Careers at Thornton
Work With Us
We are incredibly proud of our team. However, we’re continually interested in hearing from the best the industry has to offer, who share our values, to support us in achieving our goals.
Life at Thornton
Thornton is a family business, and that shapes how we work.
Day-to-day life here is practical and team-focused. We know construction isn’t easy. Deadlines move. Challenges arise. When things get tough, you’re not left to deal with it alone. Managers are accessible, colleagues step in, and problems are worked through as a team.
Many of our people have built long careers here. That continuity creates a culture that is steady and supportive.
Learning with
Thornton
We are committed to developing the next generation.
Thornton offers trainee and apprenticeship opportunities across a range of roles. Learning here is practical and hands-on, supported by experienced colleagues who take the time to guide and develop you.
Open Roles
Estimator – Aluminum Glazing Systems
Full-Time, Permanent
Toomebridge, Northern Ireland
The role will focus on curtain walling, windows, doors, screens, louvres and associated façade systems. The successful candidate will review tender drawings and specifications, complete take-offs, obtain supplier and subcontractor prices, prepare quotations, and support the handover of secured projects to the operations team.
This is a key role within our preconstruction function and would suit someone with estimating, commercial, construction, QS or technical experience who is accurate, organised and keen to develop their knowledge of aluminium glazing systems.
Experience in curtain walling, windows, doors, façade packages, Logikal & ConQuest would be beneficial, although support will be provided for more complex tenders, technical reviews and final commercial decisions.
The role requires good numerical ability, attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to work to tender deadlines across multiple enquiries. The Estimator will work closely with suppliers, subcontractors, clients, and Thornton’s design, commercial, fabrication and contracts teams.
This position offers the opportunity to play an important part in strengthening Thornton’s glazing preconstruction capability and supporting the continued growth of the division.
Design Manager
Full-Time, Permanent
Toomebridge, Northern Ireland
This is a senior role within the business, responsible for managing the production, coordination and delivery of design information. The Design Manager will lead a multi-level design team, manage design resources across live projects, and ensure design outputs are delivered in line with programme, commercial scope, technical requirements and company procedures.
The role requires strong technical knowledge, commercial awareness and the ability to manage design risk in a controlled and structured way. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining programmes, coordinating information through CDEs, managing RFIs and technical submissions, and ensuring all issued information is coordinated, compliant and ready for procurement, fabrication or site installation.
This role would suit a design leader from a construction, architectural technology, or specialist subcontracting background who is organised, technically strong, commercially aware and comfortable leading a team under programme pressure.
Experience with Tier 1 main contractors, JCT / NEC contracts, ISO-aligned quality systems, BIM principles, ISO 19650, Procore or similar common data environments would be beneficial. Professional accreditation such as ARB, CIAT, CIOB, RICS or equivalent would also be advantageous.
Apprentice / Training Roles
Flat Roofer
Full-Time, Permanent
Toomebridge, Northern Ireland
Sheeter / Cladder
Full-Time, Permanent
Toomebridge, Northern Ireland
What We Offer
You will work alongside people who understand envelope construction – from design through to installation.
We believe competence is developed through exposure to real responsibility, not just classroom training.
Progression is based on contribution, not time served.
Many of our senior team have developed within the business. If you take ownership and deliver consistently, opportunities will follow.
Our work is technically demanding and regulated.
That creates opportunity for those willing to develop expertise in workmanship, safety, compliance, quality control and coordination.
What We Look For
Precision matters in design, setting out and installation. Small errors become bigger problems on site, so the basics need to be right.
We expect people to take responsibility for their work, maintain standards and follow through.
Issues are identified early and dealt with, not passed on.
Construction is changing. We look for people who are prepared to improve, develop their skills and adapt to new ways of working.
Don’t see a role that fits?
Speculative CVs are welcome. Submit yours in confidence and we will contact you should a relevant opportunity become available.