Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Egis Group

Location: Dublin, Ireland

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Management & Engineering (Infrastructure)

Date Posted: 2026-08-07

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a defined geographical package for the MetroLink Dublin project, acting as the technical and managerial authority for design delivery.

• Ensure integration and coordination of all engineering disciplines (Civil, MEP, Systems, Architecture, Specialists) within the assigned package, adhering to Discipline Lead prescriptions.

• Drive the timely and cost-effective delivery of design inputs, managing scope, program, commercial aspects, and technical risks for the package.

• Embed sustainability, decarbonisation, digital engineering, and innovation into the tender solution, promoting whole-life performance and operational efficiency.

• Implement and enforce Egis' quality management and assurance processes, ensuring all design outputs meet high standards of clarity, robustness, and compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a major infrastructure project (MetroLink Dublin), requiring a Design Manager with a strong background in rail/metro and complex buried infrastructure. The emphasis on "Discipline Lead prescriptions" indicates a structured, hierarchical technical review process that candidates must be prepared to navigate. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for strong remote collaboration and on-site presence for critical meetings and reviews.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Act as the Package Manager for the assigned geographical package, overseeing planning, coordination, governance, and timely delivery of all design inputs.

• Establish and manage the package delivery plan, including scope definition, discipline responsibilities, approval processes, program milestones, and interface management.

• Ensure strict compliance with client requirements, Invitation to Tender (ITT) documentation, Discipline Lead prescriptions, and relevant Irish statutory and regulatory obligations.

• Monitor and control package scope rigorously to prevent creep, manage changes formally, and maintain cost and schedule discipline.

• Champion the integration of sustainability, decarbonisation, digital engineering, and innovation into the tender solution, focusing on whole-life performance, resilience, and operational efficiency.

• Implement and enforce Egis' quality management and assurance processes, maintaining design quality registers and capturing lessons learned for the package.

• Prepare for and actively participate in package-level design reviews conducted by the Project Director and/or Discipline Leads.

• Lead the package delivery program, ensuring all milestones and deliverables are met on time and to the required quality standard.

• Oversee resource planning, fee management, and cost control for the package, reporting actuals versus forecast monthly to the Project Director.

• Lead the identification, assessment, and mitigation of technical, program, and delivery risks specific to the package, managing dependency risks and inter-package coordination issues.

• Provide senior technical leadership for all design outputs within the package, acting as the final technical authority for submissions.

• Integrate and coordinate all engineering disciplines within the package scope, establishing and chairing regular design coordination meetings.

• Create and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for all discipline interfaces within the package (e.g., Systems-Civil, MEP-Architecture).

• Resolve technical conflicts between disciplines within the package, escalating unresolvable issues to the Project Director with context and recommendations.

• Ensure all design outputs reflect coordinated, multi-disciplinary solutions that are technically sound and compliant with Discipline Lead prescriptions.

• Receive, internalise, and ensure compliance with all prescriptions, standards, and specifications established by Discipline Leads.

• Adapt Discipline Lead requirements intelligently to the package context, seeking explicit Project Director approval for any deviations.

• Escalate unclear or unmeetable Discipline Lead requirements to the Project Director for clarification or exception approval.

• Maintain traceability documentation, linking design decisions in the package back to Discipline Lead prescriptions or justified exceptions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on structured project management, technical governance, and cross-functional team leadership within a large-scale infrastructure project. The role requires a proactive approach to risk management, compliance, and stakeholder engagement, with a clear escalation path for complex issues.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related technical discipline is mandatory.

• Postgraduate qualification in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a similar field is desirable.

• Chartered Engineer or equivalent professional status is preferred.

• Project management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) is advantageous. Experience:

• Proven experience as a Package Manager, Design Manager, or Senior Design Engineer on major rail or metro infrastructure projects is essential.

• Demonstrated strong background in coordinating and integrating multiple engineering disciplines within a defined scope.

• Solid experience in leading design delivery for large Design & Build or Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.

• Experience with complex buried metro infrastructure, including stations, tunnels, and underground facilities.

• A thorough understanding of MEP systems, civil engineering, and specialist systems integration is required.

• Experience working within matrix organisations is necessary.

• Familiarity with Irish or UK rail/building standards is highly desirable. Required Skills:

• Strong technical leadership and authority in a multi-disciplinary environment.

• Excellent coordination, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Commercial awareness: ability to balance quality, cost, and programme within your package scope.

• Delivery-focused with the ability to drive excellence and accountability across teams.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities in complex technical environments.

• Ability to work collaboratively within a matrix structure, respecting Discipline Lead expertise while maintaining package ownership.

• Proven ability to manage scope, program, budget, and risks for a defined project package.

• Expertise in quality assurance and compliance management for engineering design. Preferred Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of digital engineering tools and methodologies.

• Experience with sustainability and decarbonisation strategies in infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with interface management processes and tools (e.g., ICDs).

• Experience in tender evaluation and design support during construction phases.

• Fluency in written and spoken English, with strong report-writing capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical engineering expertise, project management acumen, and leadership capabilities. The preference for chartered status and specific certifications like PMP/PRINCE2 indicates a highly professionalized environment. Experience with complex infrastructure, particularly underground metro systems, is a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of two major rail or metro infrastructure projects where you held a Design Management or Package Management role.

• For each project, clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, the scale of the package, and the key engineering disciplines you integrated.

• Provide evidence of your ability to manage design delivery within defined cost and schedule parameters, including examples of scope control and change management.

• Demonstrate your approach to quality assurance and compliance, with examples of how you ensured adherence to standards and technical specifications.

• Highlight instances where you successfully integrated sustainability, digital engineering, or innovative solutions into the design process. Process Documentation:

• Include examples of design delivery plans, program milestones, and interface control documents (ICDs) that you have developed or managed.

• Present documentation illustrating your approach to risk management and mitigation strategies for design packages.

• Provide samples or descriptions of your process for conducting and participating in design reviews.

• Showcase your methodology for ensuring compliance with technical standards and client requirements, including traceability of design decisions.

• Demonstrate your experience in embedding quality management systems and capturing lessons learned within a project context.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating hands-on experience in managing complex design packages for rail infrastructure is crucial. The emphasis should be on tangible evidence of process management, technical integration, and successful delivery outcomes, aligned with the core responsibilities of the role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in major infrastructure projects in Dublin, Ireland, the estimated salary range is €85,000 - €115,000 per annum. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the complexity of the MetroLink project, and the cost of living in Dublin. Benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

• Support for ongoing professional development and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

• A wide portfolio of complex and interesting infrastructure projects to work on.

• Opportunities for progression into senior management roles within Egis.

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

• Collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking working environment.

• Access to internal technical experts across all disciplines. Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in balancing on-site and remote work, with specific on-site days likely required for key meetings, design reviews, and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from research of similar Design Manager roles in the Irish infrastructure sector, factoring in the specific project scale and required experience. The benefits package emphasizes professional growth and work-life balance, aligning with modern employee expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Egis operates in the global architectural, consulting, construction engineering, operations, and maintenance services sector, with a strong focus on intelligent infrastructure and buildings that address climate change and promote sustainable development.

Company Size: Egis is a large global firm with 23,500 employees worldwide, and a significant presence in Ireland with over 600 staff across 16 offices. This indicates a well-established, resource-rich organization with a structured approach to project delivery.

Founded: Egis has operated in Ireland since 1994, demonstrating a long-standing commitment and deep understanding of the local market. The acquisition of JB Barry & Partners in 2023 further strengthens their engineering division in Ireland.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of a large, multi-disciplinary team focused on major infrastructure projects like MetroLink Dublin.

• The role operates within a matrix structure, requiring collaboration with various Discipline Leads and reporting to a Project Director.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving civil, MEP, systems, architecture, and specialist engineering disciplines, as well as project management and commercial teams. Methodology:

• Egis emphasizes a holistic approach to infrastructure development, covering the full project lifecycle from feasibility to operations and maintenance.

• Data analysis and insights are crucial for driving informed decisions, particularly in areas like sustainability, resilience, and whole-life performance.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are central to delivering complex projects on time and within budget.

• Automation and efficiency practices are integrated, especially through digital engineering initiatives.

Company Website: https://www.egis-group.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Egis's culture appears to be a blend of global expertise and local market integration, with a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation. The matrix structure implies a need for strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence without direct authority.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position, typically falling into the "Principal" or "Senior Management" band within engineering and project delivery functions. It requires extensive experience and the ability to manage complex technical packages and teams.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to a Project Director and works collaboratively with various Discipline Leads. They are responsible for managing the design teams and specialists within their assigned geographical package.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role is critical to the success of the MetroLink Dublin project. Their ability to ensure technically sound, compliant, and integrated designs directly impacts project timelines, costs, safety, and long-term operational efficiency, contributing significantly to Egis's reputation and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to advance into a Project Director role or a broader Programme Management position for future large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Learning & Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like digital engineering, sustainable design, or complex systems integration through project experience and company-supported training.

• Leadership Potential: Develop leadership skills by managing multi-disciplinary teams, influencing stakeholders, and contributing to strategic project decisions. Further opportunities may arise in leading larger packages or entire project sections.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant career progression within a major global infrastructure firm, particularly for those looking to move into executive project leadership. The focus on complex projects provides ample opportunity for skill enhancement and specialization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Dublin and operates under a hybrid model. This suggests a modern office environment with collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms equipped for hybrid collaboration, and potentially hot-desking or assigned workstations.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Dublin, Ireland. Egis has multiple offices nationwide, but this specific role is based in Dublin, likely to be in close proximity to project stakeholders or a central project hub.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed for collaboration, essential for integrating diverse engineering disciplines and managing interfaces.

• Access to advanced design and project management software, as well as communication tools, will be standard.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with project directors, discipline leads, and package teams, both in person and virtually.

Work Schedule: The hybrid work schedule requires flexibility, balancing dedicated time for focused individual work (potentially remote) with essential on-site presence for collaborative sessions, design reviews, and critical meetings. The standard 40-hour week can be managed within this flexible framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid arrangement is a key feature, requiring candidates to be comfortable with a mix of remote work and in-office presence, emphasizing self-management and effective virtual communication.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter, focusing on your experience with major rail/metro infrastructure and design management roles.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve detailed discussions about your experience managing complex design packages, integrating engineering disciplines, and ensuring compliance with technical standards. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and your role within them.

• Package Management & Leadership Interview: Focuses on your ability to manage scope, cost, schedule, risk, and quality. Behavioral questions assessing your leadership, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills will be prominent.

• Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to present a portfolio piece or discuss a hypothetical scenario related to managing a design package for a complex infrastructure project.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, to assess cultural fit and overall suitability for the role and Egis's strategic objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the project name, your role, the scope of your package, and key achievements.

• Content: For each relevant project, provide specific examples of:

  • Design integration across multiple disciplines.
  • Scope management and change control processes.
  • Cost and schedule performance achieved.
  • Quality assurance measures implemented.
  • Risk identification and mitigation strategies.
  • How you managed interfaces and resolved conflicts.
  • Examples of sustainability or innovation integration.

• Metrics: Quantify your achievements wherever possible (e.g., "delivered X% under budget," "reduced design review cycle by Y days," "managed a package valued at €Z million").

• Discipline Lead Compliance: Be ready to discuss how you ensured adherence to technical standards and prescriptions from Discipline Leads, and how you managed any deviations or clarifications.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect questions on how you would approach managing a complex interface between two disciplines, or how you would handle a significant scope change request.

• Be prepared to discuss your methodology for ensuring compliance with a set of strict technical specifications from multiple sources.

• Practice articulating your problem-solving approach, focusing on logical steps, stakeholder consultation, and data-driven decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess technical competence, project management skills, leadership capabilities, and suitability for a large, complex infrastructure project. A well-prepared, project-specific portfolio is critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for program planning, tracking, and reporting.

• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modeling) software such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, and potentially CAD software. Understanding of how these tools are used for coordination and clash detection is vital.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for day-to-day communication and virtual team collaboration.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems like SharePoint, Aconex, or similar for managing project documentation, drawings, and correspondence.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and interpret reports from project management and design software.

• Data Analysis: Competency in analyzing project data related to cost, schedule, risk, and quality to inform decision-making.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data feeds into broader project management and potentially operational systems is beneficial.

• Experience with workflow automation tools or processes within design management can be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires proficiency in standard project management and design collaboration tools, with a strong emphasis on BIM and integrated digital engineering workflows. Familiarity with document management systems is also key for managing the extensive project documentation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards and professional conduct in all dealings.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality engineering and design solutions that meet or exceed client expectations.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse teams work together effectively towards common project goals.

• Innovation & Sustainability: Driving forward new ideas and solutions that promote environmental responsibility and long-term resilience.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for one's actions and delivering on commitments, particularly within the assigned package.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Egis promotes a collaborative approach that breaks down silos between disciplines and departments, encouraging open communication and shared problem-solving.

• Respectful Dialogue: Valuing input from all team members, including Discipline Leads and junior engineers, and engaging in constructive feedback loops.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the dissemination of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across project teams and the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Egis's culture appears to be centered around professional excellence, collaborative problem-solving, and a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure development, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and integrity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interfaces: Coordinating numerous engineering disciplines on a large-scale, complex metro project presents significant interface management challenges. Mitigation involves rigorous process adherence and proactive communication.

• Balancing Competing Demands: Effectively balancing technical requirements, client expectations, cost constraints, and tight schedules requires strong prioritization and negotiation skills.

• Navigating Matrix Structures: Working effectively within a matrix organization, respecting the authority of Discipline Leads while maintaining ownership of your package, can be challenging.

• Ensuring Compliance: Adhering to a comprehensive set of Discipline Lead prescriptions and Irish regulatory standards for a major infrastructure project requires meticulous attention to detail.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in advanced project management techniques, digital engineering workflows, and complex infrastructure design principles.

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience on one of Ireland's most significant infrastructure projects, providing a strong foundation for future career growth.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers, lead design teams, and contribute to strategic project planning, enhancing leadership and management capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant challenges that are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities, particularly in managing large-scale, complex projects and developing advanced leadership skills within a global engineering firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex design package for a major infrastructure project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful delivery within cost and schedule?" (Focus on scope management, risk mitigation, and cross-disciplinary coordination).

• "How would you ensure compliance with a set of stringent technical specifications provided by multiple Discipline Leads, while also managing your package's specific requirements?" (Emphasize process, documentation, and escalation strategies).

• "Walk me through your process for integrating multiple engineering disciplines (e.g., Civil, MEP, Systems) on a large project. How do you identify and resolve conflicts?" (Highlight coordination meetings, ICDs, and collaborative problem-solving). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Egis and the MetroLink Dublin project specifically?" (Research Egis's values, recent projects, and commitment to sustainability; connect it to your career aspirations).

• "How do you approach working within a matrix organization and collaborating with technical experts from different disciplines?" (Emphasize respect for expertise, clear communication, and shared goals).

• "How do you ensure sustainability and digital engineering principles are embedded in your design management process?" (Showcase your understanding of these concepts and how you've applied them). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio examples as narratives that highlight a problem, your solution, and the positive outcome, focusing on your role and impact.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to demonstrate your success in managing cost, schedule, quality, and risk.

• Visuals: If possible, use diagrams or visual aids to illustrate complex interfaces, workflows, or design integrations.

• Discipline Lead Focus: Be ready to explain how you worked with and managed requirements from various Discipline Leads, demonstrating your understanding of this critical aspect of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing a proven track record in managing complex design packages, demonstrating strong leadership, technical acumen, and an understanding of Egis's project delivery methodology and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SmartRecruiters platform.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience directly relevant to rail/metro infrastructure, design management, package leadership, and multi-disciplinary coordination. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that clearly showcases your most relevant projects, detailing your specific responsibilities, achievements, and process methodologies as outlined in the "Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements" section.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Briefly explain why you are a strong fit for this specific role at Egis, referencing your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the MetroLink Dublin project.

• Research Egis: Familiarize yourself with Egis's global presence, their work in Ireland, their commitment to sustainability, and their approach to major infrastructure projects.

⚠️ 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.