee the entire design process for interior fit-out and refurbishment projects.
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Coordinate with architects, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure cohesive design delivery.
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Review drawings, specifications, and design packages to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with project requirements.
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Lead design coordination meetings and workshops with internal and external stakeholders.
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Ensure design deliverables align with programme timelines and commercial targets.
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Oversee design risk management, value engineering, and technical solutions.
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Support the tender process by reviewing design information and identifying buildability or cost-saving opportunities.
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Manage the approval of materials, finishes, and shop drawings.
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Work collaboratively with the project team to resolve design issues during construction.
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Ensure all designs comply with building regulations, health and safety standards, and client specifications.
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Provide mentorship and guidance to Assistant Design Managers and Junior Design Coordinators.
Skills and Experience Required
✅ Proven experience as a Design Manager (or Senior Design Coordinator) within interior fit-out, refurbishment, or construction.
✅ Strong technical knowledge of building design, detailing, and construction methodologies.
✅ Background in architecture, interior design, or engineering (degree or equivalent preferred).
✅ Experience managing design processes across multiple disciplines (architectural, MEP, structural, joinery, etc.).
✅ Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, or similar design coordination software.
✅ Excellent communication and leadership skills, with confidence leading design meetings.
✅ Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach.
✅ Thorough understanding of design management procedures, document control, and versioning.
✅ Familiarity with ISO standards and quality management systems (advantageous).
What’s in It for You
✨ Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
✨ Opportunity to work on prestigious, design-led interior fit-out projects.
✨ Supportive and collaborative company culture.
✨ Clear career progression and professional development opportunities.
✨ Exposure to a variety of high-profile commercial and residential clients.
How to Apply
If you’re an experienced Design Manager looking to join a forward-thinking interior fit-out contractor with a reputation for excellence, click Apply Now