Design Manager Designate

Our client is a design-led contract furniture manufacturer, renowned for producing high-quality furniture for the workplace, education and commercial sectors. Due to the planned retirement of their Head of Design in 2028, they are seeking an ambitious Designer with the potential to progress into the Design Manager role. This is a rare opportunity to join an established business with a clear succession plan and structured career progression.

Career Progression
Your development will follow a structured pathway (subject to performance):

• First 6 months: Learn the Designer role and integrate into the business.
• Following 12 months: Work closely with and shadow the current Head of Design.
• Final 6 months: Step into the Acting Design Manager role with ongoing support before taking full responsibility.

The Role
You''ll produce accurate production drawings and technical documentation for bespoke and batch-manufactured furniture, primarily tabletops with some metalwork components.

• Producing detailed production drawings.
• Creating accurate Works Order documentation using Excel.
• Preparing client approval drawings.
• Space planning and 3D visualisations.
• Processing client orders through to manufacture.
• Working accurately to tight deadlines.

Software
The company uses:-AutoCAD;-Inventor;-SolidWorks;-3DS Max;-KeyShot

About You
We''re looking for someone who:

• Has experience producing detailed manufacturing drawings.
• Is organised, accurate and deadline driven.
• Has strong technical and practical design skills.
• Can manage multiple projects effectively.
• Has good leadership skills
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Salary & Benefits

• -45,000 - -55,000 as Designer / Design Manager Designate.
• Further salary increase of -10,000 - -20,000 upon appointment as Design Manager.
• Performance-related Senior Management bonus scheme.
• Company pension and mobile phone.
• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays.

If you''re looking for a long-term career opportunity with genuine progression into a senior leadership role, we''d love to hear from you.