Want to help shape the future of timber in UK construction?
Timber Development UK (TDUK) is looking for an experienced technical professional to join our team as ‘Technical Manager – Timber Design, Engineering & Construction’.
This is an opportunity to take on a senior technical role at the heart of the UK’s timber sector, helping to shape how timber is understood, designed, specified and used across the construction industry.
We are looking to strengthen the technical capacity of our team, particularly around timber design, engineering and construction, to meet the increasing demand for authoritative technical knowledge from our membership and the wider AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) sector.
As ‘Technical Manager – Timber Design, Engineering & Construction’, you will be a senior technical authority within TDUK, helping shape the organisation’s technical position and influencing how timber is designed, specified and used across the UK construction sector.
You will work at the intersection of technical standards, research, engineering, regulation and practical industry application.
The role will involve overseeing technical projects, developing authoritative industry guidance, providing expert support to members and specifiers, and helping TDUK respond to evolving regulatory and technical issues.
This is not simply a project management or technical support role. It is an opportunity for an experienced technical professional to have influence beyond individual projects and contribute to the development of the wider timber sector.
What will you be doing?
The role will include:
Developing technical guidance
You will oversee and manage the development of TDUK’s technical publications and resources, including Timber Knowledge Sheets, design guidance and digital learning resources.
Working closely with our editorial and content teams, you will ensure that our technical outputs are accurate, authoritative, evidence-based and practical for their intended audiences.
Providing technical leadership
You will manage and run the affairs of the TDUK Technical Advisory Board, bringing together relevant industry expertise to help inform TDUK’s technical priorities and outputs.
You will also monitor developments in standards, regulation, research and industry practice, identifying emerging issues and opportunities where TDUK can provide leadership or guidance.
Supporting safe and compliant timber construction
You will help equip TDUK members, engineers, architects and specifiers with the technical knowledge required to design and deliver projects in accordance with current UK Building Regulations, Building Safety requirements and relevant structural and construction standards.
Advising members and responding to industry developments
You will provide timely, high-level technical guidance in response to member enquiries across the timber supply chain.
You will also assist TDUK in developing responses to government consultations, proposed regulatory changes and other technical or policy developments affecting timber.
Research and industry knowledge
You will lead and contribute to technical research and development projects, interpreting research and technical evidence and translating it into practical guidance for industry.
You will also help inform technical content for conferences, working groups, training and other educational activities, as well as representing TDUK at relevant technical meetings, industry forums and events.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for an experienced technical professional with the judgement, curiosity and communication skills to operate as a trusted technical authority within TDUK.
You will ideally have:
- Significant technical experience within timber, construction, building materials or a closely related field, with an understanding of the wider construction and design process.
- Strong knowledge of timber design, construction, relevant standards and regulatory requirements.
- The ability to interpret technical research, standards, data and engineering information and translate complex material into clear, practical and authoritative guidance.
- Experience leading technical projects, research activities, working groups or small technical teams.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to form an informed technical view when dealing with complex or evolving issues.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate confidently with engineers, architects, specifiers, manufacturers, contractors and other industry stakeholders.
- The confidence to represent TDUK externally and build productive relationships with technical experts and organisations across the sector.
- A relevant technical degree or professional qualification in engineering, architecture, materials science, construction or a related discipline is desirable.
Experience with timber engineering calculations, design software or technical design practice would be valuable. However, we are particularly interested in candidates who can combine strong technical understanding with sound professional judgement and the ability to turn technical knowledge into practical industry guidance.
An opportunity to have wider influence
For the right candidate, this role offers the opportunity to move beyond the delivery of individual projects and have an impact at industry level.
You will work alongside leading technical specialists and organisations across the timber supply chain, helping TDUK identify emerging technical issues, develop authoritative guidance and ensure that good technical knowledge is translated into better industry practice.
If you are an experienced technical professional who wants to use your expertise to help shape the future of timber in construction, we would like to hear from you.
The role
Position: Technical Manager – Timber Design, Engineering & Construction
Location: Hybrid working, combining office-based and home working
Working pattern: Full-time or part-time will be considered, depending on the experience and availability of the successful candidate.
How to apply
You can apply directly through LinkedIn.
Alternatively, if you would like an informal conversation about the role before applying, please contact applications@timberdevelopment.uk to arrange a call.
We welcome conversations with prospective candidates who would like to find out more about the role and TDUK before making an application.
Applications are now open. This job posting will close on Friday 4 September.
