Design Manager
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£47,600
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2451 (81% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £47,600, and Criterion Capital is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 2455 (Construction project managers and related professionals). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2451 Architects Most likely code | £33,400 | £38,100 | £42,800 | £47,600 |
2455 Construction project managers and related professionals Also possible | £33,400 | £35,400 | £39,900 | £44,300 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Criterion Capital is seeking a Design Manager to lead the design phase of office-to-hotel conversion projects. The Design Manager will be responsible for managing the entire design process, ensuring that design solutions meet client expectations, project goals, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have a passion for design, a strong eye for detail, and the ability to lead design teams to deliver innovative and functional solutions within the defined scope, budget, and timeline.
Job Overview
- Lead the design process for office-to-hotel conversion projects, ensuring all designs meet the project’s functional, aesthetic, and technical requirements.
- Collaborate closely with the project management team to ensure designs are aligned with project scope, budget, and schedule.
- Challenge conventional design approaches to deliver creative and practical solutions that enhance the guest experience and meet the specific requirements of hotel conversions.
- Manage and oversee the work of external consultants, and contractors to ensure alignment with project goals
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all design-related matters related to the project(s), communicating effectively with clients, project managers, and construction teams.
- Facilitate design review meetings with stakeholders to present concepts, obtain feedback, and refine designs to achieve final approvals.
- Oversee the preparation of design documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Review and challenge design proposals, ensuring that they are both innovative and practical, with a focus on cost-efficiency, buildability, and operational feasibility.
- Ensure that all design elements are delivered to the highest standards of quality, meeting both functional and aesthetic goals.
- Ensure all designs comply with local building codes, fire safety regulations, and hospitality-specific requirements.
About You:
- A minimum of 5 years’ industry experience in consultancy, architecture and/or design manager roles within main contract or developer business’
- Experience as a Design Manager or Senior Architect working on RIBA stage 5 packages, preferably in hospitality, commercial-to-residential conversions, or related fields.
- Bachelor’s degree in architecture, or a related field.
- Ability to manage design teams and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
- Knowledge of design processes, through detailed design and documentation.
- Experience in managing design projects within budget and to the highest quality standards.
- Understanding of construction methods and how design choices impact project feasibility and costs.
- Ability to challenge traditional approaches and offer creative, innovative design solutions tailored to the hospitality industry.
- Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp) and familiarity with project management tools.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Criterion Capital, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Architects (SOC 2451) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~33k in sample- Middle half £37,388–57,252
- Median £46,644
- Going rate £47,600
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £33,400–42,800
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at Criterion CapitalAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Criterion Capital holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2451 going rate of £47,600. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.