Operations and Design Manager

  • The Highfield Company
  • Jul 28, 2025
Full time Construction

Job Description

Job Title: Design & Operations Manager
Location: London
Salary: Up to 75,000

About the Company:
Our client is a leading name in the architectural and structural metalwork industry, renowned for delivering high-profile projects across London and the Southeast. With an exceptional in-house team and a commitment to innovation, quality, and precision, they specialise in bespoke metalwork packages for major commercial, residential, and infrastructure schemes.

The Opportunity:
Due to continued growth and project demand, the company is seeking a Design & Operations Manager to act as the linchpin between the design team, planning department, and project delivery teams. This is a pivotal role for someone who understands the design detailing process, can manage a team of in-house and external detailers, and has the organisational skills to support project scheduling, programme coordination, and workflow optimisation across the business.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Oversee and coordinate the internal and outsourced detailing teams to ensure timely, accurate, and commercially viable design output

  • Act as a bridge between the design office and operations, ensuring seamless handover of information into procurement, planning, and production

  • Creation of project schedules, resource planning, and drawing issue timelines

  • Identify design bottlenecks or clashes early and work with project managers and site teams to resolve

  • Lead or support internal planning meetings, driving visibility of workloads, design priorities, and cross-team dependencies

Requirements:

  • Previous experience in a similar role within architectural or structural metalwork, steelwork

  • Proven ability to manage design resources and oversee drawing programmes

  • Experience working with planning tools and an understanding of project scheduling

  • Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders

  • Knowledge of manufacturing, fabrication, or installation processes in the metalwork industry is highly advantageous

What's in it for you?

  • Join a collaborative and technically strong leadership team

  • Competitive salary, benefits package, and long-term progression opportunities

  • Exposure to landmark London projects and a chance to shape design and delivery operations from the inside

For more information please get in touch with Sharon O'Donnell at The Highfield Company