Design Manager – Timber Frame Construction
East Kent
Permanent | Full-Time
Competitive Salary Benefits
A leading timber frame manufacturer is seeking an experienced Design Manager to oversee its growing design function. With a strong order book, expanding client base, and continued investment in modern methods of construction, this is an excellent opportunity for a design professional looking to take the next step in their career.
The successful candidate will play a key role in managing the full design process, coordinating internal and external teams, and ensuring all technical information is delivered accurately, efficiently, and in line with project requirements.
The Role
The Design Manager will lead the end to end design process for timber frame projects, working closely with architects, engineers, clients, production teams, and site teams. This position requires strong technical knowledge, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple design packages simultaneously.
Key focus areas include design coordination, technical compliance, programme management, and continuous improvement across the design function.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the timber frame design process from concept through to IFC (Issued for Construction).
- Manage internal and external design teams, ensuring all outputs meet project, regulatory, and quality standards.
- Review and approve drawings and technical information for compliance with UK Building Regulations and structural requirements.
- Coordinate with architects, engineers, clients, and contractors to resolve technical queries and maintain design intent.
- Oversee design programmes, ensuring timely release of information to support manufacturing and site delivery.
- Support production teams by optimising designs for factory processes, buildability, and material efficiency.
- Provide technical leadership and mentor junior designers to support professional development.
- Identify value engineering opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce cost without compromising quality.
- Drive continuous improvement across design workflows, standards, and QA processes.
- Ensure all design work aligns with sustainability, responsible sourcing, and low carbon construction principles.
Skills & Experience Required
- Proven experience in timber frame design, ideally within residential or low rise commercial construction.
- Strong proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, or equivalent BIM/3D modelling software.
- Excellent understanding of UK Building Regulations, structural principles, and timber frame construction methods.
- Experience managing design programmes and coordinating multiple stakeholders.
- Ability to interpret architectural, structural, and M&E drawings.
- Strong communication skills with confidence liaising directly with clients and project teams.
- Leadership or mentoring experience is advantageous.
What’s on Offer
- Opportunity to join a growing, forward thinking timber frame manufacturer.
- A role with genuine influence over design standards, processes, and team development.
- Clear progression opportunities as the business continues to scale.
- A collaborative working environment with a strong focus on sustainability and modern methods of construction.
Westin Par values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010.
Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK. For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies, we are acting as an Employment Agency
