Design Manager

Location: Antrim

Design Manager Roofing & Cladding Thornton Roofing Toomebridge, Co. Antrim Permanent | Full-time Salary:
Competitive (DOE) About Thornton Thornton is a specialist contractor and fabricator delivering roofing, cladding, glazing, and metalwork systems across the UK and Ireland. We work across high-rise, commercial, industrial, and public sector projects, providing full design, fabrication, and installation services.

The Role We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead our design function across multiple live projects. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will manage a multi-disciplinary design team, oversee design programmes, and ensure all technical deliverables are coordinated, compliant, and aligned with project timelines. You will work closely with preconstruction, commercial, manufacturing, and site teams to ensure smooth project delivery from concept through to installation.

Key Responsibilities Lead and manage a team of designers, technicians, and external consultants Own and manage design programmes across multiple projects Ensure all design deliverables are issued on time and to a high standard Coordinate design across internal teams and external stakeholders Manage RFIs, technical submissions, and design-related communication Identify and mitigate design risks, delays, and coordination issues Ensure design output is compliant, coordinated, and fabrication-ready Maintain control of scope and manage change in line with contract requirements Implement structured workflows using BIM and Common Data Environments (e.g. Procore) Requirements Proven experience managing design teams within the construction industry Background in roofing, cladding, faade, or building envelope systems (preferred) Strong understanding of design coordination, compliance, and project delivery Experience working with Tier 1 contractors and specialist suppliers Familiarity with BIM processes and ISO 19650 environments Knowledge of JCT / NEC contracts and design responsibilities Commercial awareness with the ability to manage scope and risk Desirable Degree in Construction Management, Architectural Technology, Engineering, or similar Chartered or working towards (CIAT, CIOB, RICS, etc.)

Experience with thermal modelling or faade performance tools Why Join Thornton? Opportunity to lead and shape a growing design function Work on complex, high-value projects across the UK & Ireland Collaborative environment across design, manufacturing, and site teams Clear scope for progression and professional development Additional Information Travel to project locations across the UK & Ireland may be required Flexibility for occasional site visits or coordination meetings

Skills:

Design management Project Management Design Project Design Construction Management Architectural managing design team