Design Manager – Façade / Cladding
Location: Essex
Salary: Up to £75,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Contract Type: Permanent
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Design Manager with strong façade and cladding expertise, including re-cladding and remediation projects. The successful candidate will manage and coordinate the design process across complex building envelope packages, working closely with consultants, specialist façade contractors, and internal project teams.
This role is suited to a Design Manager with hands-on experience delivering façade solutions on live construction and refurbishment projects, particularly within occupied or high-risk environments.
Key Responsibilities
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Manage the design process for façade, cladding, and re-cladding packages from pre-construction to completion
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Coordinate architects, façade consultants, structural engineers, fire engineers, and specialist subcontractors
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Ensure façade designs comply with current building regulations, fire safety requirements, and relevant standards
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Manage design risk, buildability, and value engineering related to building envelope systems
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Lead façade and technical design meetings and design workshops
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Track design deliverables against programme and procurement milestones
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Manage design changes and ensure accurate design documentation and approvals
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Provide technical support to procurement, commercial, and site teams
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Liaise closely with project managers and construction teams to resolve design issues
Requirements
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Proven experience as a Design Manager or Senior Design Coordinator
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Strong background in façade, cladding, and re-cladding projects
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Solid understanding of building envelope systems and interfaces
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Knowledge of UK building regulations, fire safety, and façade compliance
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Experience working with specialist cladding and façade subcontractors
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Excellent communication and coordination skills
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Ability to manage multiple design packages simultaneously
Desirable
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Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction-related discipline
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Experience on remediation, occupied buildings, or high-risk residential/commercial projects
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Knowledge of ACM, rainscreen, curtain walling, and other façade systems
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Familiarity with BIM and design coordination software
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Chartered or working towards chartership (RIBA, CIOB, ICE, etc.)
What’s on Offer
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Salary up to £75,000 depending on experience
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Long-term permanent role with a strong project pipeline
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Opportunity to work on technically challenging façade projects
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Supportive and professional working environment