Design Manager

**Job Specification – Design Manager
Position: Design Manager
Department: Technical / Pre-Construction
Reports to: Operations Director / Managing Director
Location: Greater Manchester
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Role Overview
Our client is a leading specialist contractor in industrial and commercial roofing, cladding, and full building envelope solutions. The Design Manager will oversee all technical and design activities across multiple projects, ensuring accurate, compliant, and buildable design solutions from tender stage through to project completion.
The ideal candidate will bring strong sector-specific knowledge, particularly in metal roofing, wall cladding, rainscreen façades, and roof refurbishment systems. They will manage the design function, support project delivery teams, and serve as the central technical authority for construction details and system interfaces.
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Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership & Coordination
• Lead the end-to-end design process for roofing, cladding, façade, and building envelope projects.
• Manage internal designers and external specialists producing drawings and technical details.
• Coordinate designs with clients, architects, structural engineers, and main contractors.
• Conduct design reviews, resolve technical queries, and ensure information flows efficiently between all parties.
Technical Delivery
• Oversee production of detailed design drawings, construction details, fabrication drawings, and specifications.
• Review and approve technical submissions, material proposals, interface details, and construction sequencing plans.
• Provide ongoing technical support to project managers, site teams, and commercial staff.
• Advise on system selection, buildability, junction details, thermal performance, airtightness, and fire compliance.
Quality, Compliance & Risk Management
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant Building Regulations, fire requirements, manufacturer guidance, and industry standards.
• Manage design risk assessments, change control processes, and approval workflows.
• Identify value engineering opportunities while maintaining performance and durability standards.
• Ensure all design information supports all commitment to safety, quality, and reliability.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
• Act as a key technical contact for clients, design teams, and principal contractors.
• Attend project meetings to present designs, resolve queries, and coordinate technical solutions.
• Manage manufacturer technical approvals and warranty compliance requirements.
Commercial & Pre-Construction Support
• Support estimators by providing technical input during tender preparation.
• Review tender documents, drawings, and specifications to highlight risks, opportunities, and clarifications.
• Assist in producing technical proposals, method statements, and design narratives for bid submissions.
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Skills & Experience Required
Essential
• Deep understanding of roofing and cladding systems, including:
o Built-up and composite panels
o Standing seam roofing
o Rainscreen cladding
o Flat and pitched roof refurb systems
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and reading/producing detailed construction drawings.
• Understanding of UK Building Regulations, fire performance requirements, and CDM regulations.
• Strong coordination, problem-solving, and technical detailing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
Desirable
• Knowledge of NBS specifications or manufacturer system documentation.
• Experience working with main contractors in a design-and-build environment.
• Engineering, architectural, or construction-related qualification (HNC/HND/Degree).
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Personal Attributes
• Highly organised with a methodical, detail-driven approach.
• Confident communicator capable of influencing decisions at all levels.
• Solutions-focused, proactive, and commercially aware.
• Strong commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
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What is on offer
• Competitive salary.
• Opportunity to lead design across major industrial and commercial envelope projects.
• Support for professional development and technical training.
• A stable, reputable company with a strong focus on quality craftsmanship and technical excellence.
• Flexible working hours.