Design Manager | Sunderland (Hybrid) | £40,000 - £45,000

Our client, a leading company in the Interiors & Fit Out industry, is seeking an experienced Design Manager, ideally with a background as an Architectural Technician or Architect, to join our Sunderland-based team. This is a genuine progression opportunity for someone ready to step up, take ownership of projects, and grow into a leadership role guiding and developing a design team.You'll manage the design process across our sports & leisure, workplace, retail, hospitality and education projects, working closely with our build teams to ensure designs are deliverable, coordinated and commercially sound from day one.

What You'll Be Doing  

• Leading the design process on live projects, from feasibility and planning through to technical delivery.
• Coordinating architectural design with construction, groundworks and fit-out teams to remove scope gaps.
• Managing relationships with clients, architects, consultants and planning authorities.
• Reviewing and quality-checking technical drawings and design information.
• Mentoring and supporting junior design staff, with a clear path to leading the design team.
• Supporting bids and feasibility studies with practical, buildable design solutions.

What We're Looking For

• Background as an Architectural Technician, Architect, or similar design-led construction role.
• Proven experience managing design on commercial construction projects.
• Strong understanding of the UK planning process and technical detailing.
• Confident communicator, comfortable liaising with clients, consultants and site teams.
• Ready to take on responsibility and grow into a leadership position.
• Available for an quick start.

Benefits

<span class="ql-cursor"></span>

• 28 days holiday.
• Hybrid working (2 days from home).
• Office based in Sunderland.
• Free onsite parking.
• Structured progression and development within a growing design team.

Ready to apply?

Contact matt.cassady@elliotthomasconsulting.co.uk