Design Manager

We design the places where people love to be together — and we can’t do it without you.

Populous is all about people — it’s in our name. Attracting and retaining talented people who are passionate about their work is what makes us thrive. As a global firm, we have established roots in cities across the world, uncovering the very best local talent. The diversity of our team is our greatest strength and one of the most powerful sources of our creativity. We believe in supporting each other, coming together as a team to make sure everyone is fulfilled professionally, creatively, and personally.

Why Work With Us

Culture

Populous is built around the core values of integrity, entrepreneurial creativity, excellence and enjoyment. There are many milestones and celebrations along the way — yours and ours — and we share in these special moments together. We also reach beyond our offices to help make our local communities stronger, from engaging with university students and taking part in urban clean‑up projects, to partnering with sports charities and promoting sustainable design.

Understanding people is what Populous is all about — and that begins with the people in our team. That’s why we have designed a comprehensive benefits program to support your employee experience at Populous and your life outside of work, including flexible work environments. From CrossFit in London, to the Noosa Triathlon in Australia to mental health check‑ins in the Americas, we have all kinds of initiatives to help you keep mind and body in top condition.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Belonging

With more than 1,600 colleagues in 33 offices spanning four continents, we value the incredible range of talents, beliefs, experiences and perspectives of every person that makes up our team. You bring your authentic self and we’ll set the stage for you to succeed.

Professional Development

Populous is a team of people that are emotionally connected to their work. We wouldn’t have it any other way. From mentor programs and cross‑disciplinary design charettes to global conferences, you will have a wealth of opportunities to innovate and learn, shaping your career to meet your personal goals.

Our commitment to innovative design has earned us the top spot in architecture on Fast Company's list of the world's 50 most innovative companies.

“We are a team of fans, dreamers, thinkers and doers. We come together to amplify the magic of fandom and break barriers for the future of sports and entertainment.”

What happens when you provoke designers to bring to life a digital footprint?

Tapping the Power of a Global Knowledge Network

For more than 40 years Populous has had a singular focus – to draw people together around the things that they love, to be the leading design firm that specialises in places, spaces and events where people gather. Our success is defined by designing projects that are seen as the benchmark. We are committed to future innovation, anticipating and shaping the future of our industries.

Our team is made up of highly talented people with a range of skills, all integral to successfully bringing to life the places and experiences we design. As our company has grown, our expertise has expanded to encompass a wide variety of disciplines – including architecture, audiovisual consultancy, brand activation, design & build, events, food & beverage strategy, interior design, landscape architecture, urban design and wayfinding.

As we continue to bring to life award‑winning venues and experiences our EMEA Practice is looking for aDesign Managerbased in our Putney studio.

About the Role

This role sits within our Design Management Group. You’ll work closely with departments from across the business from architectural teams, to support teams to facilitate collaboration, organise design tasks, monitor progress, and ensure the highest standards of design quality. The Design Manager’s focus will be facilitating effective design delivery across all design disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for the project(s). The role involves supporting the Senior Design Manager in the management and oversight of the project and design strategy, plans, procedures, and processes to deliver projects within agreed parameters aligned to the Clients expectations and needs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Support Senior Design Managers with project initiation and set‑up procedures.
• Undertake day‑to‑day design management duties under the guidance of the Senior Design Manager and Project Lead.
• Assist with project close‑out procedures including client sign‑off and payment.
• Support the implementation of the Design Management Discipline within the Populous Group under the guidance of others.
• Assist with preparation of competition / bid material.

Key requirements include:

• Bachelor Degree in Project Management, Architecture or similar.
• Experience across large scale, complex projects is advantageous.
• Proficient skills in relevant project management software packages to perform the role.
• Ability to drive a high performing design team to deliver projects aligned to project objectives.
• Strong attention to detail, time management and organizational skills.

About the Studio

Our Putney studio, which is also our EMEA Headquarters, is located on the banks of the River Thames, a short walk from Putney High Street and with excellent travel connections. Our employees enjoy a comprehensive and competitive benefits programme, as well as the opportunity to attend events at several Populous‑designed venues.

Why Join the Team?

• Work alongside passionate, creative individuals who lead their industry, transform ideas into reality and celebrate the beauty of human connection
• Enjoy various benefits, such as hybrid working and gym membership discounts
• Enjoy the opportunity to attend events at Populous‑designed venues
• Connect and learn at regular social and knowledge sharing events including an annual conference and a weekend abroad Christmas party

Populous is an equal opportunity employer.