At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design coordination and manage projects from pre-construction to delivery.
- Company: Dynamic façade contractor based in Manchester with a hands-on culture.
- Benefits: Real ownership of projects, long-term progression, and a strong pipeline of work.
- Other info: Join a growing team that values diversity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a central role with diverse responsibilities.
- Qualifications: Experience in façades or cladding, with strong technical and commercial awareness.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Winsearch is proud to partner with a growing façade contractor based in the Manchester area, which is looking to bring in a Design Manager to take a central role across their projects. This isn't your typical Design Manager position. It's a broader, more hands-on role where you'll be involved across design, delivery, and commercial so it's ideal for someone who wants real ownership and influence rather than sitting in a silo. My client specialises in cladding, remediation, and building envelope works, including rainscreen systems, render and EWI, and fire safety upgrades on high-rise projects. They work closely with main contractors, consultants, and regulators, delivering technically complex schemes across the UK.
The role: This is a hybrid position where you'll sit at the centre of the project lifecycle. You'll lead design coordination, but you'll also be expected to get involved in project delivery and commercial aspects - effectively acting as a key link between design, site, and commercial teams. If you've ever felt boxed in by a narrow role, this is the opposite of that.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading façade design coordination from pre-construction through to delivery
- Managing external designers, consultants, and system suppliers
- Reviewing technical drawings, specifications, and ensuring compliance
- Supporting project delivery alongside site teams and acting as a key technical contact
- Working closely with clients, contractors, and stakeholders
- Getting involved in commercial aspects — variations, cost tracking, and project budgets
- Helping to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and to a high standard
What they're looking for:
- Strong experience within façades, cladding, or the wider building envelope sector
- Background as a Design Manager, Project Manager, or Senior Designer
- Good technical knowledge of systems such as rainscreen cladding, EWI, or remediation works
- Commercial awareness and some exposure to QS duties (or willingness to get involved)
- Comfortable working across both office and site environments
- Able to operate independently in a growing, fast-moving business
The type of person who'll do well:
- Someone who enjoys variety and isn't looking for a narrow role
- A practical thinker who understands how designs translate to site
- Comfortable taking ownership and being relied upon across projects
- Someone who thrives in an SME environment rather than a heavily structured corporate
- Confident dealing with clients and managing multiple responsibilities
What's in it for you:
- A high-impact role within a growing contractor
- Real ownership across projects and the chance to shape delivery
- Strong pipeline of remediation and safety-driven work
- Long-term progression as the business continues to grow
This is a genuinely interesting role for someone who wants to do more than just "design". It's a chance to step into a central position within a business where you'll have real influence. If you're open to hearing more or want to explore if this could be a good fit, get in touch for a confidential chat.
Our clients and their customers come from diverse backgrounds and so do we. We hire our people from various walks of life, each of whom make our company stronger with their talent, uniqueness, and expertise. This is what makes our company special; if you want to help us grow and take this ethos to our clients, then we cannot wait to collaborate with you!
Design Manager - Cladding and Facades in Disley employer: Winsearch
Join a dynamic and growing façade contractor in Manchester, where you'll enjoy a high-impact role that offers real ownership and influence across projects. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, this position allows you to engage in diverse responsibilities from design to delivery, ensuring your contributions are valued. Benefit from a robust pipeline of safety-driven work and long-term progression opportunities in an environment that celebrates uniqueness and fosters innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager - Cladding and Facades in Disley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at local events. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure to have a solid collection of your past projects ready to share. This will help potential employers see your hands-on experience and design flair.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to design coordination and project delivery. We want you to feel confident discussing your experience and how it aligns with the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to reach out directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager - Cladding and Facades in Disley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Design:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for design shine through! We want to see how your experience aligns with the hands-on nature of this role, so don’t hold back on sharing your love for cladding and façades.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific position. Highlight your relevant experience in façade design and project management, and show us how you can bring real ownership to our projects.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to find and understand. This will help us see how you fit into our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Winsearch
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge of cladding and façade systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving rainscreen systems or remediation works. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Show Your Hands-On Approach
Since this role is all about being involved in design, delivery, and commercial aspects, be prepared to share examples of how you've taken ownership in past projects. Highlight situations where you’ve successfully coordinated between different teams or managed external designers and consultants.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Familiarise yourself with basic QS duties and project budgets. During the interview, discuss how you’ve tracked costs or managed variations in previous roles. This will show that you understand the financial side of projects, which is crucial for this position.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
This role requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment. Share instances where you’ve had to adapt quickly to changes on-site or in project requirements. Showing that you can handle multiple responsibilities and still deliver high-quality work will set you apart.
