Contract Design Manager

Wren Kitchens; Barton-upon-Humber; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free onsite parking

Staff discount on purchasing a kitchen

Free eye tests and glasses

Refer a friend scheme

Quarterly bonus scheme

Job summary

Wren Kitchens is seeking a Contract Design Manager to oversee the Contracts Planning department, mentor Team Leaders, and ensure high-quality design to site delivery. You will drive performance metrics, optimize processes, and handle high-value contracts from design through installation.

The role requires strong leadership, design proficiency, and knowledge of kitchen planning standards, with collaboration across Sales and Production. DBS checks may apply as part of the recruitment process.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Advanced ability to read and interpret complex architectural/kitchen drawings.
• Thorough knowledge of kitchen planning, plumbing/electrical installation standards, and local building regulations.
• Good working knowledge of specialized kitchen design software, CRM systems, and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Manage, mentor, and inspire Contract Planning Team Leaders; allocate workloads and drive growth.
• Define departmental success metrics and review KPI and bonus data to maximize efficiency.
• Ensure drawings and packs conform to quality guidelines, building regs, and client briefs.
• Serve as senior escalation point for high-value contracts with complex issues.
• Champion continuous department improvement via planning tools, CAD standards, and collaborative software.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Production, Project Control, and Site teams.

Skills

Leadership

Technical design

Sector knowledge

Technical systems

Commercial mindset

Operational drive

Tools

Kitchen design software

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

About The Role

As the Contract Design Manager, you will hold ultimate accountability for the operational efficiency, quality delivery, and strategic direction of the Contracts Planning department. Overseeing and mentoring the Contract Planning Team Leaders, you will ensure key performance metrics are exceeded, operational processes are continuous and optimized, and high value contracts are supported from design to site.

What Wren Offer

• Free onsite parking
• Staff discount on purchasing a kitchen after 1 year’s continuous employment
• Free annual eye tests as well as a contribution to new glasses
• Refer a friend scheme
• Quarterly bonus scheme

Main Responsibilities

• Departmental & Strategic Leadership: Manage, mentor, and inspire Contract Planning Team Leaders, supporting them in distributing workloads, conducting performance appraisals, and driving the professional growth of their respective planning teams.
• Performance Control & KPI Auditing: Define departmental success metrics and evaluate ultimate KPI outputs, reviewing the collated performance and bonus scheme data provided by team leadership to maximize efficiency.
• Quality and Standard Compliance: Ensure all kitchen estimates, drawings, and Design Approval packs generated within the department strictly conform to company quality guidelines, building regulations, and client-specific design briefs.
• High-Value Client & Escalation Support: Serve as the senior point of escalation for high value contracts, resolving complex technical, design, and commercial budget issues that go beyond the Team Leader level.
• Process Improvement & Systems Innovation: Champion continuous department improvement by designing, implementing, and adopting advanced planning packages, CAD standards, and collaborative tools to enhance accuracy and speed.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Foster close working relationships with senior management across Sales, Production, Project Control, and Site teams to ensure flawless operational synchronisation and project delivery

About You

• Proven Leadership: Strong leadership and team management experience, with the ability to manage larger department structures and guide team leaders.
• Technical Design Expertise: Prior design or estimating experience, with an advanced ability to read and interpret complex architectural and kitchen drawings.
• Sector Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of kitchen planning, plumbing/electrical installation standards, and local building regulations.
• Technical Systems: Good working knowledge of specialized kitchen design software, CRM systems, and Microsoft Office packages.
• Commercial Mindset: Detail-oriented, budget-conscious, and experienced in managing commercial adjustments under high-pressure deadlines.
• Operational Drive: Strong communication skills and a passion for supporting continuous department and system improvement.

Applications are subject to a basic DBS check, convictions considered on a individual basis.

About The Company

Wren Kitchens are not only passionate about kitchens, we are passionate about our people! We have achieved incredible milestones over the years; opening over 100 showrooms and winning multiple awards including the UK’s Number 1 place to work! This is thanks to our team, the Wren family, who have inspired us to push limits and make a difference. With our exponential growth, we are looking for incredible individuals to join us and continue our success story!