Overview
We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead our in-house design and engineering team within a specialist metalwork fabrication company. The successful candidate will oversee the design, coordination, and technical delivery of architectural and structural metalwork projects from concept through manufacture and installation.
The role requires extensive experience in architectural metalwork, including balustrades, façades, aluminium cladding systems, structural steelwork, staircases, and bespoke fabricated components. The Design Manager will ensure all designs are compliant, buildable, commercially viable, and delivered in accordance with project programmes and client expectations.
Design Management
- Lead and manage the design department, allocating resources across multiple live projects.
- Oversee the production of high-quality fabrication drawings, GA drawings, detailed manufacturing drawings, and installation information.
- Review and approve design documentation prior to client submission and manufacture.
- Ensure designs comply with project specifications, building regulations, Eurocodes, British Standards, and relevant industry guidance.
- Manage the design programme to meet contractual milestones.
Technical Leadership
- Provide technical guidance to designers and project engineers.
- Develop practical, cost-effective engineering solutions for complex fabrication challenges.
- Review structural calculations and coordinate with external structural engineers where required.
- Ensure designs are suitable for fabrication, transportation, and installation.
- Drive continuous improvement in design standards, processes, and quality.
Project Coordination
- Attend design team meetings with architects, structural engineers, façade consultants, and main contractors.
- Coordinate design information with other trades using BIM and clash detection processes.
- Manage Requests for Information (RFIs), Technical Queries (TQs), and design change control.
- Support project managers during pre-construction and construction phases.
Manufacturing Support
- Liaise closely with production and workshop teams to ensure design intent is maintained during fabrication.
- Resolve manufacturing and site-related technical issues.
- Review fabrication methods and identify opportunities for efficiency and value engineering.
Client Management
- Act as the principal technical contact for clients during the design phase.
- Present design proposals and engineering solutions to clients and consultants.
- Build strong working relationships with customers and supply chain partners.
Team Management
- Manage and mentor design engineers, detailers, and CAD technicians.
- Conduct performance reviews and identify training requirements.
- Promote a collaborative and proactive working environment.
Products and Systems
The Design Manager should have experience designing and managing projects involving:
- Architectural balustrade systems
- Aluminium façade systems
- Aluminium rainscreen cladding
- Curtain wall support steelwork
- Structural steelwork
- Feature staircases
- Secondary steelwork
- Architectural metalwork
- Privacy screens
- Canopies
- Brise soleil systems
- Bespoke fabricated aluminium and steel components
Essential Skills & Experience
- Minimum 8–10 years' experience within architectural metalwork or specialist subcontracting.
- Proven experience managing design teams.
- Extensive knowledge of:
- Aluminium fabrication
- Structural steel fabrication
- Balustrade systems
- Façade engineering
- Aluminium cladding systems
- Architectural metalwork
- Strong understanding of fabrication and installation processes.
- Experience working with Tier 1 contractors and major developers.
- Excellent knowledge of:
- Eurocodes
- British Standards
- Building Regulations
- CDM Regulations
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
Software Experience
Experience using:
- AutoCAD
- Tekla Structures (desirable)
- Advance Steel
- SolidWorks (desirable)
- BIM 360 / Autodesk Construction Cloud
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Office Suite
Pay: £60,496.33-£80,849.39 per year
Work Location: In person
