Design Manager - Civil

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Civil

Company: Hill International

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Civil Engineering & Design Management

Date Posted: May 28, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and orchestrate all civil design initiatives for a significant airport development project, spanning the entire project lifecycle from conception through to completion.

• Provide expert technical direction and oversight to design consultants, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compliant, and cost-effective civil engineering solutions.

• Proactively manage and mitigate design-related risks through robust interface management and technical assurance processes.

• Serve as a critical liaison between the client, design teams, and construction teams, fostering seamless communication and collaboration to achieve project objectives.

• Drive the implementation of best practices in civil design management within the aviation sector, adhering to international standards and regulatory frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is described as a "core team, full-time role within an integrated client-side delivery team." This implies a client-side advisory position, focusing on managing external design consultants rather than direct in-house design work. The emphasis on "airport development project" and "major" suggests a large-scale, complex infrastructure undertaking requiring extensive coordination and oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the complete civil design process for a major airport development, encompassing all phases from conceptualization to construction documentation.

• Coordinate and integrate civil design elements with other project disciplines, including but not limited to structural, MEP, aviation systems, and landside/airside operations.

• Conduct thorough technical reviews of design submissions from consultants to ensure compliance with project specifications, client requirements, ICAO, EASA, and relevant local Portuguese regulations.

• Manage the interface between various design packages and stakeholders, identifying and resolving conflicts or discrepancies to prevent downstream issues.

• Develop and implement robust technical assurance plans, including design reviews, peer reviews, and constructability assessments, to guarantee design integrity and buildability.

• Monitor designer performance against contractual obligations, project schedules, and quality standards, providing regular feedback and performance reports.

• Support the procurement process for design services and contribute to the technical evaluation of bids.

• Assist in the development and management of the overall project design schedule, ensuring timely delivery of design milestones.

• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among all project stakeholders, including the client, consultants, contractors, and regulatory bodies.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of project-wide standards, procedures, and best practices for design management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "client-side advisory" nature and emphasis on "leading and coordinating," this role is highly focused on management, oversight, and strategic direction rather than hands-on detailed design. Responsibilities will heavily involve managing external consultants and ensuring their deliverables meet stringent project requirements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in civil engineering design and project management.

• Proven track record in managing complex civil infrastructure projects, with a strong preference for experience on major airport developments (airside and landside).

Required Skills:

• Civil Design Management: Comprehensive understanding of the civil design process for large-scale infrastructure, including site development, grading, drainage, pavement, and utilities.

• Airport Infrastructure Design: In-depth knowledge of airside (runways, taxiways, aprifts) and landside (terminals, access roads, parking) design principles and operational requirements.

• Interface Management: Expertise in identifying, analyzing, and resolving interdisciplinary design interfaces and conflicts.

• Technical Assurance & Quality Control: Ability to establish and implement rigorous technical review processes and quality assurance frameworks for design deliverables.

• Regulatory Compliance: Strong understanding of relevant international aviation standards (ICAO, EASA) and local Portuguese building codes and environmental regulations.

• Project Lifecycle Management: Familiarity with all phases of the design and construction lifecycle, from feasibility studies to handover.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Proven ability to effectively coordinate with various engineering disciplines and stakeholders.

• English Proficiency: Professional working proficiency in English, both written and verbal, for effective communication with international teams and stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Contract Management: Experience in managing design consultant contracts and performance.

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

• Construction Methodology: Understanding of construction sequencing and buildability considerations for civil works.

• Portuguese Language Proficiency: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in Portuguese would be beneficial for local stakeholder engagement.

• Advanced Design Software: Familiarity with project management and design coordination software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "10-15 years of experience" combined with "major airport development" and "client-side advisory" strongly suggests a senior-level management position. The emphasis on ICAO and EASA standards is critical for aviation-specific roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant civil infrastructure projects managed, ideally including airport-related experience.

• Demonstrate experience in leading and coordinating design teams, highlighting your role in project delivery.

• Provide evidence of successful interface management and conflict resolution in complex projects.

• Include examples of technical assurance processes implemented and their impact on design quality.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate familiarity with developing and implementing design management plans, technical assurance plans, and interface management protocols.

• Provide examples of process optimization in design workflows or consultant management that led to improved efficiency or quality.

• Illustrate your approach to tracking and reporting on design progress, risks, and issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, the portfolio should focus on management and oversight rather than detailed technical drawings. It should reflect the candidate's ability to lead, coordinate, and assure the quality of design work performed by others.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Paid time off, including annual leave and public holidays.

• Contribution to a retirement savings plan.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Professional development opportunities and training.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• Flexibility may be required to attend project meetings or address urgent issues, particularly during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on research for Senior Civil Design Managers in major European cities. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and the company's compensation structure. Benefits are standard for such roles and may vary.

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