At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design coordination and manage projects from start to finish in a hands-on role.
- Company: Dynamic façade contractor based in Manchester with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Opportunity for real ownership, career progression, and involvement in diverse projects.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team that values diversity and unique perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a growing company while shaping project delivery.
- Qualifications: Experience in façades or cladding, with strong technical and commercial skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ 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.
Design Manager - Cladding and Facades in London employer: Winsearch
Join a leading manufacturer in Wigan as a QC Lab Technician and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to ensuring the highest quality standards in polymers and synthetic resins. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits including healthcare coverage after probation, a company pension scheme, and a supportive work culture that values safety and collaboration. This role not only provides an opportunity to enhance your technical skills but also allows you to contribute meaningfully to our quality control processes in a thriving industrial environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager - Cladding and Facades in London
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Winsearch who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager - Cladding and Facades in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Winsearch!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Winsearch. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Winsearch
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Winsearch.
