At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of innovative facade projects with a focus on fire safety.
- Company: Join EK Facades Ltd, a leader in building envelope solutions across London and the South East.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonuses, and a supportive workplace pension scheme.
- Other info: Casual dress code and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on building safety and compliance while working on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in facade design, strong knowledge of fire regulations, and proficiency in AutoCAD.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
EK Facades Ltd operates as the facade and external envelope division of EK Group, delivering specialist cladding, facade and fire remediation packages across London and the South East. As part of EK Group's integrated structure, which includes EK Glazing and EK Roofing, EK Facades provides a single point of responsibility for complete building envelope solutions. We operate as both specialist subcontractor and Principal Contractor, particularly across fire remediation and recladding schemes where coordination, compliance and programme management are critical.
With over 70 years of combined director-level experience, our approach is commercially intelligent, programme-focused and built around risk reduction and accountability. We are seeking an experienced and technically capable Design Manager to join our growing design team. The successful candidate will play a key role in the design, coordination and delivery of facade and recladding schemes, with a strong focus on fire remediation and regulatory compliance. The role requires proven experience on reclad projects and demonstrable knowledge of Building Safety Regulator (BSR) requirements and Gateway planning submissions.
This position is critical to ensuring that our facade systems are compliant, buildable, coordinated and aligned with programme and commercial objectives.
- Reports directly to the Commercial Director
- Works alongside Project Managers
- Collaborates closely with the project Team
- Liaises with external consultants, fire engineers and Building Control bodies
- Interfaces with EK Group divisions (Glazing and Roofing) where required
Design & Technical Delivery
- Produce detailed facade design drawings, including: rainscreen cladding systems; Develop construction details in accordance with current regulations and fire compliance requirements
- Ensure facade build-ups meet performance, structural and fire safety criteria
- Coordinate design information with architects, structural engineers and fire consultants
- Prepare and manage drawing issue registers and design documentation
Recladding & Fire Remediation
- Design replacement external wall systems for recladding schemes
- Review and interpret FRAEW reports and fire strategy documentation
- Coordinate insulation, cavity barrier and fire stopping interfaces
- Liaise with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and relevant authorities
- Assist in compiling compliance documentation for higher-risk buildings
- Ensure design documentation aligns with Building Safety Act requirements
- Support responses to regulatory technical queries
Project & Programme Support
- Attend design team meetings and technical workshops
- Participate in site visits and technical inspections where required
- Provide technical support to site teams during installation
- Assist in resolving design-related site queries
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Accuracy and technical quality of design documentation
- Compliance with fire and regulatory requirements
- Meeting design programme deadlines
- Reduction in design-related site queries and rework
Monday to Friday ~ Additional hours may be required in line with business needs.
Salary: £35,000 - £45,000 (depending on experience) ~ Annual Group performance-based bonus (discretionary) ~ 21 days annual leave plus bank holidays ~ Workplace pension scheme (auto-enrolment compliant) ~ Annual salary review (discretionary)
Requirements:
- Proven experience working as a Design Manager (or in a comparable design lead role) within a facade subcontractor environment
- Experience dealing with Building Safety Regulator (BSR) requirements
- Strong understanding of fire remediation and external wall compliance
- Technical knowledge of: rainscreen cladding systems;
- Proficiency in AutoCAD (essential)
- Experience with relevant facade detailing software (preferred)
- Strong understanding of UK Building Regulations
- Degree in Architectural Technology, Civil Engineering or related
- Experience on higher-risk residential buildings (HRBs)
- Experience working on Design & Build contracts
- Familiarity with BIM workflows and coordination
Casual dress, Company pension, Free parking, On-site parking.
Facade Design Manager (Permanent) employer: EK Facades Ltd
EK Facades Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. Located in Kent, our team benefits from a supportive culture that prioritises professional growth and development, alongside competitive remuneration and comprehensive benefits. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that values accountability and excellence in delivering high-quality facade solutions across London and the South East.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Facade Design Manager (Permanent)
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like EK Facades Ltd, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Facade Design Manager (Permanent) at EK Facades Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Facade Design Manager (Permanent)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at EK Facades Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!