Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Ground Control

Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design Management / Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-13T08:05:15

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate the design function across a portfolio of landscape construction and civil engineering projects, ensuring buildable, compliant, and cost-effective solutions.

• Act as the technical authority, integrating input from internal designers, external consultants, subcontractors, and client teams to resolve design issues proactively.

• Manage design programmes, information release schedules, and technical query registers to support successful project delivery within the Landscape, Design & Energy Division.

• Drive continuous improvement in design management processes and review procedures, mentoring junior engineers and project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a key technical leadership position within Ground Control's Landscape, Design & Energy Division. The emphasis on integrating diverse stakeholders and acting as a technical authority indicates a strategic operational role focused on ensuring design integrity and project success from conception through to execution. The requirement for experience in specific engineering disciplines and regulations (CDM, BS 5975) highlights the operational rigor expected.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate design activities across multiple live projects, ensuring seamless integration of input from internal teams, external consultants, subcontractor designers, and client stakeholders.

• Manage comprehensive design programmes, meticulously tracking information release schedules and maintaining technical query registers to prevent project delays.

• Proactively resolve design issues and address information gaps before they can impact project delivery timelines or budgets.

• Ensure all project interfaces, including civils, drainage, structures, utilities, and landscape elements, are effectively managed and coordinated to prevent clashes.

• Review designs for buildability, compliance with standards, and completeness before site implementation, identifying potential clashes early.

• Provide essential technical guidance to project teams and serve as the primary escalation point for site-based design challenges.

• Hold ultimate technical authority for design decisions and necessary approvals, ensuring adherence to project specifications.

• Produce small-scale engineering designs and technical detailing where appropriate, contributing directly to project solutions.

• Develop detailed foundation and base details for various structures, including walls, fencing, play equipment, and external structures.

• Design critical infrastructure elements such as retaining features, level solutions, drainage systems, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) components, and surfacing build-ups.

• Prepare and rigorously verify supporting engineering calculations to substantiate design integrity.

• Undertake Temporary Works Design duties in strict accordance with BS 5975, ensuring site safety and efficiency.

• Design essential temporary works solutions, including excavation support, propping arrangements, edge protection, and access provisions.

• Maintain comprehensive temporary works registers and ensure all required design checks are meticulously completed and documented.

• Fulfill designer responsibilities as mandated under the CDM Regulations 2015, ensuring safety and compliance.

• Embed safety, buildability, and future maintenance considerations throughout the entire design process.

• Identify, document, and clearly communicate residual design risks to delivery teams, enabling informed decision-making.

• Manage the appointment and performance of external design consultants, ensuring quality and timely delivery.

• Prepare detailed design briefs, critically review fee proposals, and diligently monitor design deliverables against contractual obligations.

• Control design expenditure against project forecasts and budgets, ensuring financial efficiency.

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with clients, contractors, and supply chain partners.

• Support bid and estimating teams with critical technical expertise and buildability reviews during the pre-construction phase.

• Provide effective value engineering solutions and conduct thorough design risk assessments to optimize project outcomes.

• Identify opportunities to improve programme efficiency, reduce project costs, and lower embodied carbon emissions.

• Ensure unwavering compliance with relevant industry codes, standards, and best practices in all design activities.

• Develop and maintain standard details, technical specifications, and robust design templates to promote consistency and efficiency.

• Mentor and guide engineers, project managers, and site teams, fostering professional development.

• Drive continuous improvement of design management processes and review procedures across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The breadth of responsibilities highlights a senior operational role focused on the entire design lifecycle within construction and civil engineering projects. This includes strategic planning (design programmes), execution (design production, temporary works), assurance (technical review, CDM compliance), and stakeholder management (consultants, clients, internal teams). The emphasis on buildability, cost-effectiveness, safety, and carbon reduction signifies a modern approach to design operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree qualified (BEng or MEng) in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering.

• Chartered Civil Engineer (CEng MICE) or at the final stages of achieving chartership.

• Professional certificate such as CITB Temporary Works Coordinator training is desirable. Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years' design experience within civil engineering, infrastructure, or external works environments.

• Experience in landscape construction, public realm, external works, or civil engineering projects is desirable.

• Experience mentoring engineers towards professional chartership is a plus. Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of BS 5975 Temporary Works requirements.

• Sound knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and designer responsibilities.

• Ability to produce and independently check engineering calculations and technical drawings.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D for design and drafting.

• Excellent technical problem-solving and critical decision-making skills.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical matters to diverse audiences.

• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites as required. Preferred Skills:

• Experience using drainage and SuDS design software.

• Working knowledge of NEC and JCT Design & Build contracts.

• Structural design experience, including retaining walls and small structures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in civil and structural engineering, coupled with practical, hands-on design experience. The specific mention of CDM Regulations and BS 5975 indicates a need for deep operational knowledge in construction safety and temporary works. Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software is a non-negotiable technical skill for this role's operational execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a track record of successfully managing design processes for civil engineering or landscape construction projects, showcasing workflow optimization.

• Provide evidence of delivering compliant, buildable, and cost-effective designs, highlighting efficiency improvements and ROI.

• Showcase examples of technical problem-solving and decision-making, illustrating the application of engineering principles.

• Include case studies detailing the management of design programmes, information release, and technical query resolution.

• Present examples of producing engineering calculations, technical drawings, and detailed design specifications. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of design briefs, fee proposals, and consultant appointment documentation.

• Illustrate the process of identifying, documenting, and communicating design risks.

• Present documentation related to temporary works registers and design checks.

• Provide examples of developing standard details, technical specifications, and design templates to ensure consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial to demonstrate practical application of design principles and management skills. The emphasis is on showcasing the ability to manage complex processes, deliver tangible results (buildable designs, cost savings), and adhere to rigorous technical and regulatory standards. This goes beyond theoretical knowledge to practical, documented achievements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Competitive salary – aligned with your skills and experience. Based on industry benchmarks for a Chartered Civil Engineer with 5+ years of experience in a Design Manager role in Manchester, the estimated salary range is £55,000 - £75,000 per annum. Benefits:

• Performance-linked bonus: Bonus opportunities aligned to your level and contribution.

• Pension scheme – helping you plan for the future.

• Recognition schemes – celebrating and rewarding great work.

• Private GP service – fast, convenient access to medical support.

• Life insurance – providing added peace of mind.

• Subsidised gym membership – supporting your health and wellbeing.

• Holiday buy scheme – purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market data for similar roles in the Manchester region, considering the chartered engineer status and extensive experience required. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering financial security, health and wellness support, and work-life balance options, all of which are attractive to experienced professionals in technical leadership roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Landscape Construction, Civil Engineering, Environmental Services, Infrastructure Development. Ground Control operates within a dynamic sector requiring precision, technical expertise, and a strong commitment to safety and sustainability.

Company Size: Established and growing, indicating a stable yet evolving environment with opportunities for impact. This size likely means established processes but also room for innovation and influence.

Founded: (Information not provided, but the company's established presence suggests a history of successful project delivery and a developed operational framework).

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of the Landscape, Design & Energy Division, likely working within a team of designers, engineers, and project managers.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a senior director or head of the division, with the Design Manager overseeing a team of internal designers and managing external consultants.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, involving close interaction with project delivery teams, estimating, procurement, and client representatives. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging technical analysis and engineering calculations to inform design choices.

• Emphasis on process optimization to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of projects.

• Adoption of best practices in design management, safety (CDM), and temporary works (BS 5975).

• Commitment to continuous improvement, seeking ways to enhance design standards, reduce environmental impact, and foster innovation.

Company Website: https://careers.ground-control.co.uk

📝 Enhancement Note: Ground Control's focus on landscape, design, and energy suggests a forward-thinking company committed to integrated solutions. The "Design Manager" title within this context implies a role that bridges technical design with the operational realities of construction and project delivery, requiring a blend of engineering acumen and project execution oversight. The company culture likely values expertise, collaboration, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Technical Leadership role. As a Design Manager, you are responsible for the strategic oversight and execution of design processes, influencing project outcomes and upholding technical standards. This level requires significant autonomy, decision-making authority, and the ability to mentor others.

Reporting Structure: You will likely report to a Head of Design, Director of Operations, or a senior executive within the Landscape, Design & Energy Division. You will manage a team of designers and coordinate with project managers and site teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct and substantial impact on project profitability, safety, timeline adherence, and client satisfaction. Effective design management minimizes risks, reduces costs, ensures compliance, and enhances the buildability and long-term performance of projects. This role is critical in ensuring Ground Control delivers high-quality, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure and landscape solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like SuDS, temporary works, or contract management. Potential to lead larger, more complex design projects or take on broader divisional responsibilities.

• Leadership Development: Mentoring junior engineers towards professional chartership (CEng MICE), developing team leadership skills, and potentially moving into a Head of Design or similar senior management role.

• Strategic Influence: Contributing to the development and refinement of Ground Control's design management processes, standards, and technological adoption, influencing the company's operational strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant step in an engineering career, moving from individual contribution to technical leadership and process ownership. The growth path is clearly defined through increased responsibility, team management, and strategic input into the company's operational framework.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Manchester, suggesting a professional office environment within a city hub. Given the requirement to travel to project sites, it's likely a hybrid model where office days are for coordination, meetings, and focused work, complemented by site visits.

Office Location(s): Manchester, England, United Kingdom (M2 postcode). This location offers good connectivity for travel to various project sites across the region and potentially further afield.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment will likely foster collaboration, with dedicated spaces for design work, team meetings, and project discussions. Access to necessary software and technical resources is expected.

• Opportunities for interaction with project managers, estimators, and other design professionals will be frequent, supporting a dynamic and integrated workflow.

• Site visits will provide exposure to the practical application of designs, offering valuable insights for design refinement and problem-solving. Work Schedule:

• Typically a standard 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday. However, project deadlines and site requirements may necessitate some flexibility, potentially including occasional extended hours or weekend work, which is common in the construction and engineering sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, combining office-based design coordination with essential site visits, is typical for engineering management positions in the construction industry. This blend allows for both strategic planning and practical oversight, crucial for a Design Manager.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter to assess alignment with essential qualifications and experience. Emphasis will be placed on demonstrated experience in civil engineering design, CDM compliance, and temporary works.

• First Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or senior engineer from the Landscape, Design & Energy Division. This will focus on your technical expertise, problem-solving approach, and understanding of design management principles. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and challenges.

• Portfolio Review/Technical Assessment: You may be asked to present a selection of your work, detailing specific projects, your role, design challenges, solutions implemented, and outcomes. This is where you demonstrate your ability to manage design programmes, technical assurance, and stakeholder engagement.

• Second Interview/Final Stage: This may involve meeting with other senior stakeholders, discussing your fit with the company culture, leadership style, and long-term career aspirations. A case study or technical problem-solving exercise related to a typical Ground Control project might be included.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 key projects that best showcase your design management capabilities, technical depth, and impact on project success.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline: the project scope and objectives, your specific role and responsibilities, the design challenges faced, the solutions you implemented (highlighting technical decisions and process improvements), the outcomes achieved (e.g., cost savings, time efficiencies, safety improvements, compliance), and any lessons learned.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "reduced design clashes by 15%", "contributed to a 10% cost saving through value engineering").

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly demonstrate your proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, CDM regulations, BS 5975, and any other relevant software or standards.

• Showcase Collaboration: Detail how you managed internal teams, external consultants, and client stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach common design challenges, such as resolving conflicting site conditions, managing scope creep, or ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.

• Process Improvement: Think about how you would enhance existing design processes at Ground Control, drawing on your experience with efficiency, automation, or new technologies.

• CDM & Safety: Prepare to discuss your approach to designer responsibilities under CDM 2015 and how you ensure safety is integrated into design from the outset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical competence and operational management skills. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates achievements and demonstrates a systematic approach to design management is critical for success. Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience with specific regulations and software in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for 2D drafting and design creation. Proficiency expected for creating technical drawings and plans.

• Civil 3D: Crucial for 3D modeling, design, and documentation for civil engineering infrastructure projects, including terrain modeling, road design, and drainage.

• Engineering Calculation Software: Tools for performing structural analysis, load calculations, and other engineering computations (specific software not listed, but proficiency in standard engineering calculation methods is assumed).

• Project Management Software: Likely used for tracking design programmes and information release schedules (e.g., MS Project, Asana, or similar).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) for creating reports, presentations, and technical documentation.

• Data Analysis: Ability to interpret data from calculations and site feedback to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Tools that facilitate sharing and review of design documents among internal and external teams (e.g., BIM 360, Trimble Connect, or similar).

• Contract Management Systems: Familiarity with systems or processes for managing NEC and JCT contracts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D is explicitly required, forming the core technical tools for this role. The ability to utilize project management and collaboration tools is also important for effective operational coordination and communication within a project environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Compliance: A strong commitment to delivering high-quality designs that meet all regulatory requirements (CDM 2015, BS 5975, industry standards). This translates to meticulous attention to detail in all design and review processes.

• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering an environment where open communication and teamwork are paramount. This involves actively engaging with project teams, consultants, and clients to ensure shared understanding and collective problem-solving.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: A forward-thinking approach, anticipating potential issues and developing solutions before they impact project delivery. This aligns with the role's responsibility for resolving design issues and identifying risks.

• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to learning and evolving design management processes, technical standards, and personal skills to enhance efficiency and project outcomes.

• Safety & Buildability: Embedding safety and practical construction considerations into the design process from the earliest stages, ensuring designs are not only compliant but also feasible and safe to build.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with site delivery teams, estimating, and procurement to ensure designs are practical, cost-effective, and aligned with project constraints.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, external consultants, and subcontractors through clear communication, responsiveness, and a focus on shared project success.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Actively mentoring junior engineers and sharing technical expertise to build internal design capability and foster a learning culture within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ground Control's values, as inferred from the role description, emphasize technical excellence, safety, and collaborative problem-solving. The Design Manager is expected to embody these values, leading by example and driving them within their team and across project stakeholders.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Demands: Managing multiple projects simultaneously, each with unique design requirements, timelines, and stakeholder expectations. This requires strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• Resolving Complex Design Clashes: Coordinating intricate interfaces between various engineering disciplines (civils, drainage, structures, utilities) to prevent costly site issues.

• Ensuring CDM Compliance: Navigating and implementing the requirements of CDM Regulations 2015 throughout the design lifecycle, especially in a fast-paced construction environment.

• Driving Innovation in Design: Encouraging the adoption of new design techniques, materials, or sustainable practices (e.g., embodied carbon reduction, SuDS) within a traditional industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like advanced SuDS design, complex temporary works, or specific contract types (NEC/JCT).

• Leadership Training: Opportunities to develop formal leadership and team management skills, preparing for broader management roles.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to attend industry conferences, workshops, and training related to civil engineering, design management, and construction best practices.

• Chartership Support: If near chartership, continued mentorship and support towards achieving CEng MICE status.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex, real-world engineering challenges while simultaneously growing professionally. The emphasis on continuous learning and skill development is key to thriving in the dynamic construction and civil engineering sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design coordination challenge you faced on a civil engineering project and how you resolved it. What was the outcome?" (Focus on process, technical solution, and collaboration).

• "How do you ensure compliance with CDM Regulations 2015 as a designer? Can you provide an example of how you've embedded safety into a design?" (Demonstrate regulatory understanding and proactive safety integration).

• "How would you approach value engineering for a landscape construction project to reduce costs while maintaining quality and buildability?" (Highlight analytical skills and cost-optimization strategies). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Ground Control's work in the Landscape, Design & Energy Division? How do your skills align with our project portfolio?" (Showcase research and relevance).

• "How do you foster collaboration between internal design teams and external consultants?" (Explain your communication and relationship-building approach).

• "Describe a time you had to make a difficult technical decision under pressure. What was your process and the result?" (Assess decision-making under stress). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each project in your portfolio, aim for a 3-5 minute narrative that clearly outlines the problem, your solution, and the impact.

• Visual Aids: Use drawings, BIM models, or site photos to illustrate your points and make complex designs understandable.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize how you managed the design process, not just the final design itself. Highlight your use of tools, coordination methods, and risk management.

• Quantify Impact: Be ready to state metrics related to cost savings, time efficiencies, safety improvements, or carbon reduction achieved through your design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both technical depth and operational management capabilities. Candidates should be ready to articulate their problem-solving methodology, regulatory knowledge, and collaborative approach, backed by concrete examples from their portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Ground Control careers website.

• Customize Your CV: Tailor your CV to highlight experience in civil engineering design, project coordination, CDM 2015 compliance, BS 5975 temporary works, and proficiency in AutoCAD/Civil 3D. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 3-5 key projects showcasing your design management process, technical problem-solving, and delivered outcomes. Be ready to present these in detail, focusing on your role and quantifiable achievements.

• Research Ground Control: Familiarize yourself with their projects, especially within the Landscape, Design & Energy Division, and understand their commitment to quality, safety, and innovation.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for technical questions, behavioural questions, and scenario-based challenges related to design management and engineering leadership. Practice articulating your portfolio case studies clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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.