Design Manager

Design Manager (FTC – Up to 12 Months)

Location: Birmingham (Office-Based)

Contract: Fixed-Term Contract (Up to 12 Months)

Salary: Competitive, DOE

We're working with an internationally recognised creative design and production studio that delivers world-class themed attractions, immersive experiences and destination entertainment projects across the globe. Due to continued project demand, they're looking to appoint an experienced Design Manager on a fixed-term contract of up to 12 months.

This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished design leader with a background in themed entertainment, theme parks, attractions, immersive experiences or large-scale experiential environments to take ownership of multidisciplinary design teams and oversee projects from concept through to production.

The Role

Reporting into the senior creative leadership team, you'll be responsible for managing the complete design process across multiple live projects, ensuring creative vision is successfully translated into technically deliverable solutions.

Working closely with Creative Directors, Project Managers, Engineers and Production teams, you'll lead design reviews, coordinate resources and maintain design quality throughout every project stage.

Key Responsibilities

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• Lead the full design lifecycle from concept development through detailed design and production handover.
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• Manage multidisciplinary teams including Concept Designers, CAD Designers, 3D Visualisers, Scenic Designers and Technical Designers.
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• Translate creative briefs into structured, deliverable design strategies that align with programme, budget and technical requirements.
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• Review and approve drawings, 3D models, technical documentation, material specifications and presentation packages.
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• Work collaboratively with engineering, fabrication and project delivery teams to ensure designs are practical, buildable and production-ready.
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• Act as the primary point of contact for clients on all design-related matters, leading presentations, design reviews and technical discussions.
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• Oversee design schedules, resource planning, workflow management and version control across multiple concurrent projects.
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• Ensure designs comply with engineering requirements, safety standards and manufacturing constraints.
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• Support procurement and production teams with technical specifications, material selections and supplier coordination.
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• Mentor and develop members of the design team, promoting design excellence and continuous improvement.
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About You

We're keen to speak with experienced Design Managers or Senior Designers who have successfully led multidisciplinary teams within the themed entertainment or immersive experience sector.

You'll ideally bring:

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• A degree in Architecture, Industrial Design, Scenic Design, Engineering or a related discipline.
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• 5+ years' experience managing design teams within themed entertainment, theme parks, attractions, immersive experiences, scenic construction or creative fabrication.
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• Strong leadership skills with experience managing complex, fast-paced design programmes.
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• Excellent understanding of the relationship between creative design, engineering and fabrication.
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• The ability to interpret engineering drawings and integrate structural, mechanical and electrical requirements into design solutions.
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• Knowledge of scenic fabrication techniques including timber, metalwork, props, scenic finishes, animatronics or interactive technologies.
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• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with confidence presenting to clients and senior project teams.
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• The ability to balance creativity with technical practicality while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
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Software Experience

Experience with a combination of the following is highly desirable:

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• AutoCAD
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• Rhino
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• SketchUp
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• SolidWorks
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• Revit
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• Adobe Creative Suite
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• 3D visualisation and rendering software
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Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join a highly respected international creative business delivering some of the world's most ambitious themed entertainment and visitor attraction projects. You'll play a key leadership role on high-profile developments, working alongside talented multidisciplinary teams to create memorable guest experiences enjoyed by audiences worldwide.

Candidates with experience in themed entertainment, theme park design, visitor attractions or immersive experience design will be particularly well suited to this opportunity.