Job Title: Design Manager
Employer: EK Facades Ltd
Group: EK Group
Location: Head Office – 104 Welling High Street, Kent, DA16 1AD
Reports To: Commercial Director
Employment Type: Full-Time
About EK Facades
EK Facades Ltd operates as the façade and external envelope division of EK Group, delivering specialist cladding, façade and fire remediation packages across London and the South East.
As part of EK Group's integrated structure, which includes EK Glazing and EK Roofing, EK Facades provides a single point of responsibility for complete building envelope solutions. We operate as both specialist subcontractor and Principal Contractor, particularly across fire remediation and recladding schemes where coordination, compliance and programme management are critical.
With over 70 years of combined director-level experience, our approach is commercially intelligent, programme-focused and built around risk reduction and accountability.
The successful candidate will be employed directly by EK Facades Ltd.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and technically capable Design Manager to join our growing design team.
The successful candidate will play a key role in the design, coordination and delivery of façade and recladding schemes, with a strong focus on fire remediation and regulatory compliance. The role requires proven experience on reclad projects and demonstrable knowledge of Building Safety Regulator (BSR) requirements and Gateway planning submissions.
This position is critical to ensuring that our façade systems are compliant, buildable, coordinated and aligned with programme and commercial objectives.
Reporting Structure
- Reports directly to the Commercial Director
- Works alongside Project Managers
- Collaborates closely with the project Team
- Liaises with the Procurement Team
- Liaises with external consultants, fire engineers and Building Control bodies
- Interfaces with EK Group divisions (Glazing and Roofing) where required
Key Responsibilities
Design & Technical Delivery
- Produce detailed façade design drawings, including: rainscreen cladding systems; EWI render systems; brick slip systems; Structural Framing Systems (SFS); remedial recladding details
- Develop construction details in accordance with current regulations and fire compliance requirements
- Ensure façade build-ups meet performance, structural and fire safety criteria
- Coordinate design information with architects, structural engineers and fire consultants
- Prepare and manage drawing issue registers and design documentation
Recladding & Fire Remediation
- Design replacement external wall systems for recladding schemes
- Review and interpret FRAEW reports and fire strategy documentation
- Develop compliant façade remediation details
- Coordinate insulation, cavity barrier and fire stopping interfaces
- Support intrusive investigation reviews and as-built assessments
BSR & Gateway Submissions
- Prepare and coordinate information for Gateway 2 and Gateway 3 submissions
- Liaise with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and relevant authorities
- Assist in compiling compliance documentation for higher-risk buildings
- Ensure design documentation aligns with Building Safety Act requirements
- Support responses to regulatory technical queries
Project & Programme Support
- Attend design team meetings and technical workshops
- Participate in site visits and technical inspections where required
- Provide technical support to site teams during installation
- Assist in resolving design-related site queries
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Performance will be assessed against the following:
- Accuracy and technical quality of design documentation
- Compliance with fire and regulatory requirements
- Successful coordination of Gateway submissions
- Meeting design programme deadlines
- Reduction in design-related site queries and rework
Working Hours
- Monday to Friday
- 8:30am – 5:00pm
- 1-hour unpaid lunch break
- 37.5 hours per week
Additional hours may be required in line with business needs.
Remuneration & Benefits
- Salary: £35,000 – £45,000 (depending on experience)
- Annual Group performance-based bonus (discretionary)
- 21 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Workplace pension scheme (auto-enrolment compliant)
- Annual salary review (discretionary)
Essential Requirements
- Proven experience working as a Design Manager (or in a comparable design lead role) within a façade subcontractor environment
- Demonstrable experience working on recladding schemes (essential)
- Experience dealing with Building Safety Regulator (BSR) requirements
- Experience preparing or supporting Gateway 2 and Gateway 3 submissions
- Strong understanding of fire remediation and external wall compliance
- Technical knowledge of: rainscreen cladding systems; EWI systems; brick slip systems; Structural Framing Systems
- Proficiency in AutoCAD (essential)
- Experience with relevant façade detailing software (preferred)
- Strong understanding of UK Building Regulations
- Ability to interpret and coordinate technical drawings and specifications
- Right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship
Desirable (Not Essential)
- Degree in Architectural Technology, Civil Engineering or related
- Experience on higher-risk residential buildings (HRBs)
- Knowledge of CWCT guidelines
- Experience working on Design & Build contracts
- Familiarity with BIM workflows and coordination
Equal Opportunities
EK Facades Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from suitably qualified individuals regardless of background.
Application Process
To apply for this position, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience to: [email protected]
Please include "Design Manager Application" in the subject line of your email.
Pay: £35,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
