Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Mace

Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Design Management / Project Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-11

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end design management process for assigned project packages, ensuring alignment with safety, buildability, operational, and maintenance requirements.

• Foster a collaborative environment by actively engaging with design managers, project managers, and engineers across multi-disciplinary teams.

• Implement value-driven design approaches through close collaboration with the construction team and supply chain partners.

• Oversee design submissions, compliance, programming, and assurance activities, acting as the final approval authority for client and third-party deliverables.

• Proactively manage interfaces, risks, assumptions, and design changes to ensure project objectives are met efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a large-scale infrastructure project (HS2 Curzon Street Station), indicating a need for robust process management, stakeholder communication, and a strong understanding of construction design lifecycles. The emphasis on "safe, buildable, operational and maintainable asset" highlights a critical focus on project delivery outcomes beyond just design finalization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and manage design packages from concept through to construction, ensuring all project requirements and works information are met.

• Coordinate and integrate design efforts across multiple disciplines, working closely with Consultant Design Managers and other project stakeholders.

• Lead design package reviews, ensuring technical documents are reviewed and accepted by appropriate colleagues and subject matter experts.

• Implement and manage the Design Change Control process at the package level, initiating and tracking all design changes.

• Maintain and coordinate key registers, including assumption registers, decision registers, design action registers, and risk registers for assigned design packages.

• Ensure proactive identification and escalation of design issues, facilitating their efficient resolution.

• Manage package interfaces with other designers, ensuring seamless integration and coordination.

• Oversee the assurance of design deliverables at the package level, preparing them for sign-off by senior management or technical assurance teams.

• Engage the construction team and leverage Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) where applicable to optimize constructability and value.

• Report on design progress, issues, and risks to senior management and relevant stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed emphasize a hands-on, oversight role in design execution, rather than pure conceptual design. The focus on "assurance," "compliance," "risk management," and "change control" points to a need for strong operational rigor and documentation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Proven experience in a similar Design Management role within a suitably scaled engineering organization.

Required Skills:

• Design Coordination & Integration: Ability to manage complex design interfaces and ensure integration across various engineering disciplines.

• Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to plan and manage own time effectively, alongside managing package-level project timelines.

• Technical Assurance & Compliance: Experience in reviewing technical documents, ensuring compliance with project requirements, and managing assurance processes.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with project teams, senior management, and potentially clients/third parties.

• Risk & Change Management: Proficiency in managing design risk registers, assumption/decision registers, and implementing formal design change control processes.

• Team Leadership: Capacity to lead and manage teams of people in a multi-disciplinary setting, fostering collaboration and engagement.

• Value Engineering & Constructability: Understanding of how to develop designs that are safe, buildable, operational, and maintainable, incorporating value and constructability considerations.

• Reporting: Ability to prepare and present reports at project and potentially board level.

Preferred Skills:

• Membership of an appropriate Professional Body, such as Chartered Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or an international equivalent.

• Previous experience working on major rail or infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a degree in Engineering is specified, the emphasis on "numerate discipline" and the preference for ICE Chartered membership suggests a strong leaning towards civil, structural, or related engineering fields. The requirement for reporting at "Board level" indicates a need for strategic communication skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Package Management: Showcase examples of managing design packages from initiation through to construction handover, demonstrating scope, key deliverables, and successful outcomes.

• Coordination & Integration Case Studies: Present instances where you successfully coordinated complex multi-disciplinary designs, highlighting interface management strategies and problem-solving for integration challenges.

• Risk & Change Control Documentation: Include anonymized examples of how you managed design risks, assumptions, and decisions, along with evidence of implementing formal change control processes for design modifications.

• Assurance & Compliance Evidence: Demonstrate your approach to design assurance and compliance, potentially including redacted review reports, checklists, or sign-off procedures you've implemented or followed.

• Collaboration & Team Management: Provide examples of how you've fostered collaboration within design teams and managed team performance, including any team development initiatives.

Process Documentation:

• Design Development Workflows: Document the typical workflows you employ for the development of design packages, from initial scope definition to detailed design and coordination.

• Design Review & Approval Processes: Outline the systematic processes you use for conducting design reviews, obtaining necessary approvals, and managing feedback loops.

• Interface Management Procedures: Detail your methodologies for identifying, documenting, and managing interfaces between different design packages, disciplines, and external stakeholders.

• Change Management Protocols: Clearly define the steps involved in your design change management process, from submission and impact assessment to approval and implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the critical nature of design for large infrastructure projects, a portfolio demonstrating structured process adherence, robust documentation, and successful coordination of complex technical elements will be highly valued. The emphasis on "value" and "constructability" suggests a need to showcase how design processes contribute to project efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in a major infrastructure project in Birmingham, UK, the estimated salary range is likely to be between £60,000 - £85,000 per annum. This estimate considers the complexity of the HS2 project, the critical nature of the role, and the typical compensation structures for senior engineering and project management roles in the UK construction sector.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Private medical insurance, potentially including dental and optical coverage.

• Pension Scheme: Contributory pension scheme, often with a company match, providing long-term financial security.

• Life Assurance: Coverage providing financial support to beneficiaries in the event of death.

• Professional Development: Support for continuous professional development, including training, certifications, and potentially funding for professional body memberships (e.g., ICE).

• Annual Leave: Generous holiday allowance, typically 25 days plus public holidays, with potential for increases based on tenure.

• Performance-Related Bonuses: Potential for discretionary bonuses tied to individual and company performance.

• Cycle to Work Scheme: Tax-efficient way to purchase bicycles and accessories.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours:

Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, the demanding nature of major construction projects may require flexibility, including occasional extended hours or weekend work to meet critical project deadlines or attend site-specific coordination meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from reputable UK salary aggregators and recruitment agency reports for similar roles in the construction and engineering sectors in the West Midlands region. The benefits listed are standard for large, established construction firms in the UK, particularly those working on high-profile projects.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Infrastructure, Project Management, Consulting. Mace operates within the built environment sector, focusing on delivering complex projects across various industries including infrastructure, real estate, and energy.

Company Size: Mace is a large, global company. As of recent reports, they employ over 7,000 people worldwide, indicating a significant organizational structure with established processes and career pathways.

Founded: Mace was founded in 1990. This history suggests a mature organization with a strong track record and established methodologies, likely emphasizing innovation and a forward-thinking approach to construction and project delivery.

Team Structure:

• Design Hub: The role likely sits within a larger Design or Technical function, potentially part of a dedicated project team for Curzon Street Station. This team would include Senior Design Managers, Lead Design Managers, Technical Assurance Managers, and potentially specialists in various engineering disciplines.

• Project Hierarchy: The Design Manager will report to a Senior Design Manager or Project Director, with direct line management responsibilities for any assigned junior design coordinators or engineers within their specific package scope.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong collaboration with Project Managers, Construction Managers, Site Engineers, Commercial teams, Health & Safety officers, and external consultants/contractors is essential for successful design integration and execution.

Methodology:

• Value & Efficiency Focus: Mace emphasizes delivering projects "safer, faster, and greener." This translates to a focus on efficient processes, innovative solutions, and a commitment to sustainability in design and construction.

• Collaboration & Partnership: The company culture promotes collaborative working, both internally and with external partners, to achieve shared project goals.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated for this role, large projects often rely on data for reporting, risk assessment, and performance monitoring. Expect a data-informed approach to design management.

• Quality & Assurance: A rigorous approach to quality assurance and technical standards is paramount in infrastructure projects.

Company Website: https://www.macegroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's commitment to "redefining the boundaries of ambition" and its focus on innovation suggest a dynamic work environment where process improvement and best practices are encouraged. The company's size implies opportunities for structured career development and exposure to large-scale, complex projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the design management hierarchy. It requires significant autonomy in managing specific design packages and a proven ability to influence project outcomes. It bridges technical design expertise with project execution and team leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will typically report to a Senior Design Manager or a Lead Design Manager for the overall project. They will likely have direct or indirect oversight of design coordinators, engineers, or external design consultants assigned to their specific work packages. Collaboration with project directors and construction leads is also a key aspect of the reporting and communication flow.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical to the success of the Curzon Street Station project. Effective design management ensures that the project is delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the required technical specifications. Poor design coordination can lead to significant delays, cost overruns, safety incidents, and compromised functionality, directly impacting the project's overall viability and Mace's reputation. Their work underpins the constructability and long-term performance of the station.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior/Lead Design Manager: Progression to managing larger, more complex design packages or overseeing multiple packages as a Lead Design Manager.

• Technical Director/Head of Design: Advancement into a more strategic role, responsible for the overall design strategy and technical integrity of major projects or business units.

• Project Director/Manager: Transitioning into broader project leadership roles, leveraging design expertise to manage the full project lifecycle.

• Specialized Roles: Developing expertise in specific areas such as BIM management, sustainability in design, or advanced technical assurance.

• Consulting Roles: Moving into design consultancy roles, offering expertise to various clients and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The HS2 project is a flagship initiative, offering unparalleled opportunities for professional development and career advancement within Mace and the broader infrastructure sector. The role demands a blend of technical acumen, project management skills, and leadership capabilities, preparing individuals for diverse career paths in construction and engineering.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily based on-site within the project's operational hub or a project-specific office located near the Curzon Street Station development. This environment is dynamic, fast-paced, and collaborative, involving close proximity to construction activities and project teams.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Birmingham, UK, specifically within the project site or associated site offices for the Curzon Street Station HS2 development. This ensures close engagement with the construction activities and project stakeholders.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace will likely be an open-plan or cluster-based office environment designed to facilitate communication and collaboration among project teams, including design, engineering, project management, and construction personnel.

• Technology Enabled: Access to necessary design software, project management tools, communication platforms, and potentially site-specific technology will be provided.

• Site Access: Regular site visits and the ability to work from the construction site itself are expected, requiring appropriate PPE and adherence to site safety protocols. This offers direct exposure to the built form and construction progress.

• Dynamic Environment: The nature of a large construction project means the environment can be demanding, with constant communication, problem-solving, and coordination required.

Work Schedule: While the standard is 40 hours per week, the nature of large-scale construction projects often necessitates flexibility. This can include occasional extended working hours, early starts, or weekend work to attend critical site meetings, coordinate urgent design issues, or meet project milestones. This flexibility is common in the industry and expected for roles on major projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of this role is crucial for effective design management on a major infrastructure project. It allows for direct oversight, rapid problem-solving, and a deep understanding of construction progress and challenges, which is vital for ensuring the design remains aligned with site realities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application by the recruitment team to assess basic qualifications and experience against the role requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the Hiring Manager (likely a Senior Design Manager or Project Director) focusing on your technical expertise, design management experience, leadership style, and understanding of large infrastructure projects. You may be asked to walk through specific examples from your portfolio.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: A potential technical challenge or case study designed to assess your problem-solving skills, approach to design coordination, risk management, or interface management. This might involve analyzing a design scenario or proposing solutions to a common project challenge.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: Meetings with key team members (e.g., other Design Managers, Project Engineers, Construction Leads) to evaluate your collaborative abilities, communication style, and cultural fit within the project team.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Design, Project Director) to discuss strategic fit, career aspirations, and overall suitability for the role and Mace's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your experience in managing design packages for complex infrastructure or construction projects.

Prioritize projects with similar scale or complexity to HS2.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:

  • The project scope and your specific role.
  • The key design challenges faced (e.g., complex interfaces, tight deadlines, technical constraints).
  • Your approach to design coordination, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Specific processes you implemented (e.g., change control, assurance protocols).
  • The tangible outcomes and your contribution to achieving them (e.g., design delivered on time, cost savings, improved constructability).

• Quantify Your Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate your achievements. This could include percentage improvements in design delivery time, cost savings realized through design optimization, reduction in design-related RFIs, or number of team members managed.

• Highlight Process Adherence: Emphasize your understanding and application of formal design management processes, including risk registers, assumption logs, change control, and technical assurance frameworks.

• Prepare for "How" Questions: Be ready to explain how you achieved results, not just what you achieved. Focus on your methodology, decision-making process, and problem-solving techniques.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Design Scenarios: Prepare for questions related to common design challenges in large projects, such as managing conflicting design requirements, resolving interface clashes, responding to unforeseen site conditions, or handling significant design changes.

• Process Mapping: Be ready to articulate your thought process for managing design packages, including key milestones, required documentation, and critical decision points.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice how you would communicate complex technical information, design issues, or change requests to different audiences (e.g., technical teams, non-technical management, clients).

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a strong portfolio that clearly articulates process, problem-solving, and measurable impact is paramount. The interview process will likely assess not only technical competence but also leadership potential and cultural alignment with Mace's collaborative and results-oriented approach.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD) and ideally experience with BIM (Building Information Modeling) platforms such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or Bentley products for design authoring, coordination, and clash detection.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling, progress tracking, and resource allocation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools for document management and collaboration, such as SharePoint, Aconex, or similar construction-specific platforms.

• Design Review Tools: Familiarity with tools or processes for digital design review and markup, such as Bluebeam Revu or integrated BIM review platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in Excel for data analysis, reporting, and dashboard creation is essential. Familiarity with business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) could be an advantage for more complex reporting.

• Reporting Frameworks: Understanding of how to structure and deliver technical reports, progress updates, and risk assessments suitable for project and board-level consumption.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Control Systems: Experience with robust document control systems to manage the vast amount of technical documentation generated in a large project.

• Change Management Systems: Familiarity with digital systems or processes for managing design change requests and approvals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the scale and complexity of the HS2 project, a strong command of BIM and related coordination tools is increasingly becoming a standard requirement for Design Managers. Tools that facilitate collaboration, document control, and robust reporting are critical for managing the design lifecycle effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in construction, emphasizing a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating safety risks in design and construction practices.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding high ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities, particularly in ensuring design compliance and project delivery.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where open communication, mutual respect, and shared problem-solving are encouraged across all disciplines and levels.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Embracing new ideas and technologies to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and the overall quality of project delivery.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality work that meets or exceeds client expectations and industry standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking out opportunities to collaborate with project teams, consultants, and supply chain partners to ensure alignment and resolve issues early.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with construction, commercial, and project management teams to ensure design is practical, buildable, and commercially viable.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Encouraging open dialogue and the provision of constructive feedback on designs and processes to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Participating in and contributing to knowledge-sharing initiatives, such as lessons learned sessions or best practice workshops, to elevate the team's collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's stated purpose to "redefine the boundaries of ambition" and their focus on innovation and responsibility suggest a culture that values proactive problem-solving, forward-thinking solutions, and a strong ethical compass. Expect a team that is driven, collaborative, and committed to delivering impactful projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of HS2 Project: Navigating the sheer scale, technical complexity, and multi-stakeholder environment of a national infrastructure project like HS2 can be a significant challenge.

• Interface Management: Coordinating numerous design packages, disciplines, and external stakeholders (including other HS2 contractors and third parties) presents a constant challenge in ensuring seamless integration.

• Design Evolution: Managing design changes and ensuring that all parties are working from the latest approved design information in a dynamic project environment.

• Balancing Technical Rigor with Project Constraints: Ensuring designs meet all technical, safety, and regulatory requirements while also adhering to tight project schedules and budget constraints.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Achieving consensus and managing expectations among diverse stakeholders with potentially competing interests.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Major Infrastructure: Gaining invaluable experience on one of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects, offering unparalleled learning opportunities.

• Advanced BIM & Digital Technologies: Deepening expertise in BIM, digital construction, and advanced design coordination tools.

• Leadership & Management Skills: Developing strong leadership capabilities through managing multi-disciplinary teams and complex design processes.

• Professional Accreditation Support: Opportunities to work towards or maintain professional qualifications (e.g., ICE Chartered status) with potential company support.

• Best Practice Implementation: Learning and contributing to the development and implementation of best practices in design management within a leading construction firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant growth trajectory by tackling complex challenges on a high-profile project. The challenges themselves serve as catalysts for developing advanced problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and robust leadership capabilities, all highly transferable within the construction and engineering sectors.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing design packages for a large-scale infrastructure project. What are the key phases and deliverables you focus on?" (Focus on structured process, risk identification, and stakeholder engagement.)

• "How do you ensure effective design coordination and integration across multiple disciplines, especially when there are conflicting requirements or priorities?" (Highlight your methods for interface management, conflict resolution, and collaborative decision-making.)

• "Walk me through a time you had to manage a significant design change. What was the process, what were the challenges, and what was the outcome?" (Emphasize your understanding of change control, impact assessment, and communication strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Mace and our approach to delivering projects like HS2 Curzon Street Station?" (Research Mace's purpose, values, and recent projects. Mention their focus on innovation, safety, and sustainability.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment within a multi-disciplinary design team?" (Discuss your communication style, team-building efforts, and approach to conflict resolution.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Process & Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the process you followed and the impact your actions had on the project's success. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) where appropriate.

• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and data to back up your claims (e.g., "reduced RFIs by 15%," "managed a design package valued at £X million," "coordinated a team of Y engineers").

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Focus on how you identified and resolved challenges, showcasing your analytical and critical thinking skills.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize aspects of your experience that are most relevant to managing design for a major infrastructure project, such as interface management, compliance, and collaboration with construction teams.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your specific contributions, the tools you used, and the decisions you made within your case studies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely test your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical, complex scenarios. Demonstrating a clear understanding of the design lifecycle, robust process management, and strong leadership potential will be key to success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Mace careers portal link provided.

• Curate Your Operations Portfolio: Select 3-5 key projects that best showcase your experience in design management for large-scale construction or infrastructure. Focus on projects with complex technical challenges, multi-disciplinary coordination, and significant impact. Ensure your portfolio highlights your process adherence, problem-solving capabilities, and quantifiable achievements.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your CV to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "design coordination," "technical assurance," "stakeholder management," "risk management," and "multi-disciplinary team leadership." Quantify your achievements and clearly outline your experience with relevant tools and project types (e.g., rail, infrastructure).

• Prepare Your Interview Narrative: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Be ready to discuss your design management philosophy, your approach to collaboration, and how you handle challenges. Prepare specific examples for your portfolio presentation.

• Research Mace and HS2: Understand Mace's company culture, values, and their role in major projects like HS2. Familiarize yourself with the Curzon Street Station project's objectives and challenges to demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding.

⚠️ 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.