Design Manager 

The Role: Design Manager

Location: Cardiff Office

Salary: £40,000 – £45,000, dependant on experience

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

Contract: Full-time, permanent contract

About the Role

As a Design Manager, you will work within the 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 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 utilises 3D Printing, Vac Forming, Laser Cutting and CNC Routing – both on flatbeds and on our 7-axis Kuka robot arm. 

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,  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.
• Monitor and resource planning to maintain support for the design team. 
• Assign and prioritise tasks within your design team to meet project deadlines.
• 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 the Design team.
• 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.
• Proficiency in project scheduling software, such as GanttPro, to manage and track design timelines
• 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:

• A day off on 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).
• Above statutory 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.
• Continuing education and training opportunities to stay up to date with the latest industry trends and advancements.

How to Apply:

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 5pm Sunday 9th August 2026

Wild Creations is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and we believe creativity thrives through different perspectives and lived experiences.