Design Manager- 12 month FTC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Company: Kier (in collaboration with Jobs for Humanity)

Location: Exeter, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Contract

Category: Engineering & Design Management / Project Management

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the end-to-end design process for critical flood and coastal risk management projects, ensuring successful project delivery from concept through to detailed design.

• Lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary technical engineering teams, fostering an environment of innovation and cost-effectiveness in engineering solutions.

• Drive compliance with client requirements, industry standards, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) standards to maintain high-quality design outputs.

• Cultivate strong collaborative relationships with clients and stakeholders, essential for the successful execution and completion of complex infrastructure projects.

• Manage design quality assurance procedures and ensure the punctual delivery of all design information, critical for project timelines and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a 12-month fixed-term contract (FTC) focused on managing design within the Environment Agency team, specifically for flood and coastal risk management projects. The hybrid nature suggests a blend of office-based work, site visits, and remote work, requiring strong self-management and communication skills. The emphasis on main contractor perspective indicates a need for practical, delivery-focused design leadership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the entire design lifecycle for flood and coastal risk management projects, from initial conceptualization to the final detailed design phase.

• Coordinate and direct multi-disciplinary engineering teams, ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment on project objectives.

• Develop and implement innovative and cost-effective engineering solutions that meet project specifications and client expectations.

• Ensure strict adherence to client requirements, relevant industry standards, and regulatory compliance throughout the design process.

• Build and maintain robust, collaborative relationships with internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders to foster project success and client satisfaction.

• Oversee and enforce design quality assurance procedures, ensuring all design deliverables meet the highest standards.

• Drive timely delivery of all design information and documentation to support project schedules and critical milestones.

• Support and champion the adoption of digital design initiatives, including BIM, ensuring compliance and integration across projects.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies within the Environment Agency team.

• Manage and mitigate design-related risks, proactively identifying and addressing potential issues that could impact project scope, budget, or timeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong leadership in managing complex engineering projects within a regulated environment. The emphasis on "main contractor perspective" suggests experience in translating design into constructible solutions and managing design within a project delivery framework, rather than purely consultancy-based design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Proven experience in delivering high-value, complex design work from the perspective of a main contractor.

• Demonstrable experience in managing and driving a multi-discipline technical engineering team.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Comprehensive understanding of the design lifecycle and ability to manage design processes effectively.

• Engineering Discipline: Strong technical foundation in a relevant engineering field.

• Flood & Coastal Risk Management: Specific knowledge and experience in this sector.

• Multi-disciplinary Team Coordination: Ability to lead and integrate diverse engineering specialisms.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Understanding of project planning, scheduling, and execution.

• BIM Standards: Familiarity with BIM processes and compliance requirements.

• Digital Design: Experience with or understanding of digital design tools and workflows.

• Commercial Awareness: Ability to understand and manage the commercial aspects of design delivery.

• Stakeholder Management: Skill in building and maintaining relationships with clients and various stakeholders.

• Quality Management: Proficiency in implementing and overseeing design quality procedures.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).

• Knowledge of contract administration and procurement within the construction industry.

• Experience in risk management and mitigation strategies for design projects.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, particularly for technical and client-facing discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Level 6 qualification signifies a need for formal engineering education. The emphasis on "main contractor perspective" implies that candidates with experience working for construction firms or large project delivery organizations will be strongly preferred over those solely from design consultancy backgrounds.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Showcase examples of successfully managed design projects, particularly in flood and coastal risk management. Highlight your role, the project's complexity, and the scale of the design challenges overcome.

• Team Leadership Examples: Provide evidence of your experience in managing and leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams, detailing how you fostered collaboration and drove performance.

• Process Optimization Initiatives: Demonstrate instances where you identified inefficiencies in design processes and implemented improvements, leading to better outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality enhancement).

• Stakeholder Engagement Documentation: Include examples of how you have managed client relationships and engaged with various stakeholders to ensure project alignment and satisfaction.

• Quality Assurance Frameworks: Illustrate your understanding and application of quality management systems and procedures within a design context.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you map, analyze, and optimize design workflows to ensure efficiency and compliance.

• Implementation & Automation: Detail your experience with implementing design tools, technologies, and potentially automation within design processes, including BIM integration.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Show how you track design progress, measure performance against KPIs, and use data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio should not only showcase completed projects but also demonstrate the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and process improvement methodologies. Evidence of managing design within a main contractor framework, including constructability considerations and commercial awareness, will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Hours: The role offers some flexibility in working hours, allowing for better work-life integration.

• Tailored Benefits Package: A comprehensive package that can be customized to individual needs, potentially including private medical insurance, pension contributions, and life assurance.

• Professional Development Support: Opportunities for continuous learning and development within the engineering and project management fields.

• Travel Expenses: Reimbursement for travel to project sites or offices as required.

• Pension Scheme: Contributions towards a company pension plan.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are 45 hours per week, with potential for flexibility to be discussed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical UK market rates for a Design Manager with significant experience in the construction and infrastructure sector, particularly in regional locations outside major metropolitan hubs. The 45-hour work week is slightly above standard, which may be reflected in the compensation or offset by the flexibility offered.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Infrastructure, with a specific focus on Environmental Services (Flood and Coastal Risk Management). Kier is a major player in the UK construction industry, involved in various infrastructure projects.

Company Size: Kier is a large, established company, typically employing thousands of individuals across the UK. This implies a structured corporate environment with established processes and a wide network of resources.

Founded: Kier was founded in 1881, indicating a long history and deep-rooted expertise in the construction sector.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of the Environment Agency team, likely reporting to a senior project manager or head of design within Kier's environmental division.

• This team will consist of multi-disciplinary engineers and design specialists working on flood and coastal defence projects.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using data from environmental surveys, hydrological studies, and engineering analyses to inform design decisions.

• Collaborative Project Delivery: A focus on working closely with clients (Environment Agency) and stakeholders to ensure designs meet all requirements and deliver optimal outcomes.

• Continuous Improvement: An environment that encourages the adoption of new technologies (like BIM and digital design) and processes to enhance efficiency and project quality.

Company Website: https://www.kier.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: Kier's long history suggests a culture that values experience and established practices, while their current focus on digital initiatives and environmental projects indicates a forward-looking approach. The collaboration with Jobs for Humanity underscores a commitment to inclusivity and supporting diverse talent.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an experienced professional level, typically considered a mid-to-senior management position within design and project delivery. It requires a blend of technical expertise, leadership, and project oversight.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director or Senior Project Manager overseeing the Environment Agency portfolio. They will, in turn, manage a team of design engineers and technical specialists.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role is crucial to the success of flood and coastal risk management projects. Effective design management directly impacts project cost, schedule, quality, and the ultimate effectiveness of the flood defences, thereby contributing significantly to public safety and environmental protection.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in flood and coastal engineering design and management.

• Project Scale: Opportunity to manage increasingly complex and larger-value projects within the environmental sector.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into more senior project management roles or lead larger design departments.

• Permanent Role Potential: While a 12-month FTC, exceptional performance could lead to opportunities for permanent roles within Kier's extensive operations.

• Skill Enhancement: Gain valuable experience in BIM, digital design, and advanced project management techniques within a major infrastructure player.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a fixed-term contract, this role offers a focused opportunity to gain specific project experience. For individuals looking to advance in design management within the infrastructure sector, this position provides a solid stepping stone, with potential for follow-on opportunities or permanent roles if performance is strong.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as a mixture of offices, project sites, and home, indicating a hybrid work environment. This suggests that Kier provides office facilities for collaborative work and meetings, likely with access to necessary design software and resources.

Office Location(s): While the role is flexible within the Greater South-West, specific office locations may exist in areas like Exeter, serving as hubs for regional operations. Project sites will vary depending on current flood and coastal defence schemes.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect regular team meetings, design reviews, and stakeholder consultations, both in person and virtually.

• Tools & Technology: Access to engineering design software, BIM platforms, project management tools, and standard office productivity suites.

• Field Interaction: Opportunities for site visits to understand project realities, inspect progress, and liaise with construction teams.

Work Schedule: A 45-hour work week is standard, but with noted flexibility. This allows for adaptation to project demands, site visit requirements, and personal work preferences, typical for project-based roles in construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature requires candidates to be self-disciplined, organized, and proficient in remote collaboration tools. The blend of office, home, and site work is common in construction project management roles and necessitates adaptability.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application form, focusing on your relevant experience in design management and the construction/infrastructure sector.

• First Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or HR representative, focusing on your background, motivations, and fit with the role and company culture. Expect questions about your experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and dealing with clients.

• Second Interview/Assessment: This may involve a technical discussion with senior engineering or project management staff. You might be asked to present a case study from your portfolio demonstrating your design management approach, problem-solving skills, and experience with flood/coastal projects.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to confirm suitability and discuss terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Projects: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in design management, particularly those involving flood/coastal risk management or complex infrastructure.

• Highlight Your Role & Impact: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, design quality enhancements).

• Showcase Team Leadership: Include examples of how you motivated, directed, and managed multi-disciplinary teams to achieve design objectives.

• Demonstrate Process Understanding: Be ready to explain your approach to design quality, risk management, BIM integration, and stakeholder communication.

• Prepare for Technical Q&A: Anticipate questions about engineering principles, design software, and construction methodologies relevant to the role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions, such as how you would handle a design conflict between disciplines, manage a scope change request, or address a quality issue identified on-site.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, focusing on your problem-solving approach and decision-making criteria.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be thorough, given the critical nature of the projects. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates your contributions and demonstrates your understanding of the full design lifecycle from a contractor's perspective will be key to success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) is typically expected for design management roles.

• BIM Software: Experience with BIM platforms and tools (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) is crucial, given the mention of BIM standards.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with Microsoft Teams, Slack, or other digital collaboration tools for remote and hybrid work environments.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency in tools for analyzing project data, performance metrics, and design outputs.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to use or interpret data presented in dashboards for project status updates and decision-making.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a core CRM role, understanding how design interfaces with project management and potentially client relationship management systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with any internal Kier systems for project documentation, workflow management, and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on BIM standards and digital design initiatives suggests that candidates with strong technical proficiency in modern design and project management software will have a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in construction, expecting a rigorous approach to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards in all design and management activities.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together across disciplines and with clients to achieve shared project goals.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and taking responsibility for design decisions and project outcomes.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging the adoption of new technologies and better ways of working to enhance project delivery and efficiency.

• Inclusivity: Reflecting Kier's commitment, supported by Jobs for Humanity, to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued and respected.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with site teams, commercial departments, procurement, and HSE specialists to ensure designs are practical, compliant, and delivered efficiently.

• Client-Centric Approach: Maintaining open communication and a collaborative relationship with the Environment Agency to ensure their needs and expectations are met.

• Constructive Feedback: Fostering an environment where constructive feedback is exchanged among design team members and with other project stakeholders to improve design quality and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kier's values, particularly around safety, integrity, and inclusivity, are central to its operations. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their personal values and work style align with these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the requirements of the Environment Agency, internal Kier teams, and potentially other regulatory bodies.

• Driving Design Innovation within Constraints: Fostering creativity while adhering to strict budgets, timelines, and regulatory requirements.

• Coordinating Diverse Technical Teams: Ensuring effective communication and alignment among engineers with different specialisms and potentially varying levels of experience.

• Adapting to Site Realities: Translating designs effectively to the site environment and managing design changes that arise due to site conditions or unforeseen issues.

• Fixed-Term Contract Uncertainty: Navigating a 12-month contract requires a proactive approach to demonstrating value and exploring potential extensions or permanent opportunities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM & Digital Design: Deepen practical experience with cutting-edge digital tools and workflows in infrastructure design.

• Project Management Best Practices: Enhance skills in managing large-scale, complex infrastructure projects within a main contractor environment.

• Sector-Specific Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of flood and coastal risk management engineering challenges and solutions.

• Leadership & Team Management: Refine leadership capabilities by managing a technical team on high-impact projects.

• Industry Networking: Build connections within the UK's construction and environmental engineering sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are typical of large-scale infrastructure projects, requiring strong problem-solving and adaptability. The growth opportunities are significant for individuals looking to build a career in design management within the UK's vital infrastructure sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process Management: "Describe your approach to managing the design process from concept to detailed design for a project of this scale. How do you ensure quality and timely delivery?" (Prepare with examples of your process mapping, risk mitigation, and scheduling strategies).

• Team Leadership & Collaboration: "How do you lead and motivate a multi-disciplinary engineering team? Provide an example of a challenging team dynamic you managed." (Focus on communication, conflict resolution, and fostering a collaborative environment).

• Stakeholder Engagement: "How do you ensure effective communication and alignment with clients and stakeholders, particularly when dealing with complex technical information?" (Prepare examples of client presentations, negotiation, and managing expectations).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in this Design Manager role with Kier, specifically within the Environment Agency team?" (Research Kier's environmental projects and values, and Jobs for Humanity's mission).

• "How do you align with Kier's values, particularly regarding safety, integrity, and inclusivity?" (Prepare specific examples of how you embody these values in your work).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise & Impactful: Focus on the most relevant projects. For each, clearly state the project's objective, your role and responsibilities, the key challenges, your strategic approach, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes.

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, timelines, or photos if possible to illustrate your points and make your presentation more engaging.

• Process Focus: Be ready to walk through the design phases, quality checks, and team coordination strategies you employed.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your decision-making, technical choices, and how you handled any issues that arose during the project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can demonstrate strong technical leadership, excellent project management skills, a deep understanding of the design lifecycle from a contractor's perspective, and a commitment to Kier's values. Your portfolio should serve as tangible proof of these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters. Ensure your CV clearly outlines your experience in design management, engineering, and the construction sector.

• Portfolio Preparation: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your experience in managing multi-disciplinary design teams and delivering complex engineering solutions, especially within flood and coastal risk management. Be prepared to discuss your specific contributions, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Design Management," "Engineering," "Flood Risk Management," "Multi-disciplinary Team Coordination," "BIM," and "Main Contractor." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for scenario-based questions focusing on your leadership style, problem-solving abilities, and stakeholder management skills. Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and effectively.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Kier's work in environmental projects, their commitment to sustainability, and their values. Understand the role of Jobs for Humanity in their hiring process.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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