Design Manager - Infrastructure & Highway Projects

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Infrastructure & Highway Projects

Company: WSP

Location: Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Infrastructure & Highway Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-18T12:08:56

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and technical delivery of complex infrastructure and highway projects from conception through to completion, ensuring alignment with client expectations and business objectives.

• Coordinate and manage multidisciplinary design teams, fostering collaboration to achieve program, quality, and financial targets.

• Uphold rigorous adherence to Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality standards, including CDM 2015, DMRB, MCDHW, and other relevant statutory and contractual requirements.

• Drive innovation in sustainability and carbon reduction throughout the project lifecycle, identifying opportunities for value enhancement.

• Provide technical leadership and strategic guidance on project controls, risk management, and financial performance to ensure successful project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within a retained service contract, implying a long-term collaborative relationship with Shropshire Council and partners like Kier. The "Design Manager" title in this context strongly points towards a Revenue or Project Operations focus, emphasizing the management of project delivery pipelines, resource allocation, and stakeholder alignment rather than pure product design. The emphasis on contract administration (NEC4) and compliance further solidifies this operations-centric view.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Accountable for the planning, coordination, and control of all multidisciplinary design activities for infrastructure projects.

• Develop and manage design delivery plans, tracking progress against agreed milestones and ensuring timely completion.

• Conduct and lead technical reviews, design assurance activities, and robust quality control processes.

• Effectively manage technical resources to meet demanding project timescales and budgets, optimizing allocation and utilization.

• Oversee BIM-compliant preliminary and detailed design delivery, including the management of information processes.

• Support NEC4 contract administration, providing expert advice on design implications for compensation events, changes, and risk matters.

• Proactively identify and implement opportunities to add value, enhance sustainability outcomes, and reduce carbon footprint across project lifecycles.

• Manage complex interfaces between various engineering disciplines, partner organizations, suppliers, and contractors to ensure seamless project execution.

• Apply a structured, risk-based approach to project delivery, mitigating potential issues before they impact timelines or budgets.

• Mentor and support technical teams, cultivating an inclusive and collaborative culture that encourages professional growth and knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a strong focus on project lifecycle management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder coordination, all critical components of effective Revenue Operations and Project Operations. The emphasis on "adding value," "improving sustainability," and "reducing carbon" indicates a strategic operational perspective focused on long-term efficiency and impact.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field) or equivalent practical experience.

• Professional accreditation or chartership (e.g., CEng, IEng) with a relevant professional body is highly desirable. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in leading the design and technical delivery of complex highway and infrastructure projects from conception through to completion.

• Proven track record in planning, coordinating, and managing multidisciplinary design teams to achieve stringent program, quality, and financial objectives.

• Demonstrated experience in managing technical resources effectively to meet demanding project timescales and budgets.

• Extensive experience in developing design delivery plans and rigorously managing progress against agreed milestones.

• Significant experience in leading technical reviews, design assurance activities, and quality control processes. Required Skills:

• Expertise in leading multidisciplinary design teams for complex highway and infrastructure projects.

• Proficient in planning, coordinating, and managing design delivery to meet program, quality, and financial objectives.

• Strong working knowledge of Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality requirements, specifically CDM 2015.

• In-depth understanding of DMRB, MCDHW, and other relevant statutory and contractual requirements for highway design.

• Experience with BIM-compliant design delivery and information management processes.

• Competency in supporting NEC4 contract administration and advising on design-related contractual matters.

• Sound knowledge of project controls, programming, risk management, and project financial performance monitoring.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, contractors, and internal teams.

• Proven ability to apply a structured, risk-based approach to project delivery. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in mentoring and developing technical teams, fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture.

• Knowledge of sustainability best practices and carbon reduction strategies in infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with supporting partner organizations and suppliers in a collaborative project environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level of "10+" years and the specific technical requirements like CDM 2015 and DMRB indicate a senior-level operations role. The emphasis on "managing technical resources" and "project financial performance" aligns with critical operations functions of resource optimization and budget control. The preference for mentoring suggests a leadership component within the operations team.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case studies demonstrating successful leadership of complex highway and infrastructure projects from concept to completion, highlighting personal contribution to design strategy and delivery.

• Evidence of managing multidisciplinary design teams, showcasing your approach to coordination, resource allocation, and performance management.

• Examples of design delivery plans, progress tracking mechanisms, and how you ensured adherence to program and quality objectives.

• Documentation or descriptions of technical review, design assurance, and quality control processes you have implemented or managed.

• Demonstrations of BIM-compliant design delivery, including information management processes and outputs. Process Documentation:

• Detailed examples of your approach to developing and managing design delivery plans, including risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

• Illustrative examples of how you have managed interfaces between disciplines, partner organizations, and contractors to ensure seamless project execution.

• Case studies that showcase your ability to identify and implement opportunities for adding value, improving sustainability outcomes, and reducing carbon throughout the project lifecycle.

• Documentation on your experience with supporting NEC4 contract administration, specifically detailing how you advised on design implications for compensation events and risk matters.

• Examples of how you have applied a structured, risk-based approach to project delivery, including problem-solving scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements for a portfolio focused on project delivery, team management, process implementation, and risk mitigation are standard for senior operations roles. This section emphasizes demonstrating practical application of project management methodologies and systems thinking, crucial for evaluating an operations candidate's capability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the senior nature of this role, the extensive experience required (10+ years), and the location in Shrewsbury, UK, the estimated annual salary range for a Design Manager in Infrastructure & Highway Projects is likely to be between £60,000 and £85,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the UK engineering and construction sector, considering factors such as project complexity, team management responsibilities, and the specific demands of a long-term council contract.

Benefits:

• Hybrid working policy, offering flexibility with a blend of home and office-based work.

• Virtual GP service for convenient and quick medical advice.

• Gymflex scheme providing discounts on gym memberships.

• Comprehensive menopause support package.

• "WSP My Hour" initiative, allowing one hour daily for personal activities.

• Flexible working arrangements and the option to purchase additional leave.

• Support for professional development, including training, mentoring, and assistance with Chartership.

• Access to a global network of professionals and opportunities for career advancement within WSP.

• Contribution to landmark projects that have a positive, long-lasting impact on communities. Working Hours:

The role is based on a standard 40-hour work week. WSP offers flexible working arrangements, including the "WSP My Hour" initiative, which allows for personal time during the workday, with flexibility to make up the time. The hybrid working policy typically involves 2 days of remote work and 3 days in the office per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on typical UK market rates for experienced Design Managers in the infrastructure sector, factoring in the seniority and specialized knowledge required. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting WSP's commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, which are important considerations for operations professionals seeking stability and support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering and Professional Services, specifically focusing on infrastructure development and management. WSP operates globally, providing a wide range of consulting and engineering services.

Company Size: WSP is a large, multinational organization with over 80,000 employees globally and over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland. This size offers significant resources, diverse project opportunities, and a broad professional network.

Founded: WSP was founded in 1880, indicating a long-standing history and established presence in the engineering and professional services sector.

Team Structure:

• The Shrewsbury-based team comprises approximately 65 professionals, working across multi-asset teams to deliver a range of infrastructure projects.

• The structure facilitates cross-asset support, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing among specialists.

• Reporting lines are likely to be within a divisional or project-based hierarchy, with the Design Manager reporting to a senior project manager or divisional head. Methodology:

• WSP emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with clients like Shropshire Council and partners such as Kier, as part of the "Shropshire Alliance."

• Data analysis and insights are crucial for informed decision-making in project planning, risk assessment, and performance monitoring.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are integral to managing complex design processes and ensuring efficient project delivery.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed where applicable to streamline design workflows and project management tasks.

Company Website: https://www.wsp.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: WSP's global scale and long history suggest a stable yet innovative work environment. The collaborative model with Shropshire Council and Kier highlights a strong partnership-driven approach, which is a key aspect of operations in public sector contracts. The team structure emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, a hallmark of effective GTM and project operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level operations role, designated as a Design Manager. It involves significant responsibility for the technical and design aspects of major infrastructure projects, requiring extensive experience and leadership capabilities. The role is crucial for ensuring the successful operational delivery of projects within contractual and client expectations.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will be an integral part of the Shrewsbury-based team of approximately 65 people. They will likely report to a senior Project Manager or Programme Manager, overseeing the design and technical delivery workstreams. Collaboration will extend to Project Managers, discipline leads, clients (Shropshire Council), and supply chain partners (Kier).

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's influence is directly tied to the successful, efficient, and compliant delivery of infrastructure projects. Their ability to manage design processes, mitigate risks, and ensure quality directly impacts project timelines, budgets, client satisfaction, and WSP's reputation. They are key to translating strategic project goals into actionable design and technical execution plans.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Leadership: Potential to advance into roles such as Programme Design Manager, Head of Design, or Project Director, managing larger and more complex project portfolios or entire service contracts.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like BIM, sustainability in infrastructure, or advanced contract management within the operations framework.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop leadership and coaching skills by mentoring junior engineers and design staff, contributing to the development of the next generation of operations professionals.

• Chartership Support: WSP actively supports Chartership, providing a structured path for professional development and recognition in relevant engineering disciplines.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunities to work on diverse infrastructure projects across different sectors or geographical regions within WSP, broadening operational experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Design Manager" role in this context is a critical operational function, focusing on the process and execution of project delivery. The growth path clearly indicates opportunities for advancement within operations management, highlighting a career trajectory that values strategic oversight and process optimization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role involves a hybrid working arrangement, combining remote work with time spent in a modern office environment in Shrewsbury. This setup aims to balance focused individual work with collaborative team interaction.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is in Shrewsbury, Shropshire (SY2 5DE), described as a historic market town offering a good quality of life with amenities like independent shops, restaurants, and riverside walks.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The Shrewsbury office is designed to foster collaboration among the approximately 65 team members, facilitating cross-disciplinary support and knowledge sharing.

• Operations Tools & Technology: While specific tools aren't detailed, it's expected that the workspace will be equipped with standard engineering design software, project management platforms, and communication tools necessary for hybrid and multidisciplinary work. BIM compliance suggests advanced digital tools will be in use.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model encourages intentional interaction during office days, allowing for team meetings, design reviews, and informal knowledge exchange vital for complex project operations.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 per week. The hybrid policy and "WSP My Hour" initiative provide significant flexibility, allowing operations professionals to manage their time effectively to balance project demands with personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key aspect of modern operations roles, requiring strong self-management and communication skills. The emphasis on a "historic market town" setting suggests a potentially high quality of life for employees, which can be a significant factor in attracting and retaining talent in operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with essential experience and qualifications, particularly regarding complex infrastructure projects and team leadership.

• Technical Interview: Likely to involve detailed discussions about your experience in design management, contract administration (NEC4), CDM 2015 compliance, and BIM processes. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and your role in them.

• Portfolio Presentation: A session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your process for managing design, mitigating risks, and achieving project objectives. Focus on quantifiable outcomes and your strategic approach.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members and senior management to assess your collaborative style, leadership approach, and alignment with WSP's values and the "Shropshire Alliance" working culture.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, career aspirations, and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 strong projects that best showcase your leadership in complex highway and infrastructure design. Ensure these highlight your direct involvement in planning, coordination, risk management, and successful delivery.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the design challenges, your operational approach (planning, coordination, risk mitigation), the systems/tools used (BIM, NEC4), and the quantifiable outcomes (program adherence, budget performance, safety compliance, sustainability improvements).

• Highlight Team Management: Demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams. Provide examples of how you fostered collaboration and resolved interdisciplinary conflicts.

• Emphasize Compliance: Explicitly show how you ensured adherence to CDM 2015, DMRB, and other relevant standards.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio presentation logically, perhaps chronologically or by project type, with clear headings and concise explanations. Use visuals where appropriate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions that present hypothetical project scenarios (e.g., a design delay, a budget overrun, a stakeholder dispute) and ask how you would manage them from a design and operations perspective.

• Process Design: You might be asked to outline your approach to developing a design delivery plan for a specific type of infrastructure project or how you would implement a new BIM standard.

• Risk Assessment: Prepare to discuss how you identify, assess, and mitigate design and project delivery risks.

• NEC4 Contract Understanding: Be ready to discuss how you would interpret and advise on design-related clauses within an NEC4 contract.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application and demonstrable experience, typical for senior operations roles. The portfolio review is critical, requiring candidates to showcase their process-driven approach and impact, not just their technical skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Likely to include platforms for scheduling, task management, resource allocation, and progress tracking (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com).

• Design & Engineering Software: Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) and potentially 3D modeling tools.

• BIM Software: Experience with BIM platforms and information management tools (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, Bentley Systems products) is essential given the requirement for BIM-compliant delivery.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools for communication and document sharing in a hybrid environment (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with tools for analyzing project performance data, identifying trends, and generating reports (e.g., Microsoft Excel advanced functions, Power BI for dashboarding).

• Reporting Tools: Experience in creating clear, concise reports for stakeholders on project progress, risks, and financial status.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not a direct sales role, understanding how client interactions are managed and how project pipelines are tracked within a CRM context may be beneficial for client management.

• Automation Tools: Awareness of potential automation opportunities within design workflows or project administration to improve efficiency.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different software systems (e.g., design, project management, financial) can be integrated to ensure data consistency and streamline operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the nature of infrastructure design and project management, coupled with BIM requirements, points to a technology-rich environment. Proficiency in project management, BIM, and data analysis tools is crucial for effective operations management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all project dealings, contract administration, and stakeholder interactions.

• Collaboration: Fostering a strong "Shropshire Alliance" spirit, working seamlessly with internal teams, clients, and partners to achieve shared project goals.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to design, sustainability, and process efficiency within the project lifecycle.

• Inclusion & Belonging: Promoting a diverse and inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and respected, contributing their authentic selves to WSP's global mission.

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, fast-paced outcomes that meet client expectations and contribute positively to communities.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Working closely with Shropshire Council and Kier as part of the Shropshire Alliance, emphasizing shared objectives and open communication.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with various engineering disciplines, project managers, and commercial teams to ensure holistic project success.

• Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback loops to continuously improve design processes, project execution, and team performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise are shared openly among team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: WSP's stated values of integrity, collaboration, innovation, inclusion, and excellence are fundamental to how operations are conducted. The emphasis on the "Shropshire Alliance" highlights a specific collaborative model that candidates should understand and be prepared to engage with.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interdependencies: Coordinating multiple engineering disciplines, external partners, and client requirements on large-scale infrastructure projects can be challenging.

• Balancing Project Demands with Flexibility: Effectively managing a hybrid work schedule while ensuring seamless project delivery and team cohesion requires strong organizational and communication skills.

• Driving Sustainability and Carbon Reduction: Integrating these critical goals into project design and execution, often requiring innovative solutions and stakeholder buy-in.

• Adapting to Evolving Standards and Technologies: Staying current with advancements in BIM, engineering techniques, and regulatory requirements (e.g., CDM updates) is an ongoing challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Skills: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as advanced BIM implementation, sustainable infrastructure design, or complex contract law.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to enhance leadership and team management capabilities through formal training, mentorship programs, and taking on greater responsibilities within project teams.

• Chartership and Professional Accreditation: WSP's commitment to supporting Chartership provides a structured path for career advancement and professional recognition.

• Industry Exposure: Access to a wide range of projects, from major schemes to strategic planning, allows for broad exposure to different operational challenges and solutions within the infrastructure sector.

• Global Network: Engaging with WSP's international network of professionals can provide insights into global best practices and innovative approaches to infrastructure design and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Recognizing potential challenges and understanding the growth pathways are crucial for candidates to assess the long-term viability and developmental potential of the role within WSP's operations framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a multidisciplinary design team on a complex highway project. How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration, especially within a hybrid work model?" (Focus on team management, communication strategies, and hybrid work adaptation).

• "Walk me through a time you had to manage a significant design challenge or risk on an infrastructure project. What was your process, what actions did you take, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight problem-solving, risk mitigation, and process execution).

• "How would you ensure compliance with CDM 2015 and other relevant regulations throughout the design lifecycle of a project for Shropshire Council?" (Demonstrate understanding of regulatory frameworks and operational control).

• "Explain your experience with NEC4 contracts, specifically how you've advised on design implications for compensation events or programme changes." (Showcase contract administration expertise). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about WSP, and specifically this role within the Shropshire Alliance?" (Research WSP's mission, values, and recent projects; understand the collaborative nature of the alliance).

• "How do you foster an inclusive and collaborative team culture, particularly in a hybrid environment?" (Align your answer with WSP's stated values of inclusion and belonging).

• "Describe your experience working with local authority clients or in public sector project environments." (Highlight client management and understanding of public sector operational nuances). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each case study, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your strategic operational approach, the specific actions you took, and the measurable results.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the success of your design management and operational strategies (e.g., % reduction in design iterations, adherence to budget, safety incident rates).

• Highlight Process Ownership: Clearly articulate the processes you implemented or managed (e.g., design review protocols, risk management frameworks, BIM information workflows).

• Showcase Collaboration: Explain how you worked with diverse stakeholders and managed interdisciplinary interfaces.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice your presentation to ensure it's clear, impactful, and within the allocated time. Be prepared for in-depth follow-up questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for these types of questions requires candidates to draw upon their specific project experiences and articulate their operational methodologies, demonstrating how they translate strategic goals into tangible project outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link.

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your extensive experience (10+ years) in leading complex infrastructure and highway projects, emphasizing your responsibilities in design management, multidisciplinary team leadership, and contract administration (NEC4, CDM 2015). Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 key projects that best showcase your leadership in design and technical delivery. Focus on demonstrating your process for planning, coordination, risk management, and achieving project success. Be ready to present specific examples of your approach to BIM, sustainability, and compliance.

• Research WSP & the Shropshire Alliance: Understand WSP's global mission, values, and UK operations. Familiarize yourself with the concept of the "Shropshire Alliance" and the collaborative nature of working with Shropshire Council and Kier.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare to answer strategy-based questions about your operational approach to project delivery, team management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement, especially in a hybrid work context. Rehearse your portfolio presentation for clarity and impact.

⚠️ 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.

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