At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design coordination and manage projects from pre-construction to delivery.
- Company: Dynamic facade 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: Ideal for practical thinkers who thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing company and shape project delivery.
- Qualifications: Experience in facades or cladding, with a background in design or project management.
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.
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 Poynton employer: Winsearch
Join a dynamic and growing façade contractor in the Manchester area, where you will take on a hands-on Design Manager role that offers real ownership and influence across projects. With a strong focus on employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and a commitment to delivering technically complex schemes, this company provides an exciting opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the cladding and facades sector. Enjoy a supportive environment that values diversity and encourages innovation, making it an excellent place for professionals eager to advance their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager - Cladding and Facades in Poynton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure you have a solid collection of your best work ready to share. Highlight projects where you’ve taken ownership and made a real impact, especially in cladding and facades.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to design coordination and project delivery. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed teams and tackled challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager - Cladding and Facades in Poynton
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 facades.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in façades and project management. We’re looking for someone who can bridge the gap between design and delivery, so emphasise any roles where you’ve done just that!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and how you fit into our team. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role!
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 knowledge of cladding, facades, and building envelope systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how your experience aligns with the role's requirements. This will show that you're not just familiar with the terminology but can also apply it practically.
✨Show Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role is more hands-on, be prepared to share examples of how you've taken ownership in past projects. Talk about times when you coordinated between design and site teams or managed external consultants. Highlighting your practical experience will demonstrate that you can thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Understand the Commercial Side
Familiarise yourself with commercial aspects like cost tracking and project budgets. Even if you haven't had extensive exposure to QS duties, showing a willingness to engage with these elements will impress interviewers. They want someone who can bridge the gap between design and commercial responsibilities.
✨Be Ready for a Chat
This isn't just about answering questions; it's a conversation. Prepare some thoughtful questions about the company's projects and culture. Showing genuine interest in their work and how you can contribute will set you apart from other candidates. Plus, it helps you gauge if this role is the right fit for you!
