Design Manager

Design Manager - High-End Fit-Out

Freelance | 3-6 Months | Hybrid / Work from Home Available
Hays Construction is delighted to be working with a highly respected high-end fit-out contractor to recruit an experienced Design Manager for an initial 3-6 month freelance assignment.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a business with an enviable reputation for delivering premium, design-led interiors and luxury fit-out projects.The role will have a strong focus on the pre-construction phase, taking responsibility for coordinating the design process and ensuring the project moves smoothly from concept through to construction.

Your new role
Working closely with the pre-construction, commercial and operational teams, you will:

• Take ownership of the design management process during pre-construction
• Coordinate architects, consultants, specialist subcontractors and internal stakeholders
• Review design information, drawings, specifications and technical submissions
• Manage design programmes, information release schedules and key design deliverables
• Identify potential design, buildability and coordination issues before they reach site
• Work closely with estimating and commercial teams to ensure design solutions align with budget and programme
• Manage RFIs, design changes and technical queries
• Support the transition of the project from pre-construction into delivery

What you'll need to succeed

You will be an experienced Design Manager, Senior Design Coordinator or Architectural Technologist with a proven background in design-led construction.
Ideally, you'll bring experience within:

• High-end fit-out or refurbishment
• Luxury residential, hospitality, leisure or premium commercial interiors
• Main contracting or specialist fit-out
• Pre-construction design management
• Complex packages involving multiple consultants and specialist subcontractors

You'll need to be comfortable taking ownership of the design process and driving information forward rather than simply monitoring it.
What you'll get in return

• Initial 3-6 month freelance contract
• Competitive freelance day rate
• Hybrid working with working from home available
• High-profile, luxury fit-out project
• Strong emphasis on the pre-construction phase
• Opportunity to work with a well-established and respected fit-out contractor
• Immediate opportunity for an experienced freelance Design Manager

Interested?

If you're an experienced Design Manager currently available for freelance work, or coming to the end of an existing contract, I'd be keen to speak with you.Please apply with an up-to-date CV or contact Hays Construction for a confidential discussion.
Changes made: I've positioned this as a senior, hands-on freelance appointment rather than a generic Design Manager vacancy, with the strongest selling points appearing early: 3-6 months, WFH flexibility, high-end luxury fit-out and a predominantly pre-construction remit.

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