At Sapphire Balconies, we’re a fast-paced, forward-thinking team that delivers high-quality, innovative building solutions. We believe work should be purposeful and supportive. Our team lives by these 5 values:
Deliver – We do what we say we’ll do
Initiative – We encourage everyone to use their initiative
Appreciation – We show appreciation for both performance and commitment
Learn – We stop to learn lessons and have the courage to change
Support – We support others to avoid blame
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Design & Contracts Manager to lead the technical development and successful delivery of specialist balcony projects.
This is a key position within the business, combining design leadership, project management, client liaison, and contract delivery. You will oversee projects from initial concept and design development through manufacture, installation, and final handover.
The successful candidate will have a strong technical background and be comfortable working with architects, engineers, contractors, and clients to develop practical, compliant, and commercially successful design solutions.
This role offers the chance to take ownership of projects from design through to completion, ensuring that technical excellence, customer satisfaction, and commercial objectives are achieved.
You will play a leading role in:
- Design coordination and development.
- Value engineering and technical problem solving.
- Project and contract management.
- Customer relationship management.
- Quality assurance and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership
- Manage and coordinate the design and delivery requirements of construction projects.
- Review architectural drawings, specifications, and contract documentation.
- Lead design development to ensure practical, compliant, and cost-effective solutions.
- Identify opportunities for value engineering and design optimisation.
- Coordinate with architects, structural engineers, consultants, and contractors.
- Ensure designs comply with relevant regulations, standards, and project requirements.
- Present design proposals and recommendations to clients and stakeholders.
- Drive continuous improvement in design quality and project outcomes.
Project & Contract Management
- Manage projects from award through to completion.
- Coordinate procurement, manufacturing, and installation activities.
- Monitor project programmes, budgets, and deliverables.
- Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
- Manage contract variations and commercial implications.
- Attend client meetings, design reviews, and site visits.
- Maintain strong relationships with clients and project teams.
Quality & Performance
- Ensure quality standards are maintained throughout project delivery.
- Review project performance and identify improvement opportunities.
- Support the implementation of best practices and quality initiatives.
- Contribute to continuous business improvement and operational efficiency.
What we're looking for
- Experience in a Design Manager, Technical Manager, Project Manager, or Contracts Manager role.
- Strong understanding of construction design processes.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary project teams.
- Excellent client-facing communication skills.
- Strong commercial awareness and problem-solving ability.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Experience within facades, balustrades, glazing, aluminium systems, architectural metalwork, or specialist construction.
- Knowledge of relevant construction regulations and standards.
- Experience with value engineering and design optimisation.
- Understanding of manufacturing and installation processes.
What Success Looks Like
- High-quality, compliant design solutions.
- Projects delivered on time and within budget.
- Strong client satisfaction and repeat business.
- Effective value engineering and cost control.
- Continuous improvement in design and delivery processes.
What's in it for you?
We’re building more than just projects — we’re building a culture where people feel supported, appreciated, and excited to show up every day.
- Company Vehicle Scheme (Salary Sacrifice)
- Discretionary Bonus Scheme
- Pension Contribution
- Private Health Care (Optional After Probation)
- 24 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays
- Holiday Buy & Sell (Optional)
- Hybrid Working Model
- Onsite Lunch
- Free Parking
- Training & Development Opportunities
- On Site EV Chargers
- Employee Recognition Programme
Ready to Get Started?
If this sounds like your kind of role and your kind of team, hit Apply Now with your CV and a short note telling us why you’re excited to join.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Company car
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- Private medical insurance
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Reading RG2 0LU: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- What is your current or most recent salary, and what are your salary requirements for your new position?
Experience:
- facades, balustrades, aluminium systems or metalwork: 4 years (required)
- AutoCAD: 3 years (required)
- Project management: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Right to work in the UK without sponsorship (required)
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Reading RG2 0LU
