Design Manager – Construction / Civils

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – Construction / Civils

Company: SRT Marine Systems plc

Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations Management / Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-30

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for managing the design and project phases of SRT Marine Systems' international infrastructure projects, focusing on civil and construction aspects.

• It involves driving a 'Safety by Design' culture and ensuring rigorous adherence to design processes and regulatory compliance, particularly CDM regulations.

• The position requires leading the review and development of various civil engineering designs, from reinforced concrete to site enablement and drainage systems.

• A key aspect is collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders, including customers, internal teams, and subcontractors, to ensure project objectives are met efficiently and effectively.

• This role offers significant opportunities for global travel and exposure to cutting-edge maritime surveillance technology integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original job title is "Design Manager – Construction / Civils," this role has significant operational oversight and process management responsibilities, particularly concerning project delivery, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder coordination. Therefore, it is categorized under Operations Management and Engineering Operations to better reflect its functional scope within an organization's GTM and project execution strategy. The emphasis on international projects and system integration also points to a strong operational component.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Drive a proactive 'Safety by Design' approach across all civil and construction project phases, integrating safety considerations from the initial concept through to final implementation.

• Ensure design processes are systematically reviewed, communicated, and consistently implemented, while also establishing and managing appropriate exception processes for necessary deviations.

• Lead and meticulously review a wide spectrum of civil engineering designs, encompassing reinforced concrete structures, site preparation and enablement, land development strategies, effective drainage systems, and building/structure installations.

• Maintain strict compliance with CDM (Construction Design and Management) regulations and all other relevant legal and statutory requirements pertinent to the scope of designs, ensuring all projects meet the highest safety and legal standards.

• Conduct thorough technical quality assurance reviews of designs and provide official design approval where required, acting as a gatekeeper for design integrity and project readiness.

• Provide expert advice and technical expertise during the management of the tender process, including the interpretation of scope of works and the evaluation of proposals to ensure alignment with project objectives.

• Develop, implement, and refine policies, processes, and procedures that support the continuous improvement and efficiency of the engineering design teams.

• Where contractually required and project-specific, formally act as the Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE) or fulfill an equivalent role, taking ultimate responsibility for design sign-off.

• Actively support the advancement of engineering design delivery within the teams, with a strategic focus on upskilling team members and promoting the effective use of design software and technology.

• Contribute to the ongoing development and updating of design aids, engineering tools, and computer programs, and actively participate in the analysis of new and innovative design concepts to enhance project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design leadership, process management, and regulatory oversight, all critical to successful project execution. The emphasis on 'Safety by Design,' process review, and continuous improvement points to a strong operational focus beyond pure design. The mention of acting as CDAE further underscores the responsibility for operational sign-off and project delivery assurance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree level education in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a closely related field, or equivalent demonstrable experience and formal training. Experience:

• Proven track record of strong experience within the civil engineering and construction industry, with a significant focus on the management and design of complex civil or geotechnical engineering works.

• Demonstrated experience in managing design processes, stakeholder coordination, and ensuring project delivery within budget and schedule constraints. Required Skills:

• Expertise in civil engineering principles and practices, with a deep understanding of construction methodologies.

• Proficient in the management and review of civil project designs, including reinforced concrete design and detailing, site design and enablement, land development, and drainage systems.

• Comprehensive knowledge and application of CDM regulations and other relevant health, safety, and environmental legislation in a construction context.

• Strong technical quality assurance skills with the ability to perform design reviews and provide formal approvals.

• Competence in managing tender processes, interpreting scopes of works, and providing expert advice.

• Proficiency in using CAD software for design visualization and review, alongside strong IT literacy in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the proven ability to adapt communication styles to effectively engage with diverse customers and stakeholders globally. Preferred Skills:

• Specific experience in civil design for critical infrastructure such as communication towers and data centres.

• Familiarity with international design standards and practices, given the global scope of SRT Marine Systems' projects.

• Experience acting in roles such as Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE) or equivalent.

• Experience with project management methodologies and software.

• Understanding of maritime or coastal engineering principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in civil engineering coupled with robust management and regulatory compliance experience. The inclusion of both required and preferred skills allows candidates to gauge their fit and identify areas for development. The explicit mention of CAD and Microsoft Office literacy, alongside communication skills, are standard but critical for this role's operational execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant civil engineering or construction projects, detailing your specific role and contributions.

• For each project, provide clear documentation of the design process followed, highlighting any process improvements or optimizations you implemented.

• Include examples of technical drawings, design reports, and safety documentation that demonstrate your understanding of regulatory compliance (e.g., CDM).

• Present evidence of your involvement in project planning, risk assessment, and stakeholder management, with a focus on how these operational aspects contributed to project success.

• Quantify achievements where possible, such as cost savings, schedule adherence, or safety incident reduction resulting from your design management and process oversight. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a structured approach to managing design workflows, from initial concept to final handover, including quality control checkpoints.

• Provide examples of how you have documented and communicated design processes to project teams and subcontractors to ensure consistent application.

• Illustrate your methods for identifying deviations from standard processes, implementing necessary exceptions, and managing the associated risks.

• Showcase experience in developing and implementing policies and procedures for continuous improvement within design teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role with significant operational responsibilities, a portfolio is essential. It should not only showcase technical design capabilities but also the candidate's ability to manage processes, ensure compliance, and drive efficiency within project delivery. The emphasis here is on demonstrating operational excellence through practical examples of process management and problem-solving in real-world projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Highly Competitive Salary (Specific range to be determined based on candidate experience, qualifications, and alignment with market benchmarks for Design Managers in the UK construction/civils sector).

• 📝 Enhancement Note: Based on industry data for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in the UK, particularly in specialized engineering fields like construction/civils, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between £50,000 and £70,000 per annum. This estimate considers the Birmingham location, the hybrid work arrangement, the required global travel (up to 75%), and the specialized nature of SRT Marine Systems' projects. This range is subject to market fluctuations and individual negotiation.

Benefits:

• Private healthcare package, providing comprehensive medical coverage for employees.

• Highly competitive salary, reflecting the value and expertise brought to the role.

• 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 28 days with demonstrated service length, offering ample time for rest and personal pursuits.

• Real individual development opportunities, including potential for further training, certifications, and career progression within SRT Marine Systems. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While standard hours are noted, the role's hybrid nature and significant global travel requirements suggest flexibility will be a key component of the work schedule, allowing for adjustments to accommodate project needs and international time zones.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marine Surveillance Technology & Systems. SRT Marine Systems plc is a leader in developing and integrating advanced Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) technologies. Their work significantly enhances global security, safety, environmental protection, and sustainability within the marine sector.

Company Size: (Information not directly provided in the input, but the use of "plc" suggests a publicly traded company, often indicating a medium to large enterprise).

• 📝 Enhancement Note: A company size of "Medium to Large" (e.g., 250-1000+ employees) is inferred from being a "plc" with international operations. This size typically means established processes, dedicated departments (like operations, engineering, HR), and a structured career path, offering both stability and opportunities for specialized roles.

Founded: (Information not directly provided in the input).

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While the founding date is not specified, the company's description as "respected, established and an ambitious multi-national company" suggests a history of successful operations and growth, indicating a stable yet forward-thinking organization.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely be part of a broader Engineering or Project Delivery department.

• They will work closely with Project Managers, other engineering disciplines (e.g., electrical, software), procurement, and site installation teams.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a Head of Engineering, Director of Projects, or a similar senior leadership role within the operations or engineering function.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring strong communication and coordination with various internal departments and external stakeholders like customers and subcontractors. Methodology:

• Emphasis on a 'Safety by Design' approach, integrating safety considerations from the earliest stages of project development.

• Structured design and project management methodologies are employed, with a focus on process review, communication, and continuous improvement.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the need for technical quality assurance and performance analysis.

• Agile or phased implementation strategies may be used for national system integration projects to maximize operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Company Website: https://srtmarine.bamboohr.com/careers (Career Portal), Primary domain inferred as srt-marine.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is presented as ambitious, innovative, and rewarding, with a focus on delivering high-quality results and making a real impact. This suggests an environment that values talent, hard work, and continuous improvement, with opportunities for individuals to contribute significantly.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior management position within the engineering and operations domain, requiring significant expertise and leadership. It sits above junior or mid-level design engineers and below executive-level operational leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior leader within the engineering or project management hierarchy, likely a Director of Engineering, Head of Projects, or similar role, who oversees the broader operational delivery of systems and infrastructure.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the successful delivery of SRT Marine Systems' complex international projects. Effective design management ensures projects are safe, compliant, cost-effective, and technically sound, directly contributing to customer satisfaction, operational reliability of the surveillance systems, and ultimately, the company's revenue and reputation in the global maritime security market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in civil design for specialized infrastructure (communication towers, data centers) and gain experience in international project delivery.

• Leadership Development: Potential to lead larger project teams, manage multiple projects concurrently, or transition into broader project management or operational leadership roles within SRT Marine Systems.

• Technical Specialization: Further development in areas like advanced civil engineering techniques, geotechnical analysis, or specific software tools relevant to infrastructure design and project execution.

• International Exposure: Extensive opportunities to work on global projects, enhancing understanding of diverse regulatory environments and project execution challenges across different regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a specialized engineering and operations field. Growth is likely to involve increased project scope, team leadership, and potentially broader operational responsibility within the company's international expansion efforts.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Birmingham, UK, with a hybrid working arrangement. This implies a mix of working from a company office and remotely.

Office Location(s): Birmingham, UK (Postal Code: B13 8LH). The job description also mentions Bristol as a potential office location, suggesting a broader operational footprint or flexibility.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: Given the mention of both Birmingham and Bristol, it's advisable for candidates to clarify their primary work location and any expected travel between these offices.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely to be professional and collaborative, supporting the integration of design teams with project management and other operational functions.

• Access to necessary design software (CAD, Microsoft Office suite) and potentially other project management tools will be provided.

• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse team of engineers, project managers, and potentially senior leadership will be present, fostering a dynamic work setting.

• The hybrid model allows for focused work in a home office environment while maintaining team connection and collaboration through in-office days. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time working hours, with a typical 40-hour week.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and significant international travel (up to 75%) indicate a need for flexibility. Work schedules may need to adapt to accommodate global project timelines, client meetings across different time zones, and site visits, requiring proactive time management and a results-oriented approach.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly in civil engineering design management and regulatory compliance.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve in-depth discussions about your experience with civil and geotechnical design, project management, CDM regulations, and your approach to 'Safety by Design.' Expect scenario-based questions related to design challenges and problem-solving.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss your professional portfolio. Be prepared to walk through specific projects, detailing your process, challenges, solutions, and the outcomes achieved. Focus on demonstrating your operational approach to design management.

• Cultural Fit & Team Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members and senior management to assess your collaborative style, communication skills, and alignment with SRT Marine Systems' company values and ambitious culture.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with a senior executive to finalize the decision, focusing on strategic fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure and Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by the skills demonstrated. Use clear headings and concise descriptions.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., % reduction in design errors, adherence to budget, project completion timelines).

• Process Focus: For each project, clearly articulate the design process you followed, any improvements you made, and how you managed risks and ensured compliance. This is crucial for demonstrating operational competence.

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality visuals (drawings, site photos, charts) to illustrate your projects effectively.

• Tailor to the Role: Highlight projects and experiences most relevant to SRT Marine Systems' work in construction, civils, and potentially infrastructure for communication or data systems.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for potential case studies or hypothetical scenarios related to civil design challenges on international projects, requiring you to outline your problem-solving approach, risk mitigation strategies, and communication plan.

• Prepare to discuss how you would implement and enforce 'Safety by Design' principles in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

• Anticipate questions about managing subcontractors, ensuring quality control, and navigating international regulatory landscapes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, seeking to validate both technical expertise and operational leadership capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates process management and problem-solving skills will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in standard CAD packages (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) for design visualization, drafting, and review.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced skills in Microsoft Word (documentation, reports), Microsoft Excel (data analysis, budgeting, scheduling), and potentially PowerPoint (presentations).

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, Asana, Jira) for planning, tracking, and reporting on project progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Capability to interpret technical reports and data related to site conditions, material strength, and structural integrity.

• Experience in generating and reviewing technical documentation for compliance and quality assurance.

• Ability to utilize project management reporting features for progress updates and stakeholder communication. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates into broader project management and potentially ERP systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with document management systems and collaborative platforms for efficient information sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on core engineering design and project management tools. The emphasis on CAD and Microsoft Office is standard, but understanding how these tools integrate into broader project execution workflows is key for an operations-focused role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A strong commitment to 'Safety by Design,' prioritizing the well-being of all individuals involved in projects and the integrity of the final infrastructure.

• Quality & Excellence: Dedication to delivering high-quality, robust, and reliable designs and project outcomes that meet stringent international standards.

• Innovation & Improvement: A proactive approach to seeking new design concepts, optimizing processes, and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Collaboration & Integrity: Working effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders, maintaining open communication, and operating with honesty and ethical conduct.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of design responsibilities, ensuring compliance, and driving projects to successful completion.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively collaborating with project managers, engineers from other disciplines, procurement, and site teams to ensure seamless project execution.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Building strong relationships with customers and subcontractors through clear communication, responsiveness, and a partnership-oriented approach.

• Process-Oriented: Encouraging a culture of open feedback and process review to identify areas for improvement and foster continuous learning within the team.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned across teams to elevate collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes ambition, innovation, and high-quality results. For operations professionals, this means being adaptable, results-driven, and comfortable working in a dynamic, international environment that values both technical excellence and collaborative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Global Project Complexity: Managing design and construction across diverse international locations, each with unique regulatory frameworks, site conditions, and logistical challenges.

• Stakeholder Management: Balancing the needs and expectations of various stakeholders, including demanding international clients, internal departments, and external subcontractors, ensuring clear communication and alignment.

• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating and ensuring strict adherence to international and local regulations, such as CDM, across all project designs, which requires constant vigilance and up-to-date knowledge.

• Technology Adoption: Driving the adoption and effective use of new design software and engineering tools within the team to enhance efficiency and output quality.

• Travel Demands: Adapting to a significant amount of global travel (up to 75%), requiring strong personal organization and resilience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities for advanced training in civil engineering techniques, geotechnical analysis, or specific software relevant to infrastructure design and construction.

• International Project Exposure: Gaining invaluable experience by working on diverse, large-scale international projects, broadening understanding of global engineering practices and challenges.

• Leadership Skill Enhancement: Developing leadership capabilities through managing design teams, influencing project direction, and potentially mentoring junior engineers.

• Industry Certifications: Potential support for obtaining or maintaining relevant professional certifications that enhance credibility and career progression.

• Cross-functional Insight: Deepening understanding of how civil design integrates with other operational functions like project management, procurement, and system deployment within SRT Marine Systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in international project delivery, requiring strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for professional and personal development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex civil engineering project you managed from design through to implementation. What were the key operational challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, stakeholder management, and problem-solving).

• "How do you ensure a 'Safety by Design' approach is embedded throughout a project lifecycle, especially when dealing with multiple subcontractors and international regulations like CDM?" (Highlight your process, communication, and enforcement strategies).

• "Walk me through your process for reviewing and approving civil engineering designs. What key elements do you look for, and how do you manage discrepancies or required changes?" (Demonstrate your technical quality assurance and decision-making process). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of SRT Marine Systems, how do you see your role contributing to the company's mission of enhancing maritime domain awareness?" (Showcase research and alignment with company goals).

• "How would you approach integrating new design software or processes into an established engineering team, particularly given the hybrid work environment and significant travel demands?" (Assess your change management and adaptability skills).

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders with differing opinions on a design or project approach. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Evaluate your communication, negotiation, and leadership style). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your design management, process implementation, and operational oversight capabilities, particularly those involving civil/construction elements.

• Narrative Focus: For each project, tell a story: the challenge, your specific role and approach (emphasizing process), the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Highlight Operations: Explicitly point out how your design management contributed to project efficiency, safety, compliance, and overall success. Use terms like "process optimization," "risk mitigation," "stakeholder alignment," and "regulatory adherence."

• Visuals: Use clear, professional visuals (drawings, site photos, flowcharts) to support your narrative.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your processes, decisions, and the challenges faced in your portfolio projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical design skills but also strong operational management capabilities, including process adherence, stakeholder communication, risk management, and a commitment to safety and quality.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SRT Marine Systems plc careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your CV to highlight experience in civil engineering design management, CDM regulations, project delivery, and any relevant international project exposure. Use keywords from the job description to align with ATS scanning.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble a comprehensive portfolio showcasing your key civil engineering and construction projects. Ensure it clearly articulates your role, the processes you managed, challenges overcome, and quantifiable results, with a strong emphasis on operational aspects.

• Research SRT Marine Systems: Understand the company's mission, its role in maritime surveillance technology, and its global impact. Familiarize yourself with their values and the types of projects they undertake.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare detailed answers to potential interview questions, focusing on demonstrating your operational approach to design management, problem-solving skills, and ability to work in a dynamic, international environment. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and effectively.

⚠️ 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.