Design Manager – Joinery

Michael Taylor Search & Selection

Role Overview

The Design Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating the full design lifecycle, from initial concept development through to project completion. This role requires a highly organized, detail-driven individual with strong technical expertise, commercial awareness, and proven leadership ability. The Design Manager will ensure that all design deliverables meet client expectations, adhere to industry and regulatory standards, and align with project budgets and schedules.

Key Responsibilities

Design Development & Innovation

• Work closely with Directors to refine design details and introduce innovative solutions.
• Provide guidance on offsite manufacturing strategies to enhance installation speed and overall project efficiency.
• Research emerging technologies, materials, and methodologies to strengthen design capabilities.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives, including BIM adoption and digital design advancements.

Project Coordination & Communication

• Prepare and manage RFIs to resolve design-related issues promptly.
• Coordinate with construction teams, project managers, architects, and stakeholders to ensure smooth integration of design and construction activities.
• Participate in project meetings, presenting design proposals and progress updates to clients and internal teams.

Technical & Quality Assurance

• Review and approve drawings, specifications, and associated design documents.
• Ensure compliance with building regulations, safety standards, sustainability requirements, and current legislation.
• Apply value engineering principles to deliver cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or safety.
• Oversee quality control of all design outputs through systematic reviews and evaluations.

Budget & Commercial Management

• Monitor and manage design budgets, ensuring financial alignment throughout project phases.
• Negotiate design-related contracts with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Provide commercial insight during design development to reduce risk and maintain financial efficiency.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and support the design team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Ensure adherence to CAD/BIM standards, methodologies, and company best-practice frameworks.
• Promote continuous professional development, ensuring team skills remain current and aligned with industry standards.

Documentation & Handover

• Oversee product sampling and coordinate technical submittals for client approval.
• Prepare early-stage O&M documentation and contribute to the completion of final handover manuals.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date design records, logs, and databases.

BIM Responsibilities

• Review and support the development of Rox Best Practices, ensuring alignment with CAD/BIM protocols.
• Work with the Head of BIM to update and streamline workflows for BIM-based projects.
• Assist in preparing Pre-Contract BIM Execution Plans and Task Information Delivery Plans (TIDPs).
• Ensure appropriate resource planning for BIM deliverables and support consistency across all project outputs.

Professional Attributes

• Strong technical understanding of design principles, construction methodologies, and industry standards.
• Effective leadership and team-management capabilities.
• Commercially aware with the ability to balance creativity, quality, and cost.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM-based workflows.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Able to work effectively under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.