Design Manager

Company: Astra Group

Location: Manchester

A Bit About The Role…

As Design Manager, you will be responsible for managing the design element of each project and service job, producing 3D and 2D drawings (both mechanical and technical), overseeing the outsourced design function, obtaining structural and electrical engineers’ calculations and drawings, and managing the fabrication and manufacturing stage of all projects.

You will work closely with senior management to make sure the scope and direction of each project is on schedule as well as other departments for support. You will also build strong relationships with the Project Managers and their client contacts, ensuring that Astra Group meets all the requirements and develops the brief in line with client requirements. Alongside the Project Managers and Coordinators, you will work within the Operations Department to ensure that jobs are designed efficiently and with practical application in mind every time.

This role requires a solid background in providing build solutions (either within the Out-Of-Home Advertising Sector, Audio Visual, Signage, Electrical, or Construction Industries) and a previous work history in a similar managerial role.

This role will be full-time based in Trafford Park with occasional travel when needed depending on where a project is in operation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Sales Support: Assist the sales team with fabrication pricing, concept designs, and technical queries related to fabrication and assembly.

• Design Management: Develop design briefs, guide and manage the Design Technicians, and coordinate with external consultants. Ensure all design deliverables meet deadlines, quality, and compliance standards (CDM 2015, ASIAD).

• System and Supplier Management: Maintain our ISO accreditations by managing systems and supplier relationships. Oversee the subcontractor database and ensure performance management standards are met.

• Fabrication Oversight: Select and manage fabrication partners within budget and timeline constraints, with regular progress checks and safety documentation reviews.

• Assembly Coordination: Oversee assembly resource planning, and H&S compliance, and ensure the team operates safely. Support the Installation Team as needed.

• Budget and Financial Tracking: Manage budgets and track financial performance throughout the design and fabrication phases.

• Communication and Stakeholder Management: Act as a key liaison between management, departments, and suppliers, ensuring clear and effective information flow.

• Handover and Documentation: Provide comprehensive design documentation for project handover, ensuring accurate record-keeping, document revision control, and compliance with design procedures.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in design and fabrication management.

• Strong project management skills focused on deadlines, budgets, and compliance.

• Experience with performance management and maintaining ISO standards.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

The Ideal Candidate will have:

• Excellent verbal and written communication

• Good IT knowledge (Inc Microsoft Office/ Google products)

• Experience in 3D Computer Aided Design Programs (SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion 360/Revit, etc.)

• The ability to work using your initiative as well as working within a team

• Excellent punctuality

• Leadership and supervisory skills

• Ability to make decisions under pressure

• Strong organisational skills

• Good people skills and customer service ethic

• Flexibility

• The ability to multitask

A Bit About Us…

Astra Group is one of the UK’s leading digital and architectural signage specialists. We have a wealth of experience producing world-class innovative solutions for many sectors- including hospitality, travel and transportation, retail, leisure, and out-of-home media. Trusted by some of the largest venues in the world, we create high-impact and bespoke visual solutions while delivering to the highest standard. Our turnkey solution combines the latest digital technology, the best hi-tech machinery, and robust, reliable ISO & EN production techniques to create products and systems of impeccable quality. Our project delivery and installation teams are fully qualified to work across both rail and airport environments and work by stringent quality control systems, ensuring our solutions stand the test of time with vigorous ongoing maintenance procedures.

Benefits

• Company Private Pension

• Simply Health Access

• Corporate tickets to a leading music venue are available

• Public transport is easily accessible

Salary: Dependent on experience

Please email hr@astragroup.co.uk with your cv and covering letter or if you have any enquiries about the job listing.