At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical projects and develop industry guidance on timber design and construction.
- Company: Join Timber Development UK, the leading body in the timber supply chain.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with top experts and make a real impact in the timber sector.
- Why this job: Shape the future of timber use in construction and influence industry standards.
- Qualifications: Experience in timber or construction, strong communication skills, and a relevant degree.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Timber Development UK (TDUK) is the largest and most comprehensive timber supply chain body in the UK. Formed through the merger of the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) and the Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA), we represent stakeholders from sawmill to specifier and every stage in between. TDUK provides guidance, standards, knowledge and support across the sector, helping to advance timber knowledge, promote responsible sourcing and support innovation in the use of timber for construction and design.
About the Role
We are looking to strengthen the technical capacity of our team, particularly around timber design, engineering and construction, to meet the increasing demand for authoritative technical knowledge from our membership and the wider AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) sector. As Technical Manager – Timber Design, Engineering & Construction, you will be a senior technical authority within TDUK, helping shape the organisation's technical position and influencing how timber is designed, specified and used across the UK construction sector. You will work at the intersection of technical standards, research, engineering, regulation and practical industry application. You will oversee technical projects, develop authoritative industry guidance, provide expert support to members and specifiers, and help TDUK respond to evolving regulatory and technical issues.
This is an opportunity for an experienced technical professional to have influence beyond individual projects – helping shape industry understanding and practice across the timber sector. The role can be considered on either a full-time or part-time basis, depending on the experience and availability of the successful candidate. TDUK operates a hybrid working arrangement, combining office-based and home working.
Core Responsibilities
- Technical Guidance & Content: Oversee and manage the development of TDUK's technical publications and resources, including Timber Knowledge Sheets, design guidance and digital learning resources, ensuring that technical outputs are accurate, authoritative, evidence-based and practical for their intended audiences.
- Technical Leadership & Advisory Board: Manage and run the affairs of the TDUK Technical Advisory Board, ensuring that the forum effectively represents the wider membership and brings together relevant industry expertise to inform TDUK's technical priorities and outputs.
- Building Safety, Standards & Regulation: Help equip TDUK members, engineers, architects and specifiers with the technical knowledge required to design and deliver projects in accordance with current UK Building Regulations, Building Safety requirements and relevant structural and construction standards. Monitor developments in standards, regulation, research and industry practice, identifying issues and opportunities where TDUK can provide leadership or guidance.
- Member Support & Technical Advice: Provide timely, high-level technical guidance in response to member enquiries across the timber supply chain. Where appropriate, draw on wider industry expertise to develop robust and practical responses to complex technical issues. Assist TDUK in developing responses to government consultations, proposed regulatory changes and other technical or policy developments affecting timber.
- Research, Projects & Industry Knowledge: Lead and contribute to technical research and development projects, interpreting research and technical evidence and translating it into practical guidance for industry. Help research, inform and structure technical content for national conferences, working groups, training and other educational activities. Represent TDUK at relevant technical meetings, industry forums, conferences and other external events, building relationships with technical experts and organisations across the sector.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for an experienced technical professional with the judgement, curiosity and communication skills to operate as a trusted technical authority within TDUK. You will ideally have:
- Significant technical experience within timber, construction, building materials or a closely related field, with an understanding of the wider construction and design process.
- Strong knowledge of timber design, construction, relevant standards and regulatory requirements. Knowledge of the Eurocode 5 framework and UK structural design standards would be particularly valuable.
- The ability to interpret technical research, standards, data and engineering information, and translate complex material into clear, practical and authoritative guidance.
- Experience leading technical projects, research activities, working groups or small technical teams.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to form an informed technical view when dealing with complex or evolving issues.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate confidently with engineers, architects, specifiers, manufacturers, contractors and other industry stakeholders.
- The confidence to represent TDUK externally and build productive relationships with technical experts and industry organisations.
- A relevant technical degree or professional qualification in engineering, architecture, materials science, construction or a related discipline is desirable.
- Experience with timber engineering calculations, design software or technical design practice would be valuable, but we are particularly interested in candidates who can combine strong technical understanding with sound professional judgement and the ability to turn technical knowledge into practical industry guidance.
Why TDUK?
This is not simply a project management or technical support role. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence how timber is understood, designed and used across the UK construction sector. You will work alongside leading technical specialists and industry organisations, helping TDUK identify emerging technical issues, develop authoritative guidance and ensure that good technical knowledge is translated into better industry practice. For the right candidate, this is an opportunity to move beyond the delivery of individual projects and contribute to the development of the wider timber sector.
Technical Manager – Timber Design, Engineering & Construction in London employer: Timber Development UK
Timber Development UK (TDUK) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to influence the timber sector while working in a collaborative and innovative environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth, TDUK provides access to leading technical specialists and resources, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development. The hybrid working arrangement allows for flexibility, making it an ideal workplace for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers in timber design and construction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Manager – Timber Design, Engineering & Construction in London
✨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 Timber Development UK, 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 Technical Manager – Timber Design, Engineering & Construction at Timber Development UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Manager – Timber Design, Engineering & Construction in London
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 Timber Development UK
✨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!
