Design Manager – Cladding

Location: Dartford/Leeds
Salary: £65,000 – £75,000
Contract Type: Permanent / Full-time
Maintenance Contractor

Overview

Our client, a leading contractor within the social housing and property services sector, is seeking an experienced Design Manager with a strong background in cladding, façades, and external refurbishment. The successful candidate will manage the design process from tender through to completion, ensuring compliance with current building safety and fire regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate the design process for cladding and façade refurbishment projects across social housing schemes.
Manage design deliverables from consultants, suppliers, and subcontractors, ensuring information is accurate, complete, and issued in line with programme requirements.
Liaise with clients, local authorities, architects, and technical teams to ensure compliance with Building Regulations, Fire Safety Act, and the Building Safety Act 2022.
Review and approve design drawings, specifications, and technical submissions.
Ensure all design documentation aligns with project budgets, specifications, and quality standards.
Chair design meetings and maintain design trackers.
Coordinate with internal project management and commercial teams to mitigate risks and manage design changes effectively.
Oversee the cladding replacement and remediation process to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
Support pre-construction teams in preparing tenders and design proposals.

Experience & Requirements

Proven experience as a Design Manager or Façade/Cladding Design Coordinator within the social housing, refurbishment, or construction sector.
Strong understanding of cladding systems, fire safety regulations, and EWS1 requirements.
Knowledge of Building Safety Act, PAS 9980, Approved Document B, and related façade standards.
Excellent coordination and communication skills across multi-disciplinary teams.
Competent in using AutoCAD, BIM, or other design management software.
Relevant construction/design qualification (HNC/HND/Degree in Construction Management, Architecture, or Engineering).
Membership of CIOB, RIBA, or ICE is desirable but not essential