Design Manager

The Role: Design Manager

Department: Design Department 

Location: Cardiff Office

Salary: £35,000 – £45,000 dependant on experience

Working hours: 37.5 hours per week – 8am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday

Contract: Fixed-term – 12 months

About the Role

As a Design Manager, you will work within a design department alongside other Design Managers in a collaborative environment. You’ll lead a design team, guiding projects from concept to production and overseeing everything from bespoke props to full-scale themed environments. This role provides the opportunity to collaborate closely with designers, engineers, and production experts

About the Company

At Wild Creations we Design, Manufacture and Install Props & Scenery for the Entertainment, Marketing & Theme Park Industries.

Our 39,000 sq.ft facilities in the heart of Cardiff, UK is home to a number of specialised departments, including Design, Project Management, Sculpting, Prop & Model Making, Moulding & Casting, Carpentry, Metalwork, Scenic Art, Finishing & Spray Shop, and an Automation Shop that can accommodate 3D Scanning & Printing, Vac Forming, Laser Cutting, and CNC Routing – both on flatbeds and on our 7-axis Kuka robot arm. 

Company Culture

We foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Our team is passionate about delivering exceptional work. We value diversity, creativity, and continuous learning, and we strive to create a workplace where every team member can thrive and contribute to our collective success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage one of several design teams within the design department, including Design Supervisors and Designers, by scheduling work, streamlining workflows, facilitating clear communication, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality outputs such as construction drawings, technical models, CNC file preparation, and concept development.
• Assign and prioritise tasks within your design team to meet project deadlines, ensure balanced workloads, and contribute to the overall success of the design department.
• Identify and resolve technical and design challenges at all stages of the project—design development, fabrication, and installation—ensuring seamless progression through each phase.
• Support and mentor Design Supervisors, empowering them to oversee their teams effectively while maintaining accountability for overall project success.
• Oversee design deliverables to ensure all outputs meet client expectations, adhere to budget constraints, and align with technical feasibility.
• Act as a bridge between the design team and other departments, including project management, fabrication, and clients, to ensure seamless collaboration and information flow.
• Conduct regular team meetings and one-to-one check-ins to track progress, address challenges, and maintain alignment on project goals.
• Ensure design quality standards are upheld across all deliverables by conducting regular reviews and providing constructive feedback to Design Supervisors and Designers.
• Ensure that all design projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment, promoting open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual respect across all levels of the design team.

The Ideal Candidate

We’re looking for someone with ambition, vision, and experience to lead at a high level. The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in design management, preferably in entertainment, theme parks, retail environments, or high-profile creative industries.
• A portfolio showcasing large-scale, immersive environments, props, or themed installations.
• Expertise in 3D design software such as Revit, BIM360, inventor or Rhino.
• Knowledge of manufacturing techniques, including CNC routing, 3D printing, mould making, metal fabrication and woodworking.
• Strong client-facing skills, capable of understanding complex briefs and presenting solutions.
• A passion for innovation and exploration of new tools and technologies.
• A detail-oriented problem-solving approach, balancing creative and technical requirements.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to liaise across creative and technical teams.
• Resilience under pressure, maintaining efficiency in fast-paced environments.

We offer the following benefits:

• An extra day off for your Birthday, in addition to the usual 28 days holiday (including BH). 
• Your holiday entitlement will increase after two years service by one day per year (capped at 5).
• Company pension scheme contributions
• Private medical insurance (after successful completion of probation period)
• Participation in the Cycle to Work scheme (after successful completion of probation period)
• Free onsite parking
• ​​Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the company.
• Continuing education and training opportunities to stay updated on the latest industry trends and advancements.
• A stimulating and supportive work environment with opportunities to work on diverse and challenging projects 

Application Instructions:

We’re seeking the best of the best — design visionaries with a passion for innovation and leadership. If you’re ready to take on a role where your creativity will shape extraordinary experiences, we’d love to hear from you.

Please send your CV, portfolio (showcasing your most ambitious work), and a covering letter outlining your experience and why you’re the perfect fit for Wild Creations to [email protected] by 4pm on Thursday 6th February 2025.

Interviews to be held on 13th and 18th February 2025.