Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: United Infrastructure Ltd

Location: Wakefield, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering & Design Management (Infrastructure focus)

Date Posted: 2026-08-13

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage an in-house design team to deliver high-quality civil and infrastructure design solutions.

• Ensure technical compliance with client specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements, including CDM 2015 as Principal Designer.

• Oversee and optimize design processes to enhance efficiency, innovation, and client satisfaction within the infrastructure sector.

• Drive strong client relationships and stakeholder engagement through effective communication and project oversight.

• Contribute to the company's growth and reputation by upholding quality (ISO 9001) and environmental (ISO 14001) standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the infrastructure sector, specifically focusing on civil engineering and utility networks. The Design Manager will be instrumental in bridging technical design execution with project delivery, client management, and regulatory adherence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Directly manage, mentor, and develop an in-house team of designers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.

• Undertake and execute Principal Designer duties under CDM 2015 regulations, ensuring all design activities prioritize health, safety, and environmental considerations.

• Oversee the preparation and coordination of design solutions across various project stages, including drawings, reports, specifications, and cost estimates.

• Implement robust document management systems to ensure all design documentation is accurate, controlled, and accessible.

• Lead and coordinate inputs from a wide range of engineering disciplines, ensuring design integrity and synergy across complex infrastructure projects.

• Maintain and strengthen client relationships by ensuring effective communication, managing expectations, and delivering exceptional design services.

• Manage the overall design team workload, provide regular workload updates to Engineering Directors and Framework Managers, and contribute to strategic planning.

• Resolve technical issues that arise during project lifecycles, providing expert technical guidance and support to junior engineers, technicians, and apprentices.

• Collaborate effectively with other design disciplines to ensure integrated and efficient design delivery within project timelines and budgets.

• Champion innovative thinking and entrepreneurial behavior by staying abreast of industry advancements and encouraging professional development within the team.

• Ensure all operations and team activities align with company values and adhere to ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO 14001 (Environmental) management systems.

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with clients, design teams, community stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on team leadership and hands-on technical project oversight, particularly emphasizing the Principal Designer role under CDM 2015. This requires a strong understanding of construction health and safety regulations alongside design process management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related engineering discipline is typically required.

• Professional certifications or chartered engineer status (e.g., CEng, MIStructE, MICE) are highly advantageous. Experience:

• A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in civil and infrastructure design, with a significant portion in a leadership or management capacity.

• Proven track record in managing design teams and overseeing complex infrastructure projects from conception through to completion.

• Demonstrated experience in undertaking Principal Designer duties and ensuring compliance with CDM 2015 regulations. Required Skills:

• Civil Engineering Design: Deep understanding of civil engineering principles, design methodologies, and best practices relevant to infrastructure projects (e.g., water, wastewater, utilities).

• CDM 2015 Compliance: Expertise in fulfilling Principal Designer responsibilities, including risk assessment, design coordination, and health and safety planning.

• Team Leadership & Management: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of design professionals, managing workloads and performance effectively.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Solid grasp of project management principles, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management within a design context.

• Technical Documentation: Proficiency in preparing and reviewing technical drawings, reports, specifications, and estimates.

• Quality & Environmental Standards: Familiarity with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards and their application in design and project delivery.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with clients, internal teams, and external stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Commercial Acumen: Experience in commercial management, cost control, and understanding the financial aspects of design projects.

• Contract Administration: Knowledge of relevant construction contracts and their implications for design responsibilities.

• Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in industry-standard design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit) and project management tools.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying and implementing innovative design solutions and resolving complex technical challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level suggests a mid to senior-level role. The emphasis on CDM 2015 and ISO standards indicates a need for candidates with a strong regulatory and quality management background, common in UK infrastructure projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant infrastructure design projects, detailing your role, responsibilities, and contributions.

• CDM 2015 Implementation: Provide evidence of your experience in fulfilling Principal Designer duties, including examples of risk management plans, design risk assessments, and coordination strategies.

• Team Management Examples: Include documentation or case studies demonstrating your approach to team leadership, workload management, and professional development of design staff.

• Process Optimization Initiatives: Highlight instances where you identified inefficiencies in design processes and implemented improvements, quantifying the benefits (e.g., time saved, cost reduction, quality enhancement).

• Quality & Environmental Compliance: Demonstrate how you have ensured adherence to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards within design projects, perhaps through audit findings or process improvements.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Present examples of designed or optimized design workflows, including process maps, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and templates used.

• Design Review & Approval Processes: Document your approach to design reviews, internal checks, and client approval stages, emphasizing quality assurance mechanisms.

• Risk Management Protocols: Detail the methodologies and documentation used for identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks throughout the project lifecycle.

• Stakeholder Communication Frameworks: Illustrate your strategies for maintaining consistent and effective communication with clients, project managers, and other stakeholders regarding design progress and issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, particularly in infrastructure with regulatory requirements like CDM 2015, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of design principles, team leadership, risk management, and quality adherence is crucial. The focus should be on tangible project outcomes and process improvements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £55,000 - £75,000 per annum (estimated)

Explanation of Estimate:

Based on industry benchmarks for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in the UK infrastructure sector, particularly in regions like West Yorkshire, this salary range is estimated. Factors influencing this range include the level of responsibility (including Principal Designer duties), team management scope, and the specific demands of the United Infrastructure group. Regional cost of living and demand for specialized engineering talent in the UK also play a role. Data sources for this estimate include professional salary surveys for engineering and construction management roles in the UK.

Benefits:

• Competitive annual leave allowance, typically starting at 25 days plus bank holidays.

• Comprehensive company pension scheme with generous employer contributions.

• Life assurance and personal accident insurance.

• Opportunities for professional development, including funding for further training, certifications, and Chartered Engineer status support.

• Access to employee assistance programs for well-being and confidential support.

• Potential for performance-related bonuses or profit-sharing schemes.

• Company vehicle or car allowance, reflecting the on-site nature of the role and potential travel requirements. Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and client needs, with potential for occasional overtime or adjusted schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical UK market rates for similar roles. Benefits are standard for a company of this size and industry, with a focus on professional development and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Civil Engineering, Utilities, Infrastructure Development, Construction. United Infrastructure Ltd operates within a critical sector that supports national development and essential services.

Company Size: Part of United Infrastructure, which is a rapidly expanding national group. Peter Duffy Limited itself has a strong heritage, suggesting a solid established presence within the group's broader operations. This size indicates a company with substantial resources, project scale, and opportunities for career progression.

Founded: Peter Duffy Limited has a "strong heritage and reputation built over decades," indicating a long-standing presence. United Infrastructure is described as "rapidly expanding," suggesting a dynamic, growth-oriented environment.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: The Design Manager will lead an in-house team of designers, likely comprising engineers, technicians, and possibly apprentices specializing in civil and infrastructure design.

• Reporting: The Design Manager reports to an Engineering Director and Framework Managers, indicating a hierarchical structure within the engineering department.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with Project Managers, other design disciplines, and potentially commercial teams, site teams, and client representatives.

Methodology:

• Technical Excellence: A strong emphasis on delivering high-quality, safe, and innovative design solutions.

• Process Driven: Adherence to established design processes, quality standards (ISO 9001), and environmental management (ISO 14001).

• Client-Centric: Focus on building and maintaining strong client relationships through effective communication and service delivery.

• Health & Safety Focus: A paramount commitment to health and safety, as demonstrated by the Principal Designer role under CDM 2015.

Company Website: https://unitedinfrastructure.com/ (Assuming this is the relevant parent company site, as no specific Peter Duffy Ltd site was provided.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of established expertise (Peter Duffy Limited's heritage) and dynamic growth (United Infrastructure). The emphasis on quality, safety, and client relationships is typical for major infrastructure players.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level management position within the engineering and design function. It requires a blend of technical expertise, team leadership, and project oversight, making it a key role in the delivery of infrastructure projects.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports to an Engineering Director and Framework Managers. This suggests a clear line of accountability and opportunities to interact with senior leadership within the engineering and project delivery arms of the business.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a direct impact on project success by ensuring designs are technically sound, compliant, safe, and delivered on time and within budget. Their leadership influences the quality of the company's output, client satisfaction, and the professional development of their team, all of which contribute to the company's overall profitability and reputation in the infrastructure sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Engineering Leadership: Progression to roles like Senior Design Manager, Head of Design, or Engineering Director within United Infrastructure.

• Project Director/Manager: Transition into broader project leadership roles, managing entire projects rather than just the design phase.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of infrastructure design or advanced construction methodologies.

• Operational Excellence: Move into roles focused on optimizing design processes, implementing new technologies, or driving operational efficiency across multiple projects.

• Commercial/Business Development: Leverage design and project understanding to move into roles with a stronger commercial or client-facing focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path from Design Manager in this context typically involves increasing responsibility for larger projects, larger teams, or broader strategic oversight of design functions within the company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Peter Duffy Limited office in Wakefield, United Kingdom. This is an on-site position, implying a traditional office environment where face-to-face collaboration and team interaction are standard.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England. This location is likely chosen for its strategic access to infrastructure projects within the region and its logistical advantages for the company's operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Space: The office environment is expected to facilitate collaboration among the design team, project managers, and other departments.

• Technical Resources: Access to necessary design software, hardware, and IT infrastructure to perform design tasks.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design reviews, and informal discussions are integral to the workflow.

• Site Visits: Occasional site visits to project locations may be required to gather information, conduct site inspections, and liaise with on-site teams.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the demanding nature of infrastructure projects may necessitate flexibility to meet critical deadlines or respond to urgent issues. This could involve occasional work outside standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role in the construction/infrastructure sector, the work environment will likely be professional and office-based, but with a strong connection to the practical realities of construction sites.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess suitability against the core requirements, focusing on infrastructure design experience and management capabilities.

2. Technical Interview: A discussion with engineering leadership (e.g., Engineering Director, Senior Engineers) to assess technical proficiency in civil engineering, CDM 2015, and design processes. Expect questions about past projects and problem-solving approaches.

3. Portfolio Presentation & Management Interview: A dedicated session to present your portfolio, showcasing key projects and your management style. This will likely involve discussions on team leadership, stakeholder engagement, and handling challenging situations.

4. Final Interview: Potentially with senior management or HR to discuss cultural fit, career aspirations, and final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by skill demonstrated (e.g., Design Leadership, CDM Compliance, Process Improvement).

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your specific role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., % cost saving, % time reduction, safety improvements).

• Highlight CDM 2015 Expertise: Dedicate specific sections or case studies to your experience as a Principal Designer, detailing your responsibilities and proactive measures taken.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Use examples to illustrate your approach to team management, mentoring, conflict resolution, and fostering a positive team culture.

• Showcase Process Understanding: Include examples of process maps, SOPs, or documentation that highlight your commitment to quality and efficiency.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects and experiences that align most closely with United Infrastructure's work in civil engineering and utilities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You may be presented with a hypothetical infrastructure design challenge and asked to outline your approach, consider key risks, and propose initial solutions.

• Team Management Scenario: Be prepared for questions about how you would handle team conflicts, manage underperforming staff, or motivate a team during a high-pressure period.

• CDM Scenario: Expect questions on how you would address specific safety concerns during the design phase or manage design changes that impact safety.

• Process Improvement Case: You might be asked to identify a common design process inefficiency and propose a solution, detailing implementation steps and expected benefits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical competence and leadership potential. A strong, well-organized portfolio is critical for demonstrating practical experience and management skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and potentially Bentley MicroStation for detailed design and drafting.

• BIM Software (Preferred): Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools like Revit, Navisworks, or similar, for integrated design, clash detection, and 3D visualization, especially if the company is adopting BIM practices.

• Project Management Software: Experience with project management platforms for scheduling, task tracking, and resource allocation (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret design reports, cost estimates, and project performance data. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and basic analysis.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating or utilizing dashboards for tracking design progress, team performance, and key project metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems (DMS): Experience with systems for managing and controlling design documentation, revisions, and approvals (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex, Procore).

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with collaborative tools for team communication and document sharing (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack).

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the nature of infrastructure design management implies a need for proficiency in CAD/BIM, project management, and document control systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A non-negotiable commitment to health and safety in all design and project activities, embedding this principle in team culture and decision-making.

• Quality Excellence: Upholding high standards of design quality, accuracy, and compliance with specifications and regulations (ISO 9001).

• Integrity & Trust: Operating with honesty, transparency, and building trust with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

• Innovation & Improvement: Encouraging creative thinking, embracing new technologies, and continuously seeking ways to optimize processes and solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together effectively, share knowledge, and contribute to collective success.

• Customer Focus: Dedicated to understanding and meeting client needs, delivering value and building long-term relationships.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encouraging close working relationships between design teams and other departments (e.g., project management, commercial, site operations) to ensure seamless project delivery.

• Open Communication: Promoting an environment where feedback is welcomed, issues are raised transparently, and solutions are developed collaboratively.

• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the exchange of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across the team and wider organization.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: A culture that encourages early identification of potential issues and collaborative efforts to find effective solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are deeply rooted in the demanding and safety-critical nature of the infrastructure sector, emphasizing responsibility, quality, and collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Project Demands: Managing multiple complex infrastructure projects simultaneously, each with unique technical requirements, timelines, and stakeholder expectations.

• Ensuring CDM Compliance: Navigating the complexities of CDM 2015 regulations, particularly in coordinating multiple parties and ensuring safety throughout the design lifecycle.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Addressing unforeseen technical challenges that arise during design or construction, requiring innovative and practical solutions under pressure.

• Team Development: Motivating and developing a diverse design team, ensuring skill sets remain current with evolving industry standards and technologies.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively managing diverse stakeholder interests, including clients, regulatory bodies, and community groups, to maintain project momentum and satisfaction.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & BIM Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design disciplines or advanced BIM technologies.

• Leadership & Management Courses: Access to formal training programs focused on enhancing leadership, project management, and commercial skills.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Participation in industry events to stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and regulatory changes in infrastructure design.

• Professional Accreditation Support: Guidance and financial support for pursuing or maintaining professional engineering qualifications (e.g., Chartered Engineer status).

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within United Infrastructure or to mentor junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to managing complex infrastructure projects, offering significant opportunities for professional growth through problem-solving and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between project deadlines and design quality. How did you resolve it?" (Focus on prioritization, communication, and quality assurance.)

• "How do you ensure your design team stays up-to-date with the latest CDM regulations and best practices?" (Highlight continuous learning, training, and process implementation.)

• "Walk us through a complex infrastructure design project you managed. What were the key challenges, your specific role, and the ultimate outcome?" (Prepare a concise, impactful case study with quantifiable results.)

• "How do you foster a culture of safety and innovation within a design team?" (Discuss proactive safety measures, encouragement of new ideas, and team engagement strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about United Infrastructure and Peter Duffy Limited, and why are you interested in working with us?" (Research the company's projects, values, and recent news.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with other departments, such as project management or site operations?" (Emphasize cross-functional communication and shared goals.)

• "How do you measure the success of your design team and your own performance?" (Discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) related to project delivery, team development, and client satisfaction.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Executive Summary: Begin with a brief overview of your career and highlight your most relevant achievements.

• Project Deep Dives: Select 3-4 key projects that best represent your skills in design management, CDM compliance, and infrastructure delivery. For each, clearly state:

  • Project scope and objectives.
  • Your specific role and responsibilities.
  • Key technical challenges and solutions.
  • How you managed the design team and stakeholder relationships.
  • Quantifiable outcomes (budget, timeline, quality, safety).

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality visuals (drawings, models, charts) to illustrate your points, but avoid overwhelming the audience.

• Focus on Process: Explain your design processes, quality control measures, and how you ensured CDM compliance.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your decision-making, leadership style, and how you handle difficult situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical acumen, leadership capabilities, and a strong understanding of the operational realities of the infrastructure sector, particularly regarding safety and quality.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in civil engineering, infrastructure design, team management, and CDM 2015 compliance. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble a digital portfolio that showcases your most relevant projects and management experience. Prioritize case studies demonstrating your impact on project outcomes, team leadership, and safety initiatives.

• Research the Company: Gain a deep understanding of United Infrastructure's projects, values, and recent achievements to articulate your interest and cultural fit.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership, problem-solving, and technical expertise. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure clarity and conciseness.

⚠️ 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.