Design Manager - Structural Glazing (Facades)

The Design Project; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized design consultancy seeks a Design Manager in Cambridge, England, to lead and coordinate the delivery of structural glazing and façade projects. The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree and 5-10 years of experience in the building façade sector, alongside deep technical expertise in design software such as Revit and AutoCAD. Responsibilities include managing design teams, liaising with clients, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. This role offers a competitive salary within a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Professional Development Opportunities

Hybrid Working Arrangements

Supportive Environment

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5-10 years of experience in building façade or structural glazing design.
• Experience managing design teams and complex architectural projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design delivery process for structural glazing and façade projects.
• Manage and mentor a team of design professionals.
• Oversee design programme lifecycle and resource allocation.
• Liaison between design team, clients, and external consultants.
• Ensure compliance with performance standards and regulations.

Skills

Deep technical understanding of building façade systems

Proficiency in CAD and BIM software (Revit and AutoCAD)

Design Coordination & Approvals

Stakeholder Management

Leadership & Team Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Structural Engineering or related field

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

Mercury Hampton Ltd

Job Title: Design Manager - Structural Glazing (Facades)
Company: Mercury Hampton Ltd
Location: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Engineering & Design Operations
Date Posted: 2026-01-16
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: Hybrid

• This role involves leading the design delivery of complex architectural façade and structural glazing projects, requiring a strong understanding of engineering principles and project lifecycle management.
• The position demands expertise in managing design teams, ensuring the technical accuracy and quality of engineered building envelopes from concept to completion.
• Key focus on integrating BIM workflows and utilizing CAD software for design coordination, approvals, and resource allocation across multiple simultaneous projects.
• Requires robust stakeholder management and communication skills to liaise effectively with clients, consultants, and the supply chain, ensuring design compliance and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a Design Manager, indicating a leadership capacity with direct accountability for design delivery, team management, and project success within the specialized field of architectural façades. The emphasis on "bespoke engineered building envelopes" and "design-led projects that challenge standard approaches" suggests a need for innovative problem-solving and a high degree of technical acumen.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the comprehensive design delivery process for multiple structural glazing and façade projects concurrently, ensuring adherence to client briefs and project timelines.
• Manage and mentor a team of design professionals, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes technical accuracy, quality control, and adherence to company standards and best practices.
• Oversee the entire design programme lifecycle, including detailed scheduling, resource allocation, and proactive reporting on progress, risks, and mitigation strategies to senior management and stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the design team, clients, external consultants (architects, structural engineers), and the supply chain, facilitating design reviews, securing necessary approvals, and ensuring seamless integration of design intent with project execution.
• Ensure all façade and glazing designs strictly comply with relevant performance standards, building regulations, health and safety legislation, and internal company processes and quality management systems.
• Drive the adoption and effective utilization of BIM workflows and CAD software (specifically Revit and AutoCAD) to enhance design coordination, clash detection, and overall project documentation.
• Provide crucial technical input and guidance on façade materials, interface details, structural considerations, and buildability aspects to optimize design solutions and mitigate potential construction challenges.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes, methodologies, and the evaluation of new technologies and materials within the façade engineering sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a senior-level role focused on the end-to-end design management of complex façade projects. The emphasis on "coordinating design delivery across multiple projects," "managing design teams," and "overseeing design programmes" points to significant project management and leadership duties. The requirement to "liaise with clients, consultants and supply chain for design approvals" highlights a critical external-facing component of the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Structural Engineering, Facade Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field.
• Further professional qualifications or certifications in project management or façade design are advantageous.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in the building façade, structural glazing, or building envelope design sector, with a proven track record of successful project delivery.
• Demonstrated experience in managing design teams and leading design delivery for significant architectural projects.

Required Skills:

• Deep technical understanding of building façade systems, structural glazing principles, material properties, interface detailing, and construction buildability.
• Proficiency in CAD and BIM software: Advanced skills in Revit are highly preferred, alongside strong working knowledge of AutoCAD.
• Design Coordination & Approvals: Proven ability to effectively coordinate design efforts, manage design programmes, and secure necessary approvals from clients, consultants, and regulatory bodies.
• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including clients, architects, engineers, and supply chain partners.
• Leadership & Team Management: Ability to lead, motivate, and manage a design team, ensuring high performance, technical accuracy, and adherence to quality standards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Thorough knowledge of relevant building codes, performance standards, and health and safety regulations applicable to façade engineering.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with performance analysis software for façades (e.g., thermal, structural, acoustic).
• Familiarity with project management software and methodologies beyond design coordination.
• Knowledge of contract administration and procurement processes related to façade packages.
• Understanding of sustainability principles and their application in façade design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "About You" section strongly implies a need for hands-on technical expertise in façade materials and buildability, coupled with advanced software proficiency. The explicit mention of "leadership experience with design delivery accountability" solidifies the managerial aspect of the role, suggesting that candidates must not only be technically adept but also capable of guiding and managing a team towards successful project outcomes.

• Project Case Studies: Showcase a portfolio demonstrating successful leadership of façade and structural glazing design delivery for a range of commercial, mixed-use, or residential developments.
• Technical Design Examples: Include detailed examples of façade designs, interface details, material specifications, and problem-solving approaches that highlight technical acumen and innovation.
• BIM & CAD Integration: Present examples of how BIM (Revit) and CAD (AutoCAD) were utilized for design coordination, clash detection, and documentation, illustrating workflow efficiency.
• Team Coordination & Approvals: Provide evidence of managing design programmes, coordinating with multiple disciplines, and successfully obtaining design approvals from clients and consultants.
• Performance & Compliance Documentation: Include samples of documentation that demonstrate adherence to performance standards, regulations, and quality control measures.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrable experience in developing and implementing robust design processes for façade engineering projects, including workflow design and optimization.
• Evidence of establishing and maintaining quality control procedures within the design delivery lifecycle.
• Ability to document design processes, technical specifications, and project progress for internal and external review.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a "Design Manager" role with "design delivery accountability" inherently requires a portfolio that showcases leadership in project execution, team management, and technical problem-solving within the façade engineering domain. The emphasis on "innovation and technical excellence" suggests the portfolio should highlight projects that pushed conventional boundaries.

Salary Range: £60,000 - £65,000 GBP Per annum

• Competitive Salary: A well-defined annual salary package reflecting the seniority and responsibilities of the role.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and career progression within a specialized and innovative field.
• Hybrid Working: Flexible work arrangements allowing for a blend of on-site collaboration and remote work, promoting work-life balance.
• Supportive Environment: A collaborative workplace culture that values technical expertise and encourages professional growth.
• High-Profile Projects: The chance to contribute to significant and architecturally impressive façade projects.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of £60,000 - £65,000 GBP per annum for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in a specialized field like façade engineering in Cambridge, UK, is competitive. This range aligns with industry benchmarks for similar roles in the region, considering the required technical expertise, leadership responsibilities, and the hybrid working model offered. The stated benefits of "Competitive Salary," "Professional Development," and "Hybrid Working" are standard for senior-level positions.

Industry: Architectural Façades, Structural Glazing, Bespoke Engineered Building Envelopes. This industry is characterized by high technical complexity, a strong emphasis on innovation, and close collaboration between design and construction teams.Company Size: Mercury Hampton Ltd is likely a medium to large-sized specialist contractor or design consultancy, given the need for a dedicated Design Manager overseeing multiple projects and teams. This size usually implies established processes but also opportunities for significant impact.Founded: Information not provided, but the company's reputation for "innovation and technical excellence" suggests a history of delivering high-quality, complex projects.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely comprises architectural technologists, façade engineers, BIM technicians, and CAD operators.
• The Design Manager will report to a senior director or head of design, and will have direct reports within the design team.
• The role necessitates close collaboration with project managers, commercial teams, procurement, and site delivery teams to ensure integrated project execution.

Methodology:

• Design Excellence: A strong focus on producing innovative, high-quality, and technically sound engineered solutions.
• Collaborative Approach: Working closely with architects, consultants, and clients to achieve design intent and project goals.
• Technical Rigor: Emphasis on detailed technical understanding, performance analysis, and compliance with regulations.
• Project Management: Structured approach to managing design programmes, resources, and stakeholder expectations.

Company Website: mercuryhampton.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the job description, Mercury Hampton Ltd operates in a highly specialized niche within the construction and engineering sector. The emphasis on "innovation and technical excellence" and "design-led projects that challenge standard approaches" suggests a company culture that values creativity, problem-solving, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in façade engineering. The "design team collaborates closely with architects, consultants and delivery teams" indicates a collaborative and integrated work environment.

Operations Career Level: This role is at a mid-to-senior management level, designated as a "Design Manager." It signifies a move beyond individual contribution to direct leadership and accountability for a critical function – the design delivery of complex façade projects. The experience level (5-10 years) supports this, indicating a need for both deep technical expertise and managerial capability.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Head of Design, Director of Technical Services, or a similar senior leadership position within Mercury Hampton Ltd. They will, in turn, manage a team of designers, technicians, and potentially junior engineers. Significant cross-functional collaboration with Project Management, Commercial, and Operations/Delivery departments is expected.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is crucial for the company's success. Effective design management ensures that projects are technically sound, meet client expectations, adhere to budgets and timelines, and are constructible. Poor design management can lead to significant cost overruns, project delays, reputational damage, and safety issues. This role directly influences the company's ability to secure and successfully deliver profitable, high-profile projects.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to roles like Head of Design, Technical Director, or Director of Engineering, overseeing larger teams and more strategic initiatives.
• Project Complexity: Gain exposure to increasingly complex and high-profile international projects.
• Professional Certifications: Pursue advanced certifications in project management or specialized façade engineering disciplines.
• Business Development Input: Contribute to bid processes by providing technical expertise and design strategy input for new project tenders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Design Manager" title and the description of the "leadership experience with design delivery accountability" clearly place this role in a senior management bracket. The emphasis on "technical growth" and "professional development" suggests a pathway for individuals to expand their expertise within the niche field of façade engineering, potentially leading to more strategic or director-level positions.

Office Type: The role is described as "Hybrid working," indicating a mix of office-based work and remote work. The office environment is likely collaborative, with dedicated spaces for design work, team meetings, and client presentations.Office Location(s): The primary office location is Cambridge, CB1 0SS, United Kingdom. This location offers access to a hub of architectural and engineering talent.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office will serve as a central point for team collaboration, design reviews, and client interactions, fostering a strong team dynamic.
• Technology-Rich Environment: Access to high-performance workstations equipped with industry-standard design software (Revit, AutoCAD, BIM tools) and potentially advanced visualization or analysis software.
• Cross-Functional Interaction: Opportunities to interact regularly with project managers, commercial teams, and other engineering disciplines, facilitating a holistic understanding of project delivery.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 per week, with the flexibility afforded by the hybrid working model. This allows for structured work time while accommodating personal needs, provided design delivery and collaboration requirements are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid Working" arrangement signifies a modern work environment that balances the need for in-person collaboration and team cohesion with the benefits of remote flexibility. This is a key attraction for many professionals, suggesting the company values work-life balance and trusts its employees to manage their time effectively to meet project demands.

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and cover letter by HR or a recruitment specialist to assess basic qualifications and experience against the role requirements.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely Head of Design or similar) to delve into technical expertise, leadership experience, and project management capabilities. Expect questions on specific façade systems, BIM workflows, and team management strategies.
• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their best work from their portfolio, illustrating their design leadership, technical problem-solving, and project delivery successes. This is a critical stage for demonstrating practical application of skills.
• Technical/Team Interview: Potentially an interview with senior technical staff or team members to assess technical depth, collaborative style, and cultural fit within the design team.
• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding interview, possibly with a senior director, to discuss final terms, expectations, and formally extend an offer.
• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your leadership in façade design delivery, technical problem-solving, and management of design teams.
• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved for each project. Use "I" statements for your direct contributions and "we" for team efforts.
• Showcase Technical Depth: Include detailed drawings, interface details, material specifications, and explanations of complex engineering solutions.
• Demonstrate BIM Proficiency: If possible, include visuals or walkthroughs showing how BIM was used for coordination, clash detection, and documentation.
• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to illustrate impact (e.g., "reduced design time by X%", "achieved Y% cost savings through optimized detailing," "successfully managed a team of Z designers").
• Address Challenges: Be prepared to discuss design challenges encountered and how you, as a manager, guided your team to overcome them.
• Be ready for scenario-based questions related to managing design conflicts, resource allocation under pressure, client negotiation on design compromises, or technical problem-solving for a novel façade detail.
• Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate and develop design teams.
• Research Mercury Hampton Ltd's recent projects and their approach to innovation and technical excellence to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "technical accuracy and quality control," "stakeholder coordination skills," and "leadership experience with design delivery accountability" strongly suggests that the interview process and portfolio review will be rigorous. Candidates should be prepared to prove their technical expertise in façade engineering and their ability to manage complex projects and teams effectively.

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Expected to be the primary BIM authoring tool for 3D modeling, design coordination, and documentation. Advanced proficiency is highly preferred.
• AutoCAD: Essential for 2D drafting, detailing, and potentially legacy project work. Strong working knowledge is required.
• BIM Workflows: Familiarity with BIM collaboration protocols, data exchange (e.g., IFC), clash detection, and model management is crucial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Tools like MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar for programme planning, resource allocation, and progress tracking.
• Reporting Tools: Potentially internal or standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace) for creating progress reports, presentations, and performance summaries.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this design-focused role, familiarity with project management or collaboration platforms that facilitate communication and document sharing would be beneficial.
• Integration tools are less likely to be a primary focus for a Design Manager, but understanding how design data integrates into broader project management systems is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Revit (preferred), AutoCAD and BIM workflows" clearly defines the core software requirements. For a Design Manager role, proficiency extends beyond just using the software to understanding how these tools facilitate collaboration, coordination, and efficient design delivery across a project lifecycle.

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative, and technically sound façade solutions that meet or exceed client and regulatory expectations.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual support, working closely with internal teams and external partners to achieve shared project goals.
• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the exploration of new materials, technologies, and design approaches to push the boundaries of architectural façades.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of design delivery, ensuring deadlines are met, quality standards are upheld, and projects are executed successfully from a design perspective.
• Professional Development: Valuing continuous learning and providing opportunities for team members to enhance their skills and advance their careers within the specialized field of façade engineering.
• Integrated Design Approach: Fostering close working relationships between designers, engineers, architects, and contractors to ensure seamless integration of design intent with constructability and project delivery.
• Proactive Communication: Encouraging regular updates, feedback loops, and transparent information sharing to anticipate and resolve issues early.
• Constructive Feedback: Creating an environment where design critiques are constructive, aimed at improving the final outcome, and delivered respectfully.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Working effectively with commercial, project management, and site teams to ensure design solutions align with project constraints and objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated reputation for "innovation and technical excellence" and the description of the "design team collaborat[ing] closely with architects, consultants and delivery teams" strongly suggests a culture that values high performance, technical expertise, and a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach.

• Managing Design Complexity: Juggling multiple high-profile projects with intricate design requirements, tight deadlines, and evolving client needs.
• Technical Problem-Solving: Addressing novel design challenges, material limitations, or integration issues that require innovative engineering solutions.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating diverse opinions and requirements from architects, clients, engineers, and contractors to achieve consensus on design solutions.
• Resource Management: Optimizing the allocation and utilization of design team resources to meet project demands efficiently without compromising quality.
• Keeping Pace with Technology: Staying current with advancements in BIM, façade materials, and fabrication technologies to maintain a competitive edge.
• Leadership Development: Enhancing management, strategic planning, and team leadership skills through formal training and on-the-job experience.
• Industry Standards & Certifications: Pursuing professional accreditations or specialized training in areas like building performance, sustainability, or advanced BIM.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior leaders within Mercury Hampton Ltd and contribute to mentoring junior members of the design team.
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