Design Manager - Aviation / Building Services

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Aviation / Building Services

Company: Galliford Try

Location: Stansted, Essex, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Operations Management / Engineering Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-01

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate electrical and building services design activities for aviation infrastructure projects, ensuring the delivery of safe, compliant, and innovative engineering solutions.

• Manage and develop a design team, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and technical excellence within the Asset Intelligence Aviation business.

• Oversee the planning, allocation, and management of design resources to ensure successful project delivery throughout the entire project lifecycle.

• Provide technical leadership and specialist support to project teams, clients, and stakeholders, ensuring designs are buildable and value-driven.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within the "Asset Intelligence" business unit, suggesting a focus on integrated systems, data analysis, and operational efficiency within aviation infrastructure, rather than purely construction design. The "Design Manager" title implies a leadership role with significant responsibility for team performance and project outcomes, bridging technical design and operational requirements.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the design team, cultivating a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.

• Oversee the planning, allocation, and management of design resources to support successful project delivery.

• Ensure all design activities comply with relevant legislation, industry standards, CDM requirements, and internal governance processes.

• Provide technical leadership and specialist support to project teams, clients, and stakeholders.

• Lead technical reviews, site visits, and engagement with design consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers.

• Develop and review technical scopes, specifications, and design solutions to meet client and operational requirements.

• Support tendering and project delivery teams with technical input and design expertise.

• Review and approve design deliverables, ensuring quality, compliance, and alignment with project objectives.

• Drive innovation and continuous improvement through the adoption of best practice and digital engineering solutions.

• Manage design changes through formal change control processes and support the identification of commercial impacts where required.

• Ensure the effective handover of design information to construction, commissioning, and operational teams.

• Support the recruitment, development, and mentoring of team members, helping individuals achieve their professional and career goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on compliance (legislation, CDM), quality assurance, and effective stakeholder management, which are critical in the aviation sector. The inclusion of "digital engineering solutions" suggests an expectation for leveraging modern design tools and methodologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific educational requirements are not detailed, a strong background in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Building Services Engineering) is implied. A degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience is likely required.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of experience in design management, ideally within the aviation or complex building services sectors.

• Proven experience working in fast-paced, multi-site infrastructure environments, such as airports or transport hubs.

• Demonstrated experience coordinating between design, operations, and construction teams. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage design processes from conception to completion.

• Aviation Infrastructure & Building Services: In-depth knowledge of design principles and requirements specific to aviation environments and building services systems.

• Technical Leadership: Ability to provide expert guidance and direction to design teams and stakeholders.

• Project Lifecycle Management: Understanding and experience managing design activities across all project phases.

• CDM Regulations: Comprehensive knowledge and application of Construction (Design and Management) regulations.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with clients, consultants, suppliers, and internal teams.

• Engineering Design Principles: Strong foundation in electrical and building services engineering design.

• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Rigorous approach to ensuring design quality and adherence to standards.

• Digital Engineering Solutions: Familiarity with and ability to drive the adoption of advanced design technologies.

• Change Control Processes: Experience managing design modifications and their commercial implications.

• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of design professionals.

• Commercial Awareness: Understanding of project commercial impacts related to design decisions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific airport operational requirements and security protocols.

• Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modeling) and other digital design platforms.

• Experience in asset intelligence and data-driven design optimization.

• Membership in a relevant professional engineering institution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "About You" section strongly implies a need for strong soft skills, including communication, integrity, organization, proactivity, resilience, and the ability to influence. These are critical for a leadership role interacting with diverse stakeholders in a high-stakes environment like aviation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Case Studies: Showcase successful design projects, highlighting your leadership role, the complexity of the systems designed (especially in aviation/building services), and the challenges overcome.

• Process Optimization Examples: Demonstrate instances where you improved design workflows, implemented new technologies (e.g., digital engineering), or enhanced collaboration between design, construction, and operations teams.

• Compliance & Quality Assurance: Provide examples of how you ensured designs met regulatory requirements (e.g., CDM, aviation-specific standards) and achieved high-quality outcomes.

• Team Leadership & Development: Include examples of how you've led, mentored, and developed design teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Detail your approach to designing and optimizing engineering design workflows for efficiency and accuracy, particularly in complex infrastructure projects.

• Implementation of Digital Solutions: Showcase experience in adopting and integrating digital engineering tools and methodologies into design processes to improve outcomes and collaboration.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how you track design performance, measure project success against client and operational requirements, and use data to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on "Asset Intelligence" and "digital engineering solutions," a portfolio demonstrating experience with integrated systems, data analytics in design, and modern BIM workflows would be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the experience level (5-10 years), location (Stansted, UK), and the specialized nature of aviation and building services design management, a competitive salary range is expected. For a Design Manager in this region with this experience, a typical salary could range from £55,000 to £75,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the UK construction and engineering sectors, considering the specific demands of aviation projects and the responsibilities outlined.

Benefits:

• Generous holiday entitlement, increasing with years of service, with the option to purchase additional holidays.

• A wide range of corporate discounts.

• Cycle to Work schemes.

• Comprehensive pension plan.

• Regular Save as You Earn (SAYE) share purchase scheme.

• Private medical scheme options available for all salaried employees.

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing free 24/7 support.

• Paid yearly membership to one recognized professional association relevant to your role.

Working Hours: The role specifies full-time employment. Standard working hours are likely to be around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility as indicated by the "Agile Working" programme, which empowers employees with flexibility in when, where, and how they work, where appropriate.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from general market data for senior engineering and management roles in the UK construction sector, adjusted for location and specialization. Specific salary will depend on the candidate's exact experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with typical offerings for experienced professionals in large construction firms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Infrastructure. Galliford Try is a leading principal contractor in the UK, involved in building essential facilities and infrastructure. The "Asset Intelligence" business unit focuses on specialized services, likely involving technology integration, data management, and advanced engineering solutions.

Company Size: Galliford Try is a large organization, indicated by its "leading principal contractor" status and an order book exceeding £4.1 billion. This scale suggests a structured environment with opportunities for professional development and involvement in significant projects.

Founded: Galliford Try has a long history, established as a significant player in the UK construction market. This implies a stable, established company with a deep understanding of project delivery and industry best practices.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Aspect 1: The role is within the "Asset Intelligence Aviation" business unit, suggesting a specialized team focused on advanced engineering and technology solutions for airports. The Design Manager will lead a team of design professionals, likely including engineers and technicians.

• Operations Team Aspect 2: Reporting to the Technical Director, indicating a clear hierarchical structure within the technical and design functions. Collaboration will extend across project teams, clients, design partners, and supply chain stakeholders.

• Operations Team Aspect 3: Collaboration is a key theme, emphasizing interaction with airport operators, technical stakeholders, consultants, delivery teams, contractors, and airport authorities. This requires strong cross-functional communication and relationship-building skills.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: The "Asset Intelligence" focus implies an emphasis on data-driven decision-making and leveraging insights from operational data to inform design.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: The role involves managing design resources and ensuring efficient project delivery, requiring structured planning and continuous improvement of design processes.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: Driving innovation through "digital engineering solutions" suggests a focus on automation and adopting best practices to enhance efficiency in design and project execution.

Company Website: https://www.gallifordtry.co.uk/ (Note: The provided URL was for Oracle Cloud HCM, the company's career portal. The main company website is used here.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated vision emphasizes being "people-orientated" and "progressive," with values centered on "integrity," "collaboration," and "delivering excellence." This suggests a culture that values skilled professionals, ethical conduct, teamwork, and high-quality project outcomes, particularly within the critical infrastructure sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management position within the design and engineering function, specifically focused on aviation infrastructure. It represents a mid-to-senior level career stage, requiring significant technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and project management experience. The role is pivotal in ensuring the technical success and compliance of complex projects.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports directly to the Technical Director, indicating a clear line of accountability within the technical leadership team of the Asset Intelligence Aviation business unit. This structure allows for strategic guidance and oversight from senior management.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's role has a direct and substantial impact on project success, safety, compliance, and client satisfaction within the aviation sector. Effective design management ensures that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest technical standards, directly contributing to the company's reputation and profitability. Their work influences the operational efficiency and safety of critical airport infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in aviation-specific design, advanced building services, and digital engineering technologies.

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance into more senior technical leadership roles, such as Head of Design or Technical Director, within the Asset Intelligence division or other business units.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining experience across different project types and collaborating with various departments (e.g., operations, project management, commercial) can broaden career horizons.

• Mentorship & Training: The company's commitment to "Career Paths" and investment in training suggests structured pathways for professional development, including leadership frameworks and specialized training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "continuous improvement" and "digital engineering solutions" suggests that career progression may also involve embracing and leading technological advancements within the design function, potentially leading to roles focused on innovation and future-proofing the company's design capabilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Stansted, indicating a hybrid work arrangement. This likely involves a combination of working from a company office, potentially a project site office, and remote work. The company promotes "Agile Working," suggesting flexibility in how and where work is performed, balanced with business needs.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Stansted, Essex, UK. This is a key hub for aviation, suggesting proximity to major airport infrastructure and related stakeholders.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with internal teams (design, project management, construction) and external stakeholders (clients, consultants, airport authorities). This implies a dynamic workspace that facilitates frequent communication and teamwork.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to modern design software, BIM platforms, and potentially asset management systems will be crucial. The company's focus on "digital engineering solutions" suggests a commitment to providing up-to-date technological tools.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular interaction with the design team, project managers, technical directors, and potentially site personnel will be integral to the role, fostering a practical and results-oriented work environment.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a standard 40-hour week. The "Agile Working" programme offers flexibility, allowing for adjustments to work patterns where appropriate, which can be beneficial for managing complex design tasks that may require focused, uninterrupted periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, coupled with the demands of aviation projects, suggests a need for strong self-management and the ability to transition effectively between different work settings (office, site, home) while maintaining productivity and communication.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of CV and application by a Resourcing Partner (Skyemarie Bree), followed by a preliminary phone or video call to assess suitability and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Technical Interview: An in-depth discussion focusing on design management experience, technical expertise in aviation and building services, understanding of CDM regulations, and leadership capabilities. This may involve case study questions related to past projects.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: An opportunity to meet with the Technical Director and potentially other key team members or stakeholders. This assesses cultural fit, communication style, and collaborative abilities.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present and discuss their portfolio, showcasing relevant design projects, process improvements, and leadership achievements.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview, potentially with senior management, to confirm suitability and discuss terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Projects: Select case studies that specifically highlight experience in aviation infrastructure, complex building services, and design management. Emphasize your leadership role and the impact of your contributions.

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly outline the challenge, your approach (including design strategies, team management, and technology used), the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., efficiency gains, compliance achieved, cost savings).

• Demonstrate Process Improvement: Showcase examples of how you've optimized design workflows, implemented digital tools, or improved collaboration. Use metrics where possible to illustrate the benefits.

• Highlight Leadership: Detail your experience in leading, mentoring, and developing design teams. Discuss your approach to fostering a positive and high-performing work environment.

• Address Compliance: Clearly articulate your understanding and application of CDM regulations and other relevant standards in your project examples.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario Questions: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical design challenges within an aviation context and outline your approach to problem-solving, risk assessment, and solution development.

• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing team conflicts, motivating underperforming team members, or handling difficult stakeholder interactions.

• Process Optimization Discussion: Be ready to discuss your methodologies for improving design processes, implementing new technologies, and driving efficiency in engineering projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "digital engineering solutions" and "asset intelligence" suggests that interviewers may probe candidates on their understanding and adoption of these modern approaches. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they leverage technology to enhance design outcomes and operational efficiency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) is essential for creating and managing design drawings.

• BIM Software: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) is highly probable, given the push for digital engineering. This includes understanding BIM workflows and collaboration.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Primavera P6) for resource planning, scheduling, and tracking design progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with data analysis tools that can interpret project performance metrics and operational data may be beneficial, especially given the "Asset Intelligence" focus.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate clear and concise design reports, progress updates, and compliance documentation.

CRM & Automation:

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack) for team communication and project coordination.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for storing, organizing, and sharing design documents and project information.

• Design Review & Approval Workflows: Familiarity with platforms or processes that facilitate formal design reviews and approvals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "digital engineering solutions" and "Asset Intelligence" aspects strongly suggest that candidates with experience in BIM, integrated design platforms, and potentially data analytics tools relevant to infrastructure performance will be highly sought after.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in all dealings, ensuring transparency and honesty in design decisions and stakeholder interactions.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication and mutual support are paramount, working effectively across diverse disciplines and with external partners.

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative, and compliant engineering solutions that meet and exceed client expectations.

• Passion: A genuine enthusiasm for contributing to vital infrastructure projects and improving people's lives through building.

• Delivering Lasting Change: Focusing on creating solutions that provide long-term value and impact for clients and communities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactively working with construction, commissioning, and operational teams to ensure designs are practical, buildable, and meet end-user requirements.

• Process Review & Feedback: Encouraging a culture where design processes are regularly reviewed, and feedback is actively sought and incorporated for continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned within the design team and across project stakeholders to enhance collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values (integrity, collaboration, excellence, passion) are central to its identity. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal values and work ethic align with these principles, particularly in the context of delivering complex infrastructure projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the diverse needs and requirements of airport operators, regulatory bodies, clients, and internal teams in a high-stakes environment.

• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Ensuring strict adherence to aviation-specific regulations, CDM, and other safety standards in a constantly evolving environment.

• Driving Digital Adoption: Overcoming potential resistance to change and successfully integrating new digital engineering tools and workflows into established design processes.

• Resource Management: Effectively allocating and managing design resources across multiple projects to meet demanding timelines and quality standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to gain specialized knowledge in aviation systems, advanced building services, and the latest digital design technologies.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional certifications relevant to engineering design and management.

• Leadership Development: Access to formal leadership training programs, mentorship opportunities, and pathways to senior management roles within Galliford Try.

• Exposure to Major Projects: Working on significant infrastructure projects provides invaluable practical experience and exposure to complex challenges and innovative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's focus on "innovation and continuous improvement through the adoption of best practice and digital engineering solutions" presents a significant growth opportunity for individuals keen on shaping the future of design in the aviation sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "How would you approach developing a design strategy for a new terminal expansion project at a busy international airport, considering both immediate operational needs and future capacity requirements?" (Focus on process, stakeholder alignment, and future-proofing.)

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting design requirements from different stakeholders (e.g., airport operations vs. security). How did you resolve this to achieve a successful outcome?" (Highlight communication, negotiation, and problem-solving.)

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a critical design flaw is discovered post-construction on an aviation project. What steps would you take to identify the root cause, manage the impact, and implement a solution, considering safety and operational disruption?" (Focus on process, risk management, and efficiency.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see your leadership style aligning with Galliford Try's values of Integrity, Collaboration, Excellence, and Passion?" (Prepare specific examples.)

• "How would you foster a culture of continuous improvement and digital innovation within your design team, particularly in a traditional sector like aviation?" (Showcase proactive approaches.)

• "What are your thoughts on the importance of 'Asset Intelligence' in modern infrastructure design, and how would you integrate this into your design management approach?" (Demonstrate understanding of the business unit's focus.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Structure: For each case study, tell a compelling story: the challenge, your role and approach, the solutions implemented (emphasizing design, technology, and team leadership), and the measurable results.

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, drawings, or screenshots (if appropriate and permissible) to illustrate complex designs or process improvements.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs and process improvements (e.g., percentage reduction in design errors, improvement in project timelines, cost savings).

• Focus on Leadership: Clearly articulate your contributions as a leader, not just a technical contributor. Discuss how you motivated your team, managed resources, and ensured quality.

• Address Aviation Specifics: Highlight your understanding of the unique constraints and requirements of aviation projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific examples of how they have used data to inform design decisions or improve operational outcomes, given the "Asset Intelligence" focus of the business unit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Oracle Cloud portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your most relevant experience in aviation infrastructure, building services design, and team leadership. Select 2-3 key projects for your portfolio that best demonstrate your capabilities in design management, process optimization, and stakeholder engagement within complex environments.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience with CDM regulations, digital engineering solutions, and managing design teams. Use keywords from the job description naturally throughout your application.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to walk through your portfolio projects, focusing on your leadership role and the impact of your work.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Galliford Try's values, recent projects (especially in aviation), and its commitment to "Asset Intelligence" and digital engineering. Understand the company's approach to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

⚠️ 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.