The Lignum Group
Design Manager
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Design Manager
A specialist UK façade contractor and manufacturer is seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead the delivery of high-quality façade and building-envelope solutions. The organisation designs, manufactures and installs rainscreen cladding, architectural façades, solar shading and screening for commercial, residential and mixed-use developments.
As Design Manager, you will translate architectural concepts into buildable, high-performance envelope systems that meet aesthetic, technical and regulatory requirements. You will play a key role in ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.
Performance Objectives
- Lead the design team to deliver fully coordinated façade packages, including drawings, specifications and calculations, across 8–12 live projects per year, achieving first-time client approval on at least 90% of submissions.
- Reduce design-related RFIs and site queries by 25% within 12 months through earlier clash detection, improved detailing and closer coordination with manufacturers and project teams.
- Introduce at least two new material or system innovations per year that improve thermal, acoustic or aesthetic performance and are subsequently adopted on projects.
- Mentor and develop three designers, enabling them to independently manage mid-sized design packages within 18 months, measured through reduced review cycles and improved utilisation.
- Maintain 100% compliance with applicable UK Building Regulations, CWCT guidance, NHBC requirements and fire-safety standards across issued design information.
- Work closely with estimating, production and installation teams to strengthen the design-to-manufacture process and reduce design-related rework by 15% year-on-year.
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Environment & Resources
- You will report to the Technical Director and lead a small, experienced design team based in the Greater Manchester area.
- The role provides access to industry-standard design and engineering software, BIM coordination support and a comprehensive materials library covering systems such as aluminium, terracotta, timber and composite façades.
- An annual budget is available for software, professional development, training and occasional site visits.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Proven experience delivering rainscreen, brise-soleil, unitised or comparable façade packages from concept through to IFC, ideally across commercial or mixed-use developments.
- Strong hands-on proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD, together with the ability to interrogate and understand thermal, structural and fire calculations.
- Demonstrable experience coordinating with architects, structural engineers, fire consultants, specialist subcontractors and other project stakeholders.
- Ability to produce clear technical specifications and review shop drawings against design intent and performance criteria.
- Good understanding of UK construction practices and site environments.
- Valid CSCS card, or willingness to obtain one.
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Role Selling Points
- Work across a varied portfolio of architectural façades, specialist solar-shading systems, climate-responsive façades and interior screening, with technically challenging and varied design requirements.
- Have a direct influence on both design quality and manufacturing practicality within a specialist façade organisation.
- Join a compact and growing design team where your decisions can have a visible impact on live projects.
- Greater Manchester base with hybrid working flexibility and regular site visits across the North and Midlands.
- Opportunity to contribute to innovation, technical standards and the continued development of the organisation's design capability.
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