Design Manager


Company:	Hays Specialist Recruitment
Salary:	£200 to £300 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Edinburgh, EH3 9PP
Job type:	Temporary
Posting date:	19 Oct 2026
Closing date:	26 Oct 2026

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Summary

Design Manager - High-End Fit-Out

Freelance | 3-6 Months | Hybrid / Work from Home Available

Hays Construction is delighted to be working with a highly respected high-end fit-out contractor to recruit an experienced Design Manager for an initial 3-6 month freelance assignment.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a business with an enviable reputation for delivering premium, design-led interiors and luxury fit-out projects.The role will have a strong focus on the pre-construction phase, taking responsibility for coordinating the design process and ensuring the project moves smoothly from concept through to construction.

Your new role

Working closely with the pre-construction, commercial and operational teams, you will:

Take ownership of the design management process during pre-construction

Coordinate architects, consultants, specialist subcontractors and internal stakeholders

Review design information, drawings, specifications and technical submissions

Manage design programmes, information release schedules and key design deliverables

Identify potential design, buildability and coordination issues before they reach site

Work closely with estimating and commercial teams to ensure design solutions align with budget and programme

Manage RFIs, design changes and technical queries

Support the transition of the project from pre-construction into delivery

What you'll need to succeed

You will be an experienced Design Manager, Senior Design Coordinator or Architectural Technologist with a proven background in design-led construction.

Ideally, you'll bring experience within:

High-end fit-out or refurbishment

Luxury residential, hospitality, leisure or premium commercial interiors

Main contracting or specialist fit-out

Pre-construction design management

Complex packages involving multiple consultants and specialist subcontractors

You'll need to be comfortable taking ownership of the design process and driving information forward rather than simply monitoring it.

What you'll get in return

Initial 3-6 month freelance contract

Competitive freelance day rate

Hybrid working with working from home available

High-profile, luxury fit-out project

Strong emphasis on the pre-construction phase

Opportunity to work with a well-established and respected fit-out contractor

Immediate opportunity for an experienced freelance Design Manager

Interested?

If you're an experienced Design Manager currently available for freelance work, or coming to the end of an existing contract, I'd be keen to speak with you.Please apply with an up-to-date CV or contact Hays Construction for a confidential discussion.

Changes made: I've positioned this as a senior, hands-on freelance appointment rather than a generic Design Manager vacancy, with the strongest selling points appearing early: 3-6 months, WFH flexibility, high-end luxury fit-out and a predominantly pre-construction remit.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

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