Spacemade
Design Manager (9-12 Month Mat Cover | Step-Up Opportunity)
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Design Manager - Coworking Office Spaces
London EC4A 4AD (Hybrid) - Office in City Thameslink/Blackfriars on Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1-2 days WFH or other sites
£40,000–£45,000
9-12 Month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover – including a full handover starting 12th October 2026)
Shape the Next Generation of Hospitality-Led Workspaces.
Spacemade is reshaping the flexible workspace industry, partnering with landlords to create and operate hospitality-forward environments where ambitious businesses thrive. As our portfolio expands across the UK, we are preparing to launch two brand-new sites in early 2027 while developing further expansions throughout the year.
We are seeking a commercially minded, technical Design Manager to step into a 9-12 month maternity cover. This role offers a unique career progression opportunity. We are explicitly open-minded on previous job titles: if you are an experienced Interior Designer, Part 2 Architectural Assistant, or Architectural Designer looking to step beyond pure CAD production and take full ownership of design management, consultant coordination, FF&E procurement, and project delivery, this is your platform.
Your Focus:
- Lead design from concept to delivery: Own the design process across new site acquisitions, from initial feasibility test fits and space planning through to site launch.
- Coordinate external teams: Manage external architects, Design & Build (D&B) teams, consultants, contractors, and key suppliers to keep projects aligned with design standards, programme timelines, and budgets.
- Drive FF&E & procurement: Develop and manage complete furniture, artwork, accessories, and bespoke joinery packages from initial specification to procurement and site installation.
- Maintain technical standards: Review technical drawing packages, specifications, and detailing to ensure full alignment with Spacemade brand guidelines and UK Building Regulations.
- Support operational locations: Provide ongoing design support during project handover, mobilisation, refurbishments, and minor improvement works across existing sites.
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Success is Measured By
You’ll know you’re doing a great job when:
- Project delivery across two new 2027 sites is executed to a high design standard, on schedule, and within agreed budgets.
- External consultants, contractors, and suppliers are effectively coordinated with clear technical design reviews.
- FF&E and furniture packages are seamlessly procured, delivered, and styled ready for site launches.
- Spacemade design guidelines are consistently applied, balancing aesthetic quality with operational and commercial viability.
You’ll Thrive in This Role If…
- You are ready to step up into Design Management: you want to move beyond purely drawing packages to manage procurement, consultant relationships, and commercial project decisions.
- You bring a strong technical foundation: you understand UK Building Regulations, construction detailing, and technical reviews inside out.
- You have an eye for workplace & hospitality design: you know how to combine space efficiency with warm, hospitality-led aesthetics, finishes, and styling.
- You are highly organised and commercially aware: you can balance creative design ambition against strict programme schedules and budgets.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Professional background in commercial workplace fit-outs (CAT B), hospitality/F&B interiors, flexible workspace, or architectural practices.
- Interior Design or Architectural qualification/background (e.g., experienced Interior Designer, Part 2 Architectural Assistant, or Architectural Designer).
- Proficiency in design software, including AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and SketchUp (or similar 3D software).
- Solid technical knowledge of UK Building Regulations, space planning (NIA calculations, test fits), and construction detailing.
- Experience with FF&E packages, material specifications, and supplier management.
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Why work for us?
- 🤝 A supportive, friendly, hard-working team.
- 🎉 Quarterly team socials & get-togethers.
- 🐶 Bring your pooch to work - we are a dog-friendly office.
- 🎂 Take a half-day on your birthday.
- 🧘 A mental health personal day.
- 🫶 One paid charity day per year.
- 💰 Competitive salary and bonus scheme.
- 🏖 25 Days holiday per year (excluding Bank Holidays).
- 🏅 £50 per month wellbeing allowance.
- 🚲 Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme £2000
Who we are
At Spacemade, we believe that real-world connections shape our personal and professional journeys in ways unmatched by digital networks and interfaces.
This is why at each of our locations, we foster environments that make your office days feel purposeful and engaging; where mere interactions turn into meaningful connections and opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed together.
We are proud to be a certified BCorp business.
What next?
If you’re a match, we will ask for
- Virtual screening call (25 minutes) with our Head of People. Following this - share a portfolio prior to second stage.
- First Stage interview (30 minutes) with Michele - Head of Projects & Sustainability (and portfolio review).
- Practical take-home task.
- Final interview (60 minutes) with Michael (COO) and Michele.
We’re an equal opportunity employer. Everyone who applies to Spacemade will be considered for employment without attention to race, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, family or parental status, or disability status and you will need to have the right to live and work in the UK.
Apply now and take the first step towards a rewarding career with Spacemade.
We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer and commit to respond to every applicant.
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