Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Kier (in collaboration with Jobs for Humanity)

Location: Falmer, Brighton, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Contract

Category: Operations - Engineering & Design Management

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote working available with occasional travel to office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the engineering design delivery for assigned projects, ensuring adherence to quality procedures and a right-first-time philosophy.

• Foster innovation and engineering excellence by actively engaging with partner forums and the supply chain to drive optimal design methodologies.

• Provide expert engineering support and technical guidance throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial definition and concept development through to final handover.

• Develop and champion sustainable designs that actively contribute to carbon reduction targets while effectively balancing diverse stakeholder needs and regulatory requirements.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, translating complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights and building strong, collaborative relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Manager within a large construction and infrastructure company (Kier), operating within their water business. The collaboration with "Jobs for Humanity" suggests a focus on inclusive employment practices. The primary responsibilities emphasize leadership in engineering design, project lifecycle management, and a strong commitment to sustainability and client relations within the construction/engineering sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct the engineering design process for designated projects, ensuring comprehensive adherence to established quality assurance protocols and a commitment to achieving first-time accuracy.

• Collaborate closely with various engineering discipline leads (e.g., civil, structural, mechanical) to ensure the implementation of the most effective and efficient design methodologies and to produce high-quality outputs.

• Offer specialized engineering expertise and technical consultation at every stage of the project, from the initial feasibility and definition phases to detailed design, construction support, and final project close-out and handover.

• Drive a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the engineering function by actively participating in and facilitating partner forums and engaging with the supply chain to identify and implement best practices.

• Develop and promote sustainable design solutions that demonstrably contribute to carbon footprint reduction and environmental protection, while ensuring that all designs effectively meet the requirements and expectations of all relevant stakeholders.

• Act as the key liaison between Kier, clients, and other project stakeholders, ensuring clear, consistent, and timely communication regarding design progress, technical challenges, and strategic decisions.

• Manage design risk, identify potential issues early in the project lifecycle, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure project success and client satisfaction.

• Contribute to the growth and development of the engineering team by mentoring junior engineers and fostering a collaborative and inclusive working environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, technical oversight, and team management within a project-centric environment. The emphasis on "carbon reduction" and "sustainable designs" points to a modern engineering approach aligned with current environmental standards and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

கல் Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Significant demonstrable experience in engineering design, construction, and project management, particularly within large-scale infrastructure or water-related projects.

• Proven track record of successfully leading and managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams and delivering complex projects on time and within budget.

• Experience in client-facing roles, with a strong ability to manage relationships and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Required Skills:

• Chartered Engineer Status: Professional chartered status with a recognized engineering institution is a mandatory requirement.

• Engineering Design Expertise: Deep understanding and practical application of engineering design principles across relevant disciplines.

• Project Management: Proficiency in managing project timelines, resources, budgets, and risks, with a focus on design delivery.

• Multi-disciplinary Team Leadership: Ability to effectively lead, motivate, and manage diverse engineering teams, fostering collaboration and synergy.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with the capacity to articulate complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Sustainable Design Principles: Strong understanding of environmental impact assessment, carbon reduction strategies, and sustainable engineering practices.

• Construction Management Knowledge: Familiarity with construction processes, site challenges, and the interface between design and execution.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the water industry or utilities sector.

• Knowledge of specific design software and BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools relevant to civil and structural engineering.

• Experience with contract management and procurement processes within the construction industry.

• Familiarity with environmental regulations and compliance standards.

• Experience in fostering innovation within engineering teams and with external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Chartered Engineer status signifies a high level of professional competence and commitment. The emphasis on both technical engineering skills and soft skills like leadership and communication reflects the multifaceted nature of the Design Manager role in a client-facing environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Detailed examples of projects where you led the engineering design process, showcasing your role in decision-making, problem-solving, and successful delivery. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, risk mitigation).

• Design Process Optimization: Evidence of implementing or improving design workflows, quality control procedures, or collaboration protocols. Highlight specific methodologies used and the resulting efficiency gains or quality improvements.

• Stakeholder Management Examples: Demonstrations of how you managed client expectations, facilitated communication between diverse teams, and resolved design-related conflicts.

• Sustainability Integration: Showcase projects where sustainable design principles and carbon reduction strategies were successfully integrated into the design process, with clear articulation of the environmental benefits achieved.

• Risk Management Documentation: Examples of how you identified, assessed, and mitigated design-related risks throughout project lifecycles.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Your portfolio should illustrate your ability to map out, analyze, and enhance engineering design workflows to improve efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration.

• Implementation and Automation: Provide examples of how you have implemented new design processes, tools, or automated elements within the design lifecycle, detailing the adoption strategy and outcomes.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Demonstrate your capability to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for design delivery, collect relevant data, and analyze performance against targets, using this analysis to drive further improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only list projects but also demonstrate the candidate's strategic thinking, process-orientation, and ability to deliver tangible results. The focus should be on showing how they managed design, not just what they designed.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience, Chartered Engineer status, and hybrid working arrangements in the Brighton/South East England region, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between £55,000 and £75,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the specialized skills, leadership responsibilities, and the demanding nature of the construction and engineering sector.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Hours: Options available to adjust working hours, with core hours typically between 10 am and 3 pm, accommodating personal needs while ensuring team collaboration.

• Remote Working Options: Significant remote working flexibility is offered, with the requirement for occasional travel to the office (Falmer, Brighton) for essential meetings and team engagement.

• Inclusive Work Environment: A commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, creating a supportive and equitable workplace for all employees.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing learning, skill enhancement, and potentially support for further professional qualifications or certifications.

• Pension Scheme: Standard company pension scheme contributions.

• Holiday Allowance: Generous annual leave entitlement.

• Life Assurance: Coverage provided by the company.

• Employee Assistance Programme: Access to confidential support services for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours:

• Standard Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• Flexibility: Some flexibility on daily start and end times is available, provided team core hours (10 am - 3 pm) are observed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical UK construction/engineering Design Manager roles with Chartered status. Benefits listed are common for large organizations like Kier and are tailored to the information provided. The hybrid nature of the role is highlighted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction, Infrastructure, and Utilities (specifically within Kier's Water Business). Kier is a leading UK infrastructure services, construction and property group.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Kier is a major UK company with thousands of employees). This means structured processes, potential for career advancement, and access to significant resources.

Founded: Kier was founded in 1893. This long history suggests stability, established practices, and deep industry knowledge.

Team Structure:

• Engineering Team: The Design Manager will be part of the Engineering team, likely working within the specialized Water Business unit. This team will comprise various engineering disciplines.

• Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior engineering leader (e.g., Head of Engineering, Engineering Director) within the Water Business. They will, in turn, manage a team of engineers and designers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with project managers, construction teams, commercial/procurement departments, client representatives, and external consultants/supply chain partners.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on using data to inform design decisions, track project performance, and identify areas for improvement.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Structured approaches to defining, implementing, and refining design processes to enhance efficiency and quality.

• Automation & Efficiency Practices: Exploration and implementation of tools and techniques to automate repetitive tasks and streamline design delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Kier's scale and focus on infrastructure is key. The Water Business context implies specific regulatory environments and project types. The collaboration with Jobs for Humanity suggests a deliberate effort towards social impact and diverse hiring practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-to-senior level position, requiring a blend of technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and project management acumen. It represents a significant step up from a pure engineering role into a management and strategic oversight position within design delivery.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will typically report to a senior leadership figure within the Water Business's engineering department. They will be responsible for managing a team of engineers and designers, potentially including both direct reports and matrixed project team members.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager plays a critical role in influencing project outcomes by ensuring designs are technically sound, sustainable, cost-effective, and meet client objectives. Their decisions directly impact project feasibility, budget, schedule, environmental performance, and client satisfaction, thereby contributing significantly to the company's overall success and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to move into more senior management roles, such as Head of Design, Engineering Director, or Programme Manager, overseeing larger portfolios or multiple business units.

• Specialization Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise within specific areas of water engineering, sustainable design, or complex infrastructure project management.

• Leadership Development: Access to leadership training programs, mentorship opportunities, and the chance to shape the future direction of engineering design within Kier's Water Business.

• Cross-Business Mobility: Potential to transition into similar roles within other Kier business units or larger, more complex projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path from Design Manager in a large firm like Kier is typically towards broader strategic leadership, either within a specific discipline or across multiple projects and functions. The emphasis on sustainability and innovation also opens avenues for specialized leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, with a primary office base in Falmer, Brighton. This suggests a professional office environment equipped for collaborative work, meetings, and potentially design reviews, balanced with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): Falmer, Brighton, England. This location is likely chosen for its accessibility within the South East region and proximity to relevant projects or infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space will likely facilitate team collaboration, design workshops, and client presentations, supporting the hybrid nature of the role.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard office technology, project management software, and specialized engineering design tools and platforms used by Kier.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with engineering colleagues, project teams, and management, both in-person and virtually.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour week with flexible core hours (10 am - 3 pm) allows for a degree of autonomy in managing one's workday, which is crucial for balancing remote work, office visits, and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is a key aspect, requiring strong self-management and communication skills. The Falmer location suggests it's a hub for Kier's operations in that region, particularly for the Water Business.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application, likely by HR or a recruitment specialist, to assess alignment with the basic requirements (Chartered status, experience).

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior engineering leader) to delve into your technical expertise, leadership style, project experience, and understanding of design management principles. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio.

• Technical/Case Study Assessment: You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio, detailing a complex design challenge you managed, your approach, and the outcomes. This could also involve a scenario-based question to assess problem-solving skills.

• Team/Panel Interview: Interaction with potential future colleagues or stakeholders from other departments (e.g., project management, construction) to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and broader team dynamics.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior director or executive, focusing on strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit within Kier's values and objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 key projects that best demonstrate your leadership in engineering design, project lifecycle management, sustainability integration, and stakeholder communication.

• Focus on "How": For each project, clearly articulate the challenges, your specific role and leadership approach, the methodologies and tools used, and the tangible results achieved (quantify impact where possible).

• Highlight Sustainability: Emphasize your contributions to carbon reduction and sustainable design, providing concrete examples and metrics.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps chronologically or by project type, with clear headings for each case study.

• Prepare a Presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, highlighting key achievements and demonstrating your understanding of design management best practices.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions asking how you would handle specific design challenges, manage conflicts within a team, or address client concerns regarding sustainability or budget.

• Process Improvement Focus: Anticipate questions about how you would assess and optimize existing design processes within Kier's Water Business.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would engage with and manage the expectations of diverse stakeholders (clients, internal teams, regulators, supply chain).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Chartered Engineer role with management responsibilities will be rigorous, focusing on both technical competence and leadership ability. A well-prepared, impactful portfolio is essential for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Engineering Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD (e.g., AutoCAD), BIM (e.g., Revit), and potentially specialized civil/structural design software (e.g., Civil 3D, Bentley Systems products).

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for planning, scheduling, and tracking design deliverables.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and collaboration in a hybrid environment.

• Document Management Systems: Understanding of systems for storing, organizing, and versioning design documents and project information.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from project management systems and design software for performance analysis. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and reporting.

• Reporting Tools: Experience in generating progress reports, design status updates, and performance summaries for various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Limited Direct Use): While not a primary CRM role, understanding how design inputs feed into client relationship management and project pipelines is beneficial.

• Automation Tools (Process Focus): Interest in identifying opportunities for automating repetitive design tasks or workflows through scripting (e.g., Dynamo for Revit) or other means.

• Integration Tools (Conceptual Understanding): Awareness of how different software systems (design, project management, financial) integrate to provide a seamless project lifecycle view.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools can vary, a strong foundation in core engineering design software, project management tools, and collaborative platforms is expected. An understanding of how these integrate and how automation can improve efficiency is also valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in construction and engineering, emphasizing the importance of safe design practices and site execution.

• Integrity: Conducting business ethically and transparently, building trust with clients, colleagues, and partners.

• Excellence: Striving for high standards in all aspects of work, from design quality to project delivery and client service.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across disciplines and with external partners to achieve shared goals.

• Sustainability: A strong commitment to environmental responsibility and developing sustainable solutions for communities.

• Inclusion: Fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with project managers, construction teams, and commercial departments to ensure design intent is understood and achievable.

• Process Review Culture: Openness to feedback on design processes and methodologies, with a willingness to adapt and improve based on collective insights.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise within the engineering team and across the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kier's values, combined with the "Jobs for Humanity" initiative, suggest a culture that balances high performance with a strong sense of social responsibility and employee well-being. Collaboration and a commitment to sustainability are likely key pillars.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing competing demands from clients, regulatory bodies, construction teams, and environmental considerations.

• Driving Innovation in Traditional Sectors: Encouraging adoption of new design technologies and sustainable practices within a historically conservative industry.

• Managing Complex Project Interdependencies: Overseeing design delivery for large-scale projects with intricate technical requirements and numerous interfaces.

• Adapting to Evolving Regulations and Technologies: Staying abreast of changes in environmental legislation, building codes, and advancements in design software and materials.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to take on larger, more complex projects, expanding your portfolio and leadership scope.

• Industry Conference and Certification Participation: Access to relevant industry events, workshops, and potential support for advanced certifications in areas like BIM, sustainability, or project management.

• Operations Mentorship and Leadership Development: Participation in formal mentorship programs and leadership training designed to cultivate senior engineering leaders within Kier.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in infrastructure, requiring strong problem-solving and adaptability. The growth opportunities highlight Kier's investment in its employees' professional development and career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a multi-disciplinary engineering team through a complex design challenge. What was your approach, and what were the key outcomes?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and quantifiable results).

• "How would you ensure that sustainable design principles and carbon reduction targets are effectively integrated into all projects within Kier's Water Business, especially when facing budget constraints?" (Assess strategic thinking, sustainability knowledge, and commercial awareness).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Kier's Water Business, and what interests you most about working within it?" (Showcase research and genuine interest).

• "How do you foster an inclusive and collaborative environment within your engineering teams?" (Align with Kier's values and Jobs for Humanity's mission).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as narratives, highlighting the problem, your solution (your leadership and methodology), and the successful resolution (results).

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use numbers to demonstrate success: e.g., "reduced design time by 15%", "achieved a 20% reduction in embodied carbon," "managed a design budget of £X million."

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly delineate your responsibilities and contributions, especially in team-based projects.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides or documents that visually represent your projects and key data points.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific technical aspects of your projects and your decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical competence but also leadership, strategic thinking, and alignment with Kier's stated values, particularly around sustainability and inclusion.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Smartrecruiters.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your CV to highlight your Chartered Engineer status, extensive experience in engineering design and construction management, leadership of multi-disciplinary teams, and proven success in project delivery. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of 3-4 key projects that best showcase your design management capabilities, focusing on leadership, process optimization, sustainability, and stakeholder communication. Be ready to present these in detail.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, particularly those related to technical challenges, leadership scenarios, and your approach to sustainability and collaboration.

• Research Kier: Thoroughly research Kier's Water Business, their recent projects, company values, and the "Jobs for Humanity" initiative to demonstrate your understanding and genuine interest.

⚠️ 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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