London, UK
Design manager
at Fabrication Facility
Fabrication Facility is hiring a design manager to join its team in London.
Who we are
Fabrication Facility produces enduring artworks and other projects, working closely with artists, designers, galleries and institutions. We work with a range of processes and materials including CNC, casting, traditional metalworking, wet spraying and other finishing. We are a small, dynamic, creative company with a close-knit team based across two sites, in Southeast London and Falmouth, Cornwall.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for a talented design manager to lead our small team of designers, working from our London premises. The ideal candidate will be experienced in developing and drafting complex projects using Rhino or similar software, will have strong project management skills and a good level of experience with team management. We are looking for someone with relevant industry experience, good interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with a variety of personalities and professions, within the company and our wider community of clients, contractors and suppliers.
The role
The design manager is responsible for overseeing the design stage of all projects, focusing on drafting and project management/setup. It is the responsibility of the design team to prepare projects for fabrication so that they are produced on time, on budget and to specification. Alongside this focus on projects, the design manager is responsible for the oversight and development of wider design-related matters within the company. Team leadership is an important part of the role, supporting, developing and training our team of designers and ensuring all projects remain on track. Alongside the management aspect of the role, the design manager will also take on key design tasks, including drafting and development of more complex projects, and must be able to balance this aspect of the role with their management responsibilities.
This is a full-time role with a 40-hour week, working over four ten-hour days, allowing a three day weekend. Working hours are 8:00 to 18:00. The role is based at our Southeast London premises, which is located two minutes walk from Bellingham train station.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- manage the design team
- oversee the design process for all projects
- ensure all drafting by the wider design team is completed on time, to specification, with adequate attention to detail, and set up correctly for its designated purpose
- ensure that all projects are fully developed and specified regarding workflows, orders and external contractors
- ensure all projects are correctly set up within the company system, with all the necessary information present to support the project’s successful completion
- oversee the procurement of all project related materials
- communicate closely with the senior management team to update them regarding the progress of all projects
- analyse new projects and develop appropriate methodologies for fabrication, working with both the internal workshop team and external suppliers
- develop project designs in collaboration with the managing director and operations manager
- take on specific design projects and develop them for production
- chair internal design meetings, provide regular reports and presentations regarding design related matters
- support effective communication between the design team and the wider company
- support, train and develop the design team
- liaise with clients on design related matters
- assess, mitigate and manage all risks connected with design
- ensure that all designs and all associated fabrication and installation work meet health and safety requirements
- work at all times within the company structure and using the established company systems
- oversee all health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments for the design department
Skills and experience required:
- experience developing complex design projects to realisation
- proven project management abilities
- experience managing teams
- industry knowledge of digital fabrication techniques
- good understanding of health and safety regarding fabrication and installation
- ability to develop practical solutions to complex problems
- ability to work to multiple deadlines simultaneously
- skilled with Rhino and/or other CAD software
- skilled with Adobe Design Suite, MS Office
- great people skills including the ability to engage with a wide variety of people
- good client facing communication skills
- excellent written communication skills
- respectful, open and kind approach
- ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion
How to apply
If you think you could be the right fit for this role, please send your CV and short cover letter via the apply for job button below.
Fabrication Facility is an equal opportunities employer.