Design Manager

A boutique interior design studio specialising in high-end hospitality, restaurant, hotel, and leisure environments is seeking an experienced Design Manager to join their team in North Yorkshire. The studio delivers design across a growing portfolio of premium hospitality and leisure projects, including restaurants, boutique hotels, and lifestyle-led destinations. You will act as the central point between design, clients, consultants, and directors, ensuring projects are delivered with creative integrity, operational clarity, and commercial control. You'll be responsible for leading multiple hospitality and leisure projects simultaneously, mentoring junior designers, and maintaining high design standards from concept through to completion. The role requires someone who can confidently balance creative leadership with structured project delivery, while helping to embed stronger processes and improve overall studio efficiency. Key Responsibilities Lead and oversee multiple hospitality & leisure design projects from concept to completion Act as senior project lead between clients, consultants, and internal design team Manage, mentor, and develop a small team of 3–4 designers Maintain design quality, consistency, and creative intent across all projects Lead client presentations, workshops, and project meetings Oversee project programmes, resources, budgets, and deliverables Identify and proactively manage project risks (avoid reactive “firefighting”) Support senior leadership in reducing their involvement in day-to-day project delivery Improve internal workflows, processes, and project management systems Ensure all work is commercially viable as well as creatively strong Skills and Experience Minimum 6+ years' experience in interior design, ideally hospitality & leisure focused Proven experience leading projects end-to-end in a studio environment Experience managing and mentoring junior designers Strong portfolio showing both concept development and technical delivery Confident client-facing and presentation skills Strong organisational and project management ability Proficient in AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop Commercial awareness alongside strong creative ability BA (Hons) or MA in Interior Architecture / Interior Design (or equivalent) Full UK driving licence (occasional UK travel required) Benefits 25 days holiday plus additional Christmas shutdown Office-based collaborative studio environment with limited hybrid flexibility Long-term progression potential as the business continues to scale Exposure to high-end hospitality and leisure projects across the UK