Architecture & PlanningFull time
10 Nov
Senior Design Manager
Senior Design Manager – Themed Entertainment & Theme Parks Location: Birmingham, UK (office-based, Monday–Friday)Salary: £60,000–£85,000 depending on experienceRelocation: International applicants welcome – Skilled Worker visa sponsorship available An exciting opportunity to shape the future of themed entertainment Our client, an established international creative design and themed entertainment business, is looking for an experienced Senior Design Manager to join it's growing team in Birmingham. This is an opportunity for an established Design Manager with a strong background in themed entertainment, theme parks and large-scale destination developments to take a leading role in delivering exciting, creative and technically complex projects. We are particularly interested in individuals with international project experience, including those who have worked on major developments across the Middle East, UAE and wider GCC region. Candidates currently based overseas are welcome to apply, with relocation assistance and UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship available for the successful applicant. The Role Reporting to the Director, you will lead and manage the design team, overseeing the successful development and delivery of projects from initial concept through to technical design and construction. Working closely with clients, designers, architects, engineers, manufacturers and other project stakeholders, you will ensure that creative concepts are translated into technically achievable, commercially viable and high-quality designs.About You We are looking for a commercially aware and technically strong Design Manager who understands the demands of delivering complex themed entertainment and destination projects. You will ideally bring: Significant experience in design management, ideally 15+ years. A strong background in themed entertainment, theme parks, attractions or immersive environments. Experience managing design teams within an international consultancy or project management consultancy (PMC). Exposure to large-scale mixed-use developments and major projects across the Middle East, particularly Dubai and the wider GCC region. Experience managing multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants. Strong technical design coordination and project delivery capabilities. The ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities, deadlines and budgets. Excellent client-facing, communication and stakeholder management skills. A relevant degree in Architecture, Design, Engineering or a related discipline. Professional qualifications or memberships, alongside project management qualifications such as PRINCE2 or PMP, would be advantageous. This is a Senior Design Manager appointment rather than a Design Director position. It is a hands-on leadership role requiring someone who can manage the design process, lead teams and oversee technical project delivery. Key responsibilities will include: Leading, managing and mentoring a multidisciplinary team of designers. Overseeing design development from concept through to detailed design and construction. Managing design programmes, deliverables, budgets and project resources. Coordinating architects, engineers, specialist consultants and external design partners. Ensuring design proposals meet client requirements, project specifications and quality standards. Reviewing and approving technical drawings, specifications and design documentation. Preparing scopes of work and managing design deliverables across different project stages. Identifying and managing design risks, technical challenges and health and safety considerations. Working closely with production, engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure designs can be successfully realised. Building strong relationships with clients and senior stakeholders, providing technical guidance and design solutions. Driving continuous improvement, design standards and best practice across the team. Salary & Benefits Salary of £60,000–£85,000, depending on experience. Skilled Worker visa sponsorship available, subject to eligibility. Three-year Certificate of Sponsorship. International relocation allowance of up to £5,000. One week's hotel accommodation on arrival. Support with dependant visa applications (associated costs payable by the candidate). Workplace pension. At least 28 days' annual leave, including bank holidays. Location & Working Arrangements The position is based at our client's Birmingham office, with a five-day, Monday-to-Friday office-based working pattern. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates worldwide who are willing and eligible to relocate to the UK. Interested? If you have a background in themed entertainment, theme parks or major destination developments and are looking for your next senior design management opportunity, we'd love to hear from you. Please apply with your CV, outlining your relevant project experience and the types of developments you have been involved in.