Senior Design Manager in Maidstone

Job Description

Senior Design Manager – Facades & Cladding

Location: Kent (site travel required)

We are seeking an experienced Senior Design Manager to lead the design and technical delivery of facades and cladding projects. This role involves managing internal design teams and external consultants, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality and compliance standards. The position requires strong technical expertise, leadership capability, and the ability to coordinate complex, high-risk designs in line with current regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage design teams, subcontractors, and consultants through design, procurement, and construction phases.
• Ensure all designs are fully coordinated, regulation-compliant, and aligned with company standards and best practice.
• Develop, manage, and monitor project-specific design programmes and budgets.
• Review and approve technical submissions, alternative build methods, and value engineering proposals.
• Act as the main design interface with Commercial, Operations, and Client teams.
• Oversee document control, design approvals, RFIs, and change management processes.
• Attend site visits and technical meetings to monitor construction progress and design compliance.
• Ensure timely completion of handover documentation, including O&M manuals, H&S files, and resident information packs.
• Fulfil CDM Principal Designer responsibilities and other statutory duties as required.

Essential Experience & Requirements

• Proven experience managing all aspects of design and technical processes on residential and/or high-rise projects.
• Essential background in one or more of the following:
  • BSR (Building Safety Regulator) regulated projects
  • Cladding and façade remediation or new-build façades
  • Main contracting or developer-led projects
• In-depth knowledge of facades, cladding systems, construction methodologies, and relevant legislation, including the Building Safety Act.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Competent in CAD and BIM environments (AutoCAD, Revit).
• Professional membership (e.g. CIOB, CIAT, RICS) preferred.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites across Kent and surrounding areas.

Personal Qualities

• Proactive, solutions-focused, and able to perform under pressure.
• Confident, resourceful, and collaborative in multidisciplinary environments.
• Strong analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Passionate about technical excellence, compliance, innovation, and sustainability.

What's On Offer

• Structured training and ongoing professional development.
• Opportunities to broaden expertise in commercial systems, regulatory compliance, and business operations.
• A supportive, collaborative, and professional working culture.
• Clear career progression within the organisation.

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