Tait Francis
Design Manager
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Design Manager
£45,000 - £55,000 DOE + Hybrid + Progression + Autonomy + Benefits
Commutable from Derby, Matlock, Nottingham, Burton upon Trent and surrounding areas
Are you an experienced Design Manager, or a senior CAD Designer/Technical Designer ready to step up, from a bespoke joinery background?
This is an opportunity to lead the design function within a growing, high-end joinery manufacturer. You'll have real autonomy to shape the drawing office, introduce better systems and processes, and build out the team as the business expands.
Phillips Joinery is an established specialist joinery business with two operating factories, delivering bespoke exterior joinery — including windows and doors — as well as heritage restoration, commercial fit-out and interior joinery projects. Following a recent acquisition and significant investment, the business has a full order book, ambitious expansion plans and a strong platform for growth.
As Design Manager, you'll take ownership of the drawing office, overseeing the production of accurate client-approval and manufacture-ready drawings. You'll work closely with commercial, operations and production teams, lead the introduction of 3D CAD software and design standards, and play a central role in building a modern, structured design function.
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The Role 📐
- Lead and develop the drawing office function as the business grows
- Oversee production of accurate client approval and manufacture-ready drawings for bespoke joinery projects
- Drive the introduction of 3D CAD software, alongside existing 2D CAD processes
- Oversee detailing of exterior and interior joinery, including windows, doors, heritage restoration and commercial fit-out work
- Manage interpretation of architects' drawings, specifications, site information and client requirements
- Oversee technical site surveys, supporting projects from post-sale through to production
- Work closely with estimating, commercial, production and installation teams to ensure designs are practical and production-ready
- Set and improve drawing standards, file management, processes and design documentation across the business
- Lead the transition from legacy drawing methods into a modern, structured design function
- Build and develop the wider design team as the business and drawing office grow
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The Person ✅
- Background in bespoke joinery, furniture manufacture, architectural joinery or a closely related sector
- Proven experience in a Design Manager, senior CAD/Technical Design or similar leadership role
- Strong experience using AutoCAD 2D, ideally including Design for Manufacture/production detailing
- Experience producing detailed drawings for manufacture — not just concept or client presentation drawings
- Comfortable interpreting technical drawings, specifications and site measurements
- Practical understanding of joinery construction, materials and manufacturing processes
- Experience with 3D CAD software, or leading its introduction, would be advantageous
- A proactive, organised leader who enjoys improving systems, building teams and taking ownership
The Package 🎁
- £50,000 DOE
- Join a business with a full order book, significant investment and exciting growth plans
- Genuine influence over CAD software, drawing standards and design processes
- Opportunity to lead and build a new drawing office function from the ground up
- Hybrid working available following successful induction and probation
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