Design Manager – Construction / Civils

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager – Construction / Civils

Company: SRT Marine Systems plc

Location: Bristol, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction & Civil Engineering Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-30

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the design process for construction and civil engineering projects, ensuring adherence to international marine surveillance technology and systems standards.

• Drive a "Safety by Design" approach, integrating CDM regulations and all relevant legal/regulatory requirements into the design lifecycle.

• Collaborate extensively with customers, project teams, internal stakeholders, and subcontractors to deliver safe, suitable, and effective scope of works.

• Oversee technical quality assurance, provide design approvals, and contribute expertise to the tender process for complex, long-term national integration projects.

• Support the advancement of engineering design delivery, focusing on team upskilling and the optimal use of design software and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for SRT Marine Systems' global expansion, requiring a proactive Design Manager who can bridge the gap between advanced marine surveillance technology and the physical infrastructure required for its implementation. The emphasis on international projects and up to 75% global travel indicates a need for adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Drive a Safety by Design approach for all construction and civil projects, embedding safety considerations from the initial concept through to detailed design.

• Ensure design processes are rigorously reviewed, clearly communicated, and consistently implemented across all projects, establishing appropriate exception processes when necessary.

• Lead and meticulously review various civil project designs, including but not limited to reinforced concrete design and detailing, site design and enablement, land development, drainage systems, and building/structure installation.

• Maintain strict compliance with CDM regulations and all other legal and regulatory requirements pertinent to the nature of the designs being developed.

• Undertake comprehensive technical quality assurance reviews and provide formal design approval as required, ensuring designs meet both client specifications and internal quality standards.

• Assist in the management of the tender process by understanding and interpreting scopes of work, providing expert advice, and contributing to robust proposals.

• Develop and implement policies, processes, and procedures to foster the continual improvement and efficiency of the design teams.

• Where appropriate and project-dependent, act as Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE) or equivalent, taking direct responsibility for design sign-off.

• Support the advancement of engineering design delivery for the teams, with a particular focus on upskilling team members and promoting the effective use of design software.

• Contribute to the development and updating of design aids and computer programs, assisting in the analysis of new design concepts and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design leadership, project management, and regulatory compliance. The mention of "national integration of our systems" suggests a need to understand large-scale infrastructure projects and how civil works support complex technological deployments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Degree level education or equivalent with formal training in civil engineering and/or geotechnical engineering.

Experience: Strong, proven experience in the civil engineering industry, with a demonstrable track record in the management and design of civil or geotechnical engineering works.

Required Skills:

• Civil Engineering Design Principles

• Geotechnical Engineering Fundamentals

• Design Management and Leadership

• CDM Regulations Compliance

• Technical Quality Assurance and Review

• Reinforced Concrete Design and Detailing

• Site Design and Enablement Planning

• Land Development Processes

• Drainage System Design

• Tender Process Management and Interpretation

• IT Proficiency: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, CAD Software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D)

• Excellent Communication Skills: Ability to adjust communication style for diverse customer and stakeholder groups. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in civil design for communication towers, data centres, or similar infrastructure.

• Familiarity with international design standards and practices.

• Experience acting as a Contractor Design Approval Engineer (CDAE) or equivalent.

• Understanding of marine or defence sector infrastructure requirements.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies and software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for experience with communication towers and data centres, alongside international design knowledge, strongly suggests the company's systems are deployed in environments requiring robust infrastructure, potentially including remote or specialized locations. The explicit mention of CAD and Microsoft Office indicates a foundational technical requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 complex civil engineering design projects managed from inception to completion, demonstrating leadership and technical oversight.

• Include examples of detailed design documentation, such as structural drawings, site layouts, drainage plans, and reinforced concrete designs, with clear annotations.

• Present case studies highlighting successful implementation of "Safety by Design" principles and adherence to CDM regulations.

• Provide evidence of process improvement initiatives within design teams, detailing the problem, solution, and measurable outcomes.

• Include examples of technical quality assurance reviews conducted and design approval processes managed. Process Documentation:

• Documented workflows for design review and approval cycles, illustrating stages and responsibilities.

• Examples of process documentation for managing design exceptions and deviations.

• Methodologies for integrating customer requirements and site-specific conditions into the design process.

• Frameworks for managing subcontractors and external design consultants.

• Procedures for ensuring compliance with international standards and local regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is critical. It should not just display final designs but also the candidate's process, problem-solving abilities, and leadership in managing complex technical projects and teams. Demonstrating an understanding of project lifecycles and regulatory frameworks is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £55,000 - £75,000 per annum (Estimate based on UK market rates for Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in civil engineering, considering the hybrid work model and significant travel requirements. Actual salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.)

Benefits:

• Private healthcare package, offering comprehensive medical coverage.

• Highly Competitive Salary, reflecting the specialized skills and responsibilities of the role.

• 25 days annual leave, rising to 28 days with service, providing ample opportunity for rest and personal time.

• Real individual development opportunities, including training, professional development, and potential for career advancement within SRT Marine Systems.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid working. Standard business hours are expected, with potential for extended hours to meet project deadlines, especially given the significant travel component.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on typical industry benchmarks for a Design Manager in the UK with the specified experience level and responsibilities, factoring in the specialized nature of the company and the travel demands. Benefits are as stated in the job description, with emphasis on aspects attractive to experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marine Surveillance Technology & Systems, Defence, Maritime Security. SRT Marine Systems operates at the cutting edge of maritime domain awareness, providing advanced technological solutions for global security, safety, and environmental protection. This industry context means a focus on high-stakes projects, stringent quality requirements, and often, long-term client relationships with governmental bodies.

Company Size: SRT Marine Systems plc is a multi-national company, suggesting a medium to large enterprise structure with established processes and a global footprint. This size typically allows for significant resources and investment in R&D and project execution, while maintaining a degree of agility.

Founded: SRT Marine Systems plc is an established company, implying a stable operational history and a wealth of experience in its domain. This foundation provides a strong base for innovation and ambitious growth strategies.

Team Structure:

• The Design team likely consists of specialized engineers (civil, structural, geotechnical, electrical, software) who collaborate closely.

• The Design Manager will report into a senior engineering or project management lead, with direct oversight of design engineers and potentially external consultants.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving project managers, procurement, sales, and directly with international customers and local implementation partners. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, especially in a technology-focused company.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are core to managing complex, multi-phase projects.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed to streamline design processes and enhance project delivery speed and accuracy.

Company Website: https://srtmarine.bamboohr.com/careers

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on marine surveillance technology implies a culture that values precision, reliability, and innovation. The international scope and governmental clients suggest a need for professionalism, discretion, and adherence to rigorous standards.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the engineering and design function, specifically focusing on the civil and construction aspects required to deploy SRT's advanced systems. It requires a blend of technical expertise, project leadership, and strategic thinking to ensure infrastructure effectively supports technological implementation.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Head of Engineering, Director of Projects, or a similar senior leadership role within the technical or project delivery division. They will manage a team of civil and construction design engineers, collaborating closely with project managers and other discipline leads.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts the successful deployment and operational effectiveness of SRT's marine surveillance systems globally. Their designs are foundational to the physical integration of these technologies, influencing project timelines, costs, safety, and long-term system reliability. Effective design management directly contributes to customer satisfaction and SRT's reputation for delivering robust, mission-critical solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to lead larger, more complex international infrastructure projects, taking on greater budgetary and team management responsibilities.

• Industry Specialization: Deepen expertise in specialized civil design for defence, maritime, or critical infrastructure sectors, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.

• Leadership Potential: Transition into broader project management roles, program management, or senior engineering leadership positions within SRT Marine Systems.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Opportunities to gain exposure to the technical aspects of SRT's surveillance systems, broadening understanding of the complete solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "national integration of our systems" and "long-term initiative, implemented in phases" points to significant project complexity and the need for strategic, long-term thinking from the Design Manager. Growth paths will likely involve increasing scope and strategic influence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Bristol with flexibility for Hybrid working. This suggests a modern office environment designed to support both focused individual work and collaborative team sessions. The hybrid model indicates trust and a focus on output rather than strict office presence.

Office Location(s): Bristol, BS1 6BX, United Kingdom. This location is a major city with good transport links, likely offering a professional and accessible working environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative workspaces designed to facilitate brainstorming and cross-functional team meetings for project planning and problem-solving.

• Access to necessary design software, hardware, and potentially advanced simulation tools to support complex civil and construction projects.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with project teams, fellow engineers, and management to ensure alignment and address challenges proactively.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours are expected, but the significant travel requirement (up to 75%) means the schedule will be dynamic. This requires adaptability and effective time management to balance office-based tasks, remote work, and international travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model combined with extensive travel suggests a need for strong self-management skills and the ability to maintain productivity regardless of location. The Bristol office likely serves as a hub for strategic planning and team cohesion when not traveling.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and CVs, focusing on core qualifications and experience in civil engineering design and management.

• Technical Interview (Stage 1): A discussion with a hiring manager or senior engineer to assess technical expertise, understanding of civil/geotechnical principles, CDM regulations, and experience with relevant design software. Expect questions on past projects and problem-solving scenarios.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation (Stage 2): A dedicated session to review your submitted portfolio. You will be expected to walk through key projects, explaining your role, design challenges, solutions, and the outcomes achieved, particularly highlighting your management and "Safety by Design" contributions.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview (Stage 3): Meeting with potential team members and other stakeholders to assess collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and alignment with SRT Marine Systems' values and culture. This may include scenario-based questions related to managing teams and dealing with international clients.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision, potentially focusing on strategic alignment and long-term vision for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your leadership in civil/construction design, your experience with complex infrastructure, and your adherence to safety and regulatory standards.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the scope, your specific contributions, the challenges faced, how you applied "Safety by Design" and CDM principles, and the measurable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, safety improvements, design quality).

• Demonstrate Process: Don't just show final drawings. Explain your design methodology, how you managed the team, collaborated with stakeholders, and handled technical queries or design changes.

• Highlight International Context: If possible, include examples of projects with international considerations, demonstrating adaptability to different regulatory environments or site conditions.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss any aspect of your portfolio in detail, including technical decisions, team dynamics, and conflict resolution.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions assessing your approach to design challenges, team management, and client interactions, especially in a global context.

• Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely.

• Research SRT Marine Systems' projects, values, and the broader maritime surveillance industry to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on CDM regulations and "Safety by Design" suggests that technical rigor and a proactive approach to risk management will be heavily scrutinized. A portfolio that clearly demonstrates these aspects will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit (for BIM integration if applicable), or similar platforms for detailed design and drafting of civil and structural elements.

• Design & Analysis Software: Experience with specialized civil/geotechnical engineering analysis software (e.g., STAAD.Pro, SAP2000, PLAXIS, GeoStudio) for structural calculations, finite element analysis, and soil mechanics.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or Primavera P6 for project planning, scheduling, and tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, financial modeling related to project costs, and generating reports.

• Business Intelligence Tools (Potential): While not explicitly stated, familiarity with BI tools like Power BI or Tableau could be beneficial for reporting on project progress and team performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP/MRP Systems (Potential): While likely managed by other departments, an understanding of how design integrates with procurement and project execution systems (like SAP, Oracle) might be advantageous.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for managing large volumes of technical documentation, drawings, and revisions (e.g., SharePoint, specific PDM/PLM systems).

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of CAD and Microsoft Office is foundational. Given the nature of civil/construction design, specialized engineering analysis software is almost certainly a requirement, and familiarity with project management tools is essential for a management role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to "Safety by Design," ensuring all projects prioritize the well-being of personnel and the public.

• Technical Excellence: A dedication to high-quality engineering, precision, and innovation in design solutions.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where cross-functional cooperation and knowledge sharing are encouraged.

• Customer Focus: A drive to understand and meet customer needs, delivering reliable and effective solutions that support their critical operations.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding the highest ethical standards and ensuring strict adherence to all legal and regulatory requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open dialogue and regular updates between design teams, project managers, and international clients.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture where feedback is valued and used for continuous improvement of designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise are shared across the team and wider organization.

• Problem-Solving Orientation: A collective approach to identifying and resolving design and project challenges efficiently and effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: SRT Marine Systems' focus on critical infrastructure and international security implies a culture that values reliability, precision, and a strong sense of responsibility. The emphasis on "Safety by Design" is a key cultural indicator.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Global Standards with Local Regulations: Navigating diverse international building codes, environmental laws, and CDM-equivalent regulations across different project locations.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively communicating complex technical designs and managing expectations of international clients, who may have varying levels of technical understanding or different operational priorities.

• Integrating Advanced Technology with Infrastructure: Ensuring civil designs seamlessly support the deployment and long-term operational integrity of SRT's sophisticated marine surveillance systems.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of advancements in civil engineering design tools, materials, and construction methodologies, as well as SRT's own evolving technology.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to advanced training in geotechnical engineering, structural analysis, or specific international design codes relevant to SRT's global projects.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend leading civil engineering and maritime technology conferences to network and stay updated on industry trends.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior engineering leaders within SRT, fostering career growth and leadership development.

• Project Leadership: Taking on increasingly complex and strategic projects, offering hands-on experience in managing large-scale international infrastructure deployments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The significant travel requirement (up to 75%) and international project scope are defining characteristics of this role's challenges and growth potential. Success will depend on adaptability and cross-cultural competence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a significant civil engineering design project from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, how did you ensure safety by design, and what was the ultimate outcome?" (Focus on project lifecycle, safety, leadership, and results.)

• "How would you approach developing a civil design for a new system deployment in a region with unfamiliar building codes and environmental regulations? How would you ensure compliance and manage risks?" (Assess adaptability, research skills, and risk management.)

• "Walk me through your process for managing a team of civil design engineers, especially when dealing with tight deadlines and high-stakes projects. How do you foster collaboration and ensure quality?" (Evaluate leadership, team management, and process efficiency.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about SRT Marine Systems and its role in maritime surveillance technology?" (Demonstrate research into the company's mission and market.)

• "How do you see the 'Safety by Design' principle being applied in the context of deploying complex technological systems within civil infrastructure?" (Showcase understanding of the company's core values and their application.)

• "Given the international nature of our projects, how do you approach collaborating with diverse teams and clients across different cultures?" (Assess cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio example, clearly outline the problem, your approach/solution, your specific role and responsibilities, the tools/methodologies used, the challenges overcome (especially safety and regulatory), and the quantifiable results.

• Highlight Key Deliverables: Be ready to showcase specific drawings, reports, or analyses that exemplify your technical capabilities and management oversight.

• Emphasize Process & Impact: Focus not just on the final design, but on the process, how you managed it, and the tangible impact it had on project success, safety, and efficiency.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, calculations, and reasoning behind specific engineering decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely probe deeply into your technical expertise in civil/geotechnical engineering, your understanding of regulatory frameworks like CDM, and your ability to manage complex projects and teams in an international, technology-driven environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager – Construction / Civils position:

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

• Curate Your CV: Tailor your resume to highlight direct experience in civil/geotechnical design management, CDM compliance, "Safety by Design" implementation, and any relevant international project experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble a comprehensive portfolio showcasing 2-3 key civil engineering projects. Ensure it includes detailed design examples, process documentation, and clear articulation of your role, challenges, and successful outcomes, especially regarding safety and regulatory compliance.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio, focusing on clear, concise explanations of your technical decisions, management approach, and the impact of your work. Be ready to answer in-depth technical questions.

• Research SRT Marine Systems: Familiarize yourself with SRT's mission, products, and the maritime surveillance industry to articulate your motivations for joining the company and how your skills align with their strategic goals.

⚠️ 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.