Samuel James Recruitment Ltd
Technical Lead / Design Manager Architectural Metalwork
Location: Essex
Salary: Up to £65,000 + Benefits
Contact: (url removed)

We are recruiting for a Technical Lead / Design Manager to join a forward-thinking architectural metalwork business in Essex. This is a great opportunity for an experienced Tekla design professional with excellent Tekla skills to take a key leadership role within a growing company delivering high-profile structural and architectural metalwork projects across London.

As the Design Manager, you will lead a team of draughtsmen and designers, ensuring design excellence, technical accuracy, and clear coordination with production and site teams. The successful candidate will have a solid background in architectural metalwork, strong knowledge of fabrication processes, and a passion for delivering quality-driven technical solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the internal design team, providing technical direction and quality assurance.
• Oversee detailed designs for a range of architectural and structural metalwork packages.
• Use Tekla Structures to produce 3D models, fabrication drawings, and general arrangements.
• Collaborate with project managers, estimators, and site teams to ensure buildable and efficient design solutions.
• Liaise with clients, architects, and engineers to develop, clarify, and finalise technical design details.
• Drive innovation in design systems, improving internal workflows and drawing standards.
• Mentor and support junior designers to aid their professional development.
• Ensure full compliance with client specifications, industry standards, and in-house procedures.

Candidate Requirements:

• Experience in a Design Manager, Technical Lead, or Senior Draughtsperson position within the architectural metalwork or steelwork industry.
• Strong command of Tekla Structures and other relevant design software.
• Proven ability to manage design teams and deliver technically complex projects.
• Solid understanding of fabrication, manufacturing, and metalwork detailing practices.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and client briefs.
• Strong communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills.

Why Join?

• Salary up to £65,000 (DEO) + Benefits package
• Join a friendly, collaborative team that values innovation and professional growth.
• Be part of a growing company with a strong pipeline of exciting London and UK projects.
• Clear career progression opportunities for the right candidate.

This is an ideal role for a technically strong and highly motivated design leader looking to make an impact in the architectural metalwork sector. If you have the skills, experience, and ambition to lead our design function, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now or contact (url removed) for more information.