Design Manager

GVR Solutions are working with a well-established specialist joinery and fit-out contractor based in Kent, with an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality bespoke joinery, doorsets and interior packages.

Working across commercial, hospitality, residential, retail and high-end interior projects, the business combines traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing and project delivery.

Due to continued growth and an expanding project pipeline, they are looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager with a strong technical background in bespoke doorsets and joinery.

Key responsibilities of the Design Manager will include:

• Managing the design process from tender/award through to manufacture and installation.
• Taking ownership of bespoke doorset design and technical coordination.
• Producing, reviewing and maintaining detailed door schedules.
• Coordinating door types, sizes, finishes, ironmongery, fire ratings, acoustic requirements and performance specifications.
• Reviewing architectural drawings, specifications and schedules to identify design requirements, discrepancies and potential issues.
• Coordinating doorsets with architectural, structural, M&E and interior design requirements.
• Reviewing technical drawings and ensuring they are suitable for manufacture and installation.
• Managing design information, revisions and approvals.
• Liaising with architects, consultants, clients and main contractors to resolve technical queries.
• Working closely with joinery designers, CAD technicians and manufacturing teams.
• Ensuring designs comply with relevant regulations, standards and project specifications.
• Coordinating ironmongery requirements and ensuring compatibility with individual doorset designs.
• Managing design programmes and ensuring information is issued in line with project deadlines.
• Identifying design risks and proposing practical and commercially viable solutions.
• Attending design meetings, site meetings and client meetings as required.
• Supporting the commercial and estimating teams with technical input during tenders and variations.
• Ensuring a smooth transition from design through to manufacture and installation.

The Design Manager must have/be:

• Proven experience as a Design Manager, Design Coordinator or Technical Manager within joinery, doorsets, interiors or specialist fit-out.
• Strong technical knowledge of bespoke doorsets and door scheduling is essential.
• A detailed understanding of door construction, materials, finishes and manufacturing processes.
• Experience coordinating fire-rated, acoustic and performance doorsets.
• Strong knowledge of doorset design.
• Experience reading and interpreting architectural drawings and specifications.
• Experience producing, reviewing and coordinating detailed door schedules.
• Strong understanding of technical drawings and design development.
• Experience working with architects, consultants, main contractors and specialist manufacturers.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Revit or other relevant design/CAD software would be advantageous.

If you are interested in the Design Manager role then please get in touch.