Operations and Design Manager

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