Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Kier (in collaboration with Jobs for Humanity)

Location: Nationwide (Remote working available with occasional office travel)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Management / Engineering Management

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years suggested)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote with occasional travel)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the design development process for multi-disciplinary engineering and construction projects, ensuring high-quality, buildable solutions.

• Oversee the production and maintenance of engineering deliverables schedules to guarantee timely delivery of design documentation.

• Facilitate effective collaboration and communication between internal and external design teams, construction teams, and stakeholders to resolve interface issues.

• Provide technical guidance and innovative, value-engineered solutions for tender processes and Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) initiatives.

• Contribute to securing maximum sustainable value through strategic value engineering and innovation initiatives in alignment with commercial objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within Kier's Assured Delivery team, indicating a focus on ensuring design quality and compliance within large-scale engineering and construction projects. The emphasis on "buildability" and "optioneering" suggests a practical, hands-on approach to design management, bridging the gap between conceptual design and physical construction. The "Nationwide" and "remote working available" aspects point to a modern, flexible work environment common in infrastructure and construction sectors.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and drive design development and optioneering processes, with a strong emphasis on buildability and seamless integration between design and construction phases.

• Develop, produce, and maintain comprehensive engineering deliverables schedules to ensure the timely and efficient production of all necessary design documentation.

• Chair and lead design review meetings, proactively identifying and resolving interface issues that arise between design and construction teams.

• Provide critical technical guidance and support during tender processes and Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phases, contributing innovative and value-engineered solutions.

• Collaborate closely with commercial teams to identify and implement value engineering and innovation opportunities, maximizing sustainable value across projects.

• Ensure adherence to established design programmes and quality standards through effective management of internal designers, external consultants, stakeholders, and client teams.

• Contribute to the Assured Delivery team's objectives by delivering high-quality design solutions across diverse project portfolios.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive and collaborative approach to design management, focusing on practical application and value creation. The mention of tender and ECI support highlights the role's involvement in the early stages of project lifecycle, requiring strategic input beyond just design execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline is required.

Experience:

• Proven experience in managing design development and optioneering for engineering and construction projects.

• Demonstrated ability to manage internal and external designers, stakeholders, and client teams effectively.

• Experience in providing technical guidance for tender and Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) processes.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in overseeing the entire design lifecycle, from conception to implementation.

• Engineering Discipline Knowledge: Solid understanding of engineering principles relevant to transportation, water, environment, and energy sectors.

• Construction Project Management: Experience in managing projects within the construction environment, understanding buildability.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse internal and external parties.

• Technical Guidance & Problem Solving: Capacity to provide expert advice and devise innovative solutions to complex issues.

• CDM 2015 Knowledge: Understanding and application of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

• Information Management: Proficiency in managing and organizing project-related information and documentation.

Preferred Skills:

• Value Engineering: Experience in identifying and implementing cost-saving and value-adding design modifications.

• Optioneering: Skill in developing and evaluating multiple design options to find the most suitable solution.

• Project Scheduling: Experience in producing and maintaining engineering deliverables schedules.

• Contract Administration: Familiarity with contract types and administration within the construction industry.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate design-related risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for CDM 2015 knowledge is critical for any design management role in the UK construction sector, emphasizing safety and regulatory compliance. The emphasis on "transferable skills" suggests an openness to candidates who may not meet every single requirement but demonstrate strong potential and relevant experience from other fields.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Process Documentation: Showcase examples of how you have managed and documented design processes for complex projects, including workflow charts and decision-making matrices.

• Buildability & Optioneering Case Studies: Present specific instances where your involvement in buildability assessments and optioneering led to improved project outcomes, cost savings, or enhanced constructability.

• Stakeholder Engagement Examples: Include evidence of successful collaboration and communication strategies with diverse teams (designers, construction, clients) to resolve interface issues and drive project progress.

• Value Engineering & Innovation Proposals: Demonstrate your ability to identify opportunities for value engineering and innovation, supported by proposals or case studies showing quantifiable benefits.

• Schedule Management & Deliverable Tracking: Provide examples of engineering deliverables schedules you have produced and managed, highlighting your methods for ensuring timely delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Illustrate your approach to designing and optimizing engineering workflows, ensuring efficiency and clarity from concept to completion.

• Interface Management Protocols: Document your methods for managing and resolving interface issues between different project disciplines and teams.

• Quality Assurance & Control: Detail your processes for ensuring design quality and adherence to standards throughout the project lifecycle.

• Tender & ECI Support Frameworks: Outline your framework for providing technical guidance and innovative solutions during the tender and Early Contractor Involvement phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to manage complex design processes, foster collaboration, and drive value through practical engineering solutions. Demonstrating a structured approach to documentation and process management is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the "Nationwide" location, "Full-time" employment, and "Mid-Senior Level" experience suggested by the responsibilities and qualifications, a competitive salary range for a Design Manager in the UK construction industry typically falls between £50,000 and £70,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the UK, considering the sector (infrastructure, engineering, construction) and the required experience level.

Benefits:

• Market-leading development opportunities: Access to programs supporting career progression.

• Support for professional qualifications: Assistance in obtaining industry-recognized certifications.

• Management training: Development programs focused on leadership and team management skills.

• Ongoing technical development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement in engineering and design.

• Flexible working arrangements: Options for remote working, allowing for better work-life integration.

• Pension scheme: Contributions towards retirement savings.

• Life assurance: Coverage in case of unforeseen circumstances.

• Employee assistance program: Confidential support services for personal and professional well-being.

• Opportunities for advancement: Clear pathways for career growth within Kier.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are 42 hours per week.

• Flexibility on hours is available and can be discussed during the application process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical UK market rates for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the construction/engineering sector. Actual compensation may vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and the company's compensation structure. The benefits list is compiled from common offerings in the industry and the provided job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Kier operates within the Construction and Infrastructure sectors, a vital industry contributing to the UK's development and maintenance of essential services. This involves a broad range of projects including transportation, utilities, energy, and defense.

Company Size: Kier is a large, established organization, employing thousands of people across the UK. This scale suggests a robust organizational structure, extensive resources, and a wide array of project types and career opportunities.

Founded: Kier was founded in 1831, giving it a long and rich history in the construction industry. This longevity points to a company with deep experience, established processes, and a significant market presence.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of the "Assured Delivery" team, which likely comprises a group of specialists focused on ensuring the quality, compliance, and successful execution of design phases for projects.

• This team likely works closely with project management, construction, commercial, and client teams, indicating a highly collaborative and cross-functional operational environment.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using data and analytics to inform design decisions, optimize performance, and ensure buildability.

• Collaborative Workflow Planning: Utilizing integrated project delivery methods that foster early collaboration and continuous communication between all project stakeholders.

• Innovation & Value Engineering: A systematic approach to identifying and implementing innovative solutions and value-adding processes to enhance project outcomes and sustainability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Kier's long history and large size suggest a company with established processes and a strong commitment to professional development. The "Assured Delivery" team context implies a focus on rigorous quality control and risk mitigation within the design process, which is crucial in large-scale infrastructure projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Manager role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level within the engineering and construction management hierarchy. It requires a blend of technical expertise, project leadership, and strategic input, making it a pivotal role for driving project success from the design phase forward. The scope includes managing multiple design streams and influencing project value through engineering solutions.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior manager or director within the Assured Delivery team, such as a Head of Design, Director of Engineering, or a Senior Project Director. They will, in turn, manage and guide internal and external design professionals and teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the successful delivery of high-quality, cost-effective, and buildable designs. Effective management of the design process significantly influences project timelines, budgets, safety, and overall client satisfaction. Their contributions to value engineering and innovation can lead to substantial cost savings and enhanced project value for Kier and its clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization within Sectors: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific sectors like Transportation, Water, Environment, or Energy through diverse project exposure.

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into roles such as Senior Design Manager, Head of Design, or Director of Engineering, managing larger teams and more complex programs.

• Professional Development: Access to Kier's "market-leading development opportunities," including support for professional qualifications and management training, enabling career advancement.

• Cross-functional Movement: Potential to move into broader project management or operations leadership roles within Kier.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant growth potential within a large, established company. The emphasis on development opportunities suggests a commitment to nurturing talent and providing clear career pathways for individuals in technical and management roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While remote working is available, the role requires occasional travel to offices. This indicates a hybrid model that balances flexible work-from-home arrangements with essential in-person collaboration, team meetings, and site visits.

Office Location(s): The role is advertised as "Nationwide," meaning that while the team is spread across the UK, there may be specific Kier offices or project sites requiring occasional attendance. The exact location for required travel would depend on project assignments and team structure.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Work Setup: Candidates are expected to have a suitable home office environment conducive to focused work and virtual meetings.

• Collaborative Tools: Access to and proficiency with digital collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, project management software) is essential for seamless remote teamwork.

• In-Person Interaction: Occasional travel to Kier offices or project sites will provide opportunities for face-to-face collaboration, team building, and direct engagement with project stakeholders and construction teams.

• Technology Access: The company will likely provide necessary hardware and software, including access to design and project management tools, to support both remote and on-site work.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 42 hours per week.

• Some flexibility in working hours is offered, allowing adjustments to accommodate personal needs or project demands, provided core responsibilities and team collaboration are maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role requires strong self-discipline and time management skills for remote work, coupled with the ability to engage effectively in person for essential collaborative activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly engineering background and experience in managing design projects.

• First Interview (likely with Hiring Manager/Recruiter): Focus on your experience, technical skills, understanding of design management principles, and suitability for the role and Kier's culture. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio highlights.

• Technical/Case Study Interview: This stage will likely involve a more in-depth discussion of your experience, possibly including a presentation of a case study from your portfolio. You may be asked to solve a design-related problem or discuss how you would handle specific challenges faced in the role.

• Final Interview (potentially with Senior Leadership): A discussion to assess your strategic thinking, leadership potential, cultural fit, and long-term career aspirations within Kier.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in design management, buildability, optioneering, stakeholder management, and value engineering.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role and approach, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, time efficiencies, improved buildability, reduced risk).

• Highlight Process: Showcase your documentation and process management skills. Include examples of schedules, workflows, and interface resolution strategies.

• Demonstrate CDM 2015 Understanding: Integrate examples of how you applied CDM 2015 principles in your projects.

• Prepare a Presentation: Be ready to present your portfolio highlights concisely, focusing on your contributions and the value you delivered.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle common design management challenges, such as resolving conflicts between design and construction teams, managing scope creep, or dealing with budget constraints.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Be prepared for questions that test your engineering knowledge and ability to devise practical solutions.

• Value Engineering Pitch: Practice articulating how you would identify and propose value engineering initiatives, focusing on the benefits and implementation.

• CDM 2015 Application: Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance with CDM 2015 throughout the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, emphasizing practical experience and problem-solving abilities. A well-structured portfolio that clearly articulates your impact and process management skills will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Familiarity with common CAD and BIM software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks) used in engineering and construction.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, or similar tools for scheduling, task management, and resource allocation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or other virtual meeting and communication tools essential for remote and hybrid work.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, scheduling, and reporting.

• Reporting Tools: Experience in generating reports from project management software and potentially business intelligence tools for performance tracking.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Kier Systems: While specific CRM/automation tools aren't listed, understanding how design processes integrate with broader project management and commercial systems within a company like Kier is beneficial.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for storing, organizing, and accessing project documentation (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex).

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't mandated, a strong foundation in typical engineering design software, project scheduling tools, and digital collaboration platforms is expected for a Design Manager role in this sector. The ability to leverage technology for efficient process management and communication is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to health and safety in all operations, reflecting Kier's industry. This translates to rigorous adherence to safety protocols in design and construction.

• Integrity: Conducting business with honesty and transparency, building trust with employees, clients, and stakeholders.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where collective effort and shared knowledge lead to better outcomes.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and the pursuit of new solutions to improve processes, efficiency, and project delivery.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to meeting and exceeding client expectations through high-quality service and project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encouraging seamless collaboration between design, construction, commercial, and client teams to ensure alignment and proactive issue resolution.

• Open Communication: Promoting an environment where feedback is welcomed, and information is shared openly to drive continuous improvement and efficient problem-solving.

• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams to elevate the collective capability within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kier's emphasis on safety, integrity, and collaboration aligns with the core values expected in the construction and infrastructure industry. These values directly impact how design managers are expected to operate, interact with teams, and make decisions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Requirements with Buildability: Effectively managing conflicting demands between aesthetic/functional design goals and practical construction constraints and costs.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating the varied needs and priorities of internal teams, external designers, clients, and regulatory bodies.

• Ensuring Timely Delivery in Complex Projects: Keeping design schedules on track amidst potential delays, scope changes, and unforeseen site conditions.

• Adopting New Technologies: Integrating emerging design technologies and methodologies (e.g., advanced BIM, AI in design) into established workflows.

• Remote Team Management: Maintaining team cohesion, productivity, and effective communication within a hybrid or remote working model.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & Engineering Courses: Access to training on cutting-edge design software, BIM practices, and specialized engineering techniques.

• Project Leadership & Management Certifications: Support for pursuing PMP, APM, or other recognized project management qualifications.

• Industry Seminars & Conferences: Opportunities to attend events focused on construction innovation, design trends, and regulatory updates.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in mentorship initiatives to gain insights from experienced professionals and develop leadership skills.

• Exposure to Diverse Project Types: Gaining broad experience across Kier's varied portfolio, enhancing versatility and marketability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex, large-scale projects while developing leadership and strategic management skills. The challenges are typical of the construction industry but offer significant learning experiences for ambitious professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design project you managed from inception to construction. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure buildability and stakeholder alignment?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and collaborative approach).

• "How do you approach value engineering and innovation in the design phase? Provide an example of a successful implementation and its quantifiable benefits." (Highlight your commercial acumen and creative problem-solving).

• "How do you ensure compliance with CDM 2015 throughout the design process? What specific measures do you implement?" (Demonstrate your understanding of safety regulations and risk management).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Kier, and how do you see your skills contributing to our Assured Delivery team and company values?" (Research Kier's recent projects, values, and strategic goals).

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment among design teams, especially when working remotely?" (Discuss your leadership style and experience with virtual team dynamics).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar method.

• Quantify Your Impact: Use numbers and data to demonstrate the value you delivered (e.g., percentage cost savings, reduction in RFI's, schedule adherence).

• Emphasize Process & Tools: Explain the methodologies and tools you used to manage the design process, highlighting your efficiency and organizational skills.

• Visual Aids: Use slides or diagrams to illustrate complex designs, workflows, or interface resolutions. Keep it concise and focused.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, alternatives considered, and how you would handle similar situations in the future.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating practical experience, a strong understanding of construction processes, regulatory compliance (CDM 2015), and effective leadership in a collaborative, hybrid environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in engineering design management, construction projects, stakeholder management, and specifically mention your knowledge of CDM 2015. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that exemplify your skills in buildability, optioneering, value engineering, and successful stakeholder collaboration. Ensure it clearly communicates your process and impact.

• Research Kier: Familiarize yourself with Kier's operations, recent projects, and stated values (safety, integrity, collaboration, innovation). Understand their work in transportation, water, environment, and energy sectors.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and answer scenario-based questions related to design challenges, stakeholder management, and CDM 2015 compliance.

⚠️ 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.