Design Manager - SolidWorks Permanent Full-Time
Salary - Circa £52,000 DOE
Location - Office based in Canterbury
Join a heritage-driven bespoke joinery specialist delivering high-quality interiors for commercial and residential clients. With over two centuries of expertise and a purpose-built workshop, the team combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to produce custom cabinetry, staircases, windows, and furniture. Accredited to ISO standards, the firm serves high-end projects across London and the South, emphasising exceptional service, precision, and sustainability.
We're looking for a skilled and experienced Design Manager with SolidWorks expertise to lead bespoke joinery projects from concept to production. You'll manage design delivery, collaborate across teams, and ensure technical excellence in custom interiors. The ideal candidate brings leadership, precision, and a background in joinery or fit-out, with at least five years' design experience and strong CAD skills.
Responsibilities, but are not limited to
Collaborate with estimating and commercial teams on potential projects, providing expert advice where required
Attend on-site design meetings and conduct site surveys to fully understand project requirements
Understand and apply sustainability standards such as BREEAM, LEED, and SKA
Identify and communicate potential design or programme challenges early, raising them with the Project Manager in a timely manner
Record and report all known design changes to the commercial team as soon as they are identified
Conduct site meetings as necessary
Maintain internal design trackers and support the Document Controller with client documentation and O&M manuals
Manage all design aspects of the project to ensure timely delivery in line with customer requirements
Liaise with internal teams and project managers to ensure effective handover of drawings for production
Create production drawings using appropriate systems, specifically for joinery and related materials and processesExperiences required
Minimum five years' experience in design engineering, ideally within joinery or office fit-out environments
Proficient in SolidWorks or similar CAD software (e.g. Autodesk Inventor)
Skilled in producing detailed technical drawings for manufacture (DFM)
Proven ability to lead design projects and provide technical direction
Strong background in managing design processes from concept to completionPackage
40 Hours P/W | Monday to Friday | 7:30am to 5pm | 28 Days Holiday Inc. Bank | NEST Pension | Christmas Shutdown