Job Description

About Carpenter Oak

Carpenter Oak creates award-winning, architecturally inspired timber structures, championing wood, craft, innovation, and sustainable design. Since 1987, we have been crafting bespoke, one-of-a-kind timber frames that stand for generations. As an employee-owned business, 51% owned by our co-owners through trust, we believe that shared ownership fosters stronger relationships, better decision-making, and a more meaningful workplace.

Our business is built on four core pillars,

our people, our product, a force for good, and success-driven outcomes

. We value transparency, wellbeing, and collaboration, and we empower our co-owners to grow, innovate, and take pride in their work. A passion for architecture, craftsmanship, and exceptional design is essential to thrive here.

Position Overview

Carpenter Oak is seeking an experienced, highly organised, and delivery-focused

Project Manager

to lead the planning, coordination, manufacture, and installation of bespoke structural timber frame projects across the UK.

This role is central to ensuring that every project, from initial handover to final completion and is executed to the highest standards of quality, safety, and client satisfaction. You will be the primary point of contact for clients, architects, engineers, and main contractors, working collaboratively with in-house design, production, and installation teams to deliver projects on time, within budget, and aligned with Carpenter Oak's reputation for excellence.

This is a dynamic, hands-on role requiring strong technical understanding, excellent communication, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Leadership & Client Management

Manage a portfolio of timber frame projects through all work stages: briefing, surveys, design development, manufacture, installation, and handover. Act as the main point of contact for clients, architects, engineers, and contractors. Lead the handover process from Sales and Estimating, ensuring full understanding of design intent, scope, and commercial considerations. Build long-term client relationships through clarity, reliability, and proactive communication. Chair project meetings (virtual and in-person) and provide detailed progress updates.

Design & Technical Coordination

Coordinate design phases, ensuring client requirements are delivered efficiently and to programme. Interpret architectural drawings, engineering details, and specifications with confidence. Work with in-house design teams to review and approve drawings, prototypes, and samples. Identify technical challenges early and collaborate to develop effective solutions. Ensure all technical information is accurate and compliant with brand, regulatory, and industry standards.

Programme Management & Delivery

Own the full project programme, ensuring key milestones in design, procurement, workshop fabrication, and installation are achieved. Produce detailed project plans, critical paths, and progress reports. Brief internal teams on programme requirements, material needs, and design intent. Attend project, client, design, and site meetings as required.

Commercial & Cost Management

Maintain a clear understanding of Carpenter Oak's contracted scope of works. Identify and communicate variations or scope changes proactively. Support the commercial success of each project through informed decision-making. Track costs and budgets, maintaining financial clarity throughout the project lifecycle. JCT contract experience preferred.

Procurement, Logistics & Installation

Coordinate procurement activities in line with programme, quality, and budget expectations. Work closely with the Project Coordinator to plan and deliver national installation programmes. Support logistics planning for site delivery, ensuring all resources and information are in place. Monitor installations remotely and through site visits, ensuring quality standards and safe working practices. Resolve site issues promptly, avoiding disruption to programme.

Risk Management & Compliance

Identify project risks related to design, manufacturing, logistics, or site constraints. Organise and coordinate site surveys, ensuring accurate information flow. Ensure all works adhere to relevant health, safety, and regulatory standards.

Documentation & Reporting

Maintain clear, accurate project files including drawings, correspondence, approvals, and variations. Produce client-ready completion reports with photographic evidence, certifications, and handover documents. Facilitate project briefings and debriefs to support continuous improvement. Use internal systems to manage workflow and maintain auditable records.

Essential Skills & Experience

Minimum

5 years' project management experience

in construction, timber, manufacturing, or engineered products. Proven experience delivering complex, multi-site or design-led construction projects. Strong technical understanding of materials, fabrication processes, and installation methodologies. Ability to interpret architectural drawings, site plans, and engineering schematics confidently. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to represent Carpenter Oak professionally. Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects. Strong commercial awareness and cost-management skills. Experience using Excel, Google Workspace, project management software, and CRMs. Familiarity with AutoCAD, SketchUp, or other 3D tools desirable. Relevant project management qualification beneficial but not essential. Full UK driving licence.

Personal Qualities

Proactive, positive, and solutions-focused. Decisive and calm under pressure. Strong problem-solving capability. Collaborative team player who builds positive working relationships. Committed to high quality, continuous improvement, and exceptional client service. Passionate about architecture, timber, and craftsmanship.

Working Environment

Based at Carpenter Oak's Head Office in Buckfastleigh, near the Abbey. Travel to client sites across the South and wider UK as required. Work closely with internal design, technical, manufacturing, glazing, and installation teams. Fast-paced environment delivering high-quality, bespoke national projects.

Package

Competitive salary (40,000-47,000, depending on experience). Salary Exchange Pension scheme. 25 days annual leave + bank holidays. Opportunities for career progression within an employee-owned business.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 40,000.00-47,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Bereavement leave Casual dress Company pension Cycle to work scheme Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free flu jabs Free parking On-site parking Profit sharing Referral programme Sabbatical
Work Location: In person