Design Manager - Infrastructure

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Infrastructure

Company: Turner & Townsend

Location: Dublin, Ireland

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Infrastructure Design Management / Project Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-07

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate diverse technical design disciplines to ensure integrated and optimal infrastructure project delivery.

• Oversee the entire design lifecycle, from planning and programming to control and assurance, ensuring adherence to project scope and technical authority requirements.

• Facilitate seamless procurement of major infrastructure contracts by ensuring effective communication and decision-making within the technical team, while considering interdependencies with other core contracts.

• Guarantee that detailed designs for infrastructure contracts are comprehensive, compliant with reference designs, and incorporate all operational requirements and stakeholder considerations.

• Drive the identification, assessment, and mitigation of project risks, ensuring timely closure of detailed design processes and maintaining a high-performance culture focused on quality and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Design Manager - Infrastructure at Turner & Townsend is a senior position requiring extensive experience in rail engineering and design leadership. This role is critical in ensuring the successful technical delivery of complex infrastructure projects, emphasizing integration, compliance, and risk management. The focus is on managing the design process from inception through to construction, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with internal teams, contractors, and external stakeholders.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate the input from all technical design disciplines to ensure delivery is fully integrated and optimal.

• Manage the planning, programming, controlling, and assuring of the design content for major infrastructure contracts.

• Collaborate with package leads to ensure effective communication and decision-making within the technical team, enabling successful procurement and considering design interdependencies.

• Ensure that designs for main infrastructure contracts are sufficiently detailed and comply with the reference design, incorporating operational requirements and stakeholder feedback.

• Coordinate the design process and the collation of design information relating to key areas, ensuring alignment with scheme architects and operations advisors.

• Work closely with the rail safety coordination team to prepare necessary documentation for railway regulation and other safety processes.

• Assist in establishing and maintaining strong quality management systems for the design process, fostering a high-performance culture through adherence to quality standards for tests, inspections, and design evaluations.

• Track and manage design progress, issue progress reports, and prepare design and program risk assessment reports, including the collection of design assumptions and certificates.

• Identify potential risks, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure the timely closure of the detailed design process.

• Continuously review construction techniques, technological developments, and contract specification requirements to ensure cost-effective quality products.

• Provide support in monitoring and managing design changes in accordance with project change management procedures.

• Assist in the preparation of design-related presentations, reports, and schedules.

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on management role with significant oversight of the design process for rail infrastructure. The emphasis on coordination, assurance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement points to a need for strong leadership and technical expertise. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to quality and safety within a complex project environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Degree (or equivalent) in an engineering discipline (e.g., Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering).

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of comprehensive experience in a rail engineering environment.

• Proven track record of leading a small team of discipline engineers through the design, construction, and integration phases of major projects.

• Extensive experience managing Design-Build (DB) contractors to deliver system and sub-system specifications that align with customer requirements.

• Demonstrated experience in managing design resources and overseeing deliverable outputs effectively.

• Proficient in implementing and managing project controls, including reporting and progress tracking.

• Experience with the full systems engineering lifecycle, from design and development through production, integration, verification, validation, and acceptance. Required Skills:

• Strong knowledge of relevant engineering specifications and international standards, including IS, BS, EN, and NFPA.

• Familiarity with related civil, structural, and temporary works activities.

• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams to produce coherent specifications and interface documentation.

• Expertise in engaging with and managing relationships with diverse stakeholders, including clients, regulatory bodies, and internal teams.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear and consistent dialogue.

• Proven expertise in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project-related risks.

• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to govern and drive outcomes to ensure high-quality service delivery.

• Understanding of railway systems, including design, operations, and safety standards.

• Experience in quality assurance processes to ensure project deliverables meet required standards.

• Flexibility to adapt to changing project requirements and environments.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and relate to both technical and non-technical individuals and groups. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific railway signaling, power, or track systems.

• Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modeling) and its application in infrastructure design.

• Knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., Prince2, PMI).

• Experience in sustainability and Net Zero initiatives within infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical engineering expertise, leadership capabilities, and strong project management acumen. The 10+ years of experience in rail engineering is a significant requirement, underscoring the need for deep domain knowledge. The emphasis on managing Design-Build contractors and navigating the systems engineering lifecycle highlights the complexity and critical nature of this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of integrated design management, demonstrating coordination across multiple engineering disciplines (e.g., civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, signaling).

• Present case studies of managing Design-Build contractors, highlighting how you ensured specifications met customer needs and managed deliverable outputs.

• Include documentation or descriptions of systems engineering lifecycle activities managed, from initial design through to acceptance and integration.

• Provide examples of project controls implementation, including reporting mechanisms, progress tracking, and risk assessment reports for infrastructure projects. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to planning, programming, controlling, and assuring design content for major infrastructure projects.

• Illustrate your methods for coordinating with stakeholders, including clients, regulatory bodies, and internal teams, to ensure design compliance and integration.

• Present your risk management process, including identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies specifically for infrastructure design phases.

• Document your experience in establishing and maintaining quality management systems for design processes, including adherence to international standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of design management principles within large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in the rail sector, is crucial. The ability to showcase experience managing complex contractual relationships (like Design-Build) and overseeing the entire systems engineering lifecycle will be highly valued. Emphasis should be placed on quantifiable achievements and process-oriented documentation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

For a Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in Dublin, Ireland, the estimated salary range is €70,000 - €95,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in the Irish infrastructure and construction sectors, considering the specific requirements for rail engineering expertise and the cost of living in Dublin.

Benefits:

• Full-time, permanent position offering job security and long-term career prospects.

• Competitive remuneration package, reflecting the seniority and expertise required for the role.

• 8% Pension contribution, providing strong financial planning for the future.

• 25 days of Annual Leave (comprising 23 standard days plus 2 additional company days), promoting work-life balance and employee well-being.

• Significant opportunities for career development, both within Ireland and on a global scale within Turner & Townsend's extensive network.

• Access to impactful and innovative projects, offering professional growth and exposure to cutting-edge infrastructure development.

• A diverse and collaborative working environment with talented colleagues.

• Promotion of a healthy, productive, and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance. Working Hours:

Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with the flexibility to adapt based on project demands. The company culture promotes a healthy work-life balance, suggesting that while project deadlines are important, a sustainable working rhythm is encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry data for similar roles in Dublin. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits package is comprehensive, emphasizing long-term employee support and professional growth, which are attractive aspects for senior-level operations and management roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Turner & Townsend operates within the professional services sector, specializing in program, project, and cost management for the Real Estate, Infrastructure, and Natural Resources sectors. They are deeply involved in supporting clients in achieving Sustainable Net Zero outcomes.

Company Size: Turner & Townsend is a global organization, majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., which is the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm. This indicates a large, established company with significant resources and a broad international presence. The specific size of the Dublin office or the Infrastructure division may vary, but the parent company's scale implies a robust organizational structure and extensive capabilities.

Founded: Turner & Townsend has a history of 75 years, demonstrating stability, experience, and a long-standing commitment to its clients and the industries it serves. This longevity suggests a deep understanding of project lifecycles and a proven ability to adapt to market changes.

Team Structure:

• The Infrastructure division likely comprises specialized teams focused on various aspects of large-scale projects, including design, project management, cost management, and sustainability.

• The Design Manager will report to a senior leader within the Infrastructure division, potentially a Director or Head of Design, and will lead a team of discipline engineers and potentially other technical specialists.

• Collaboration is key, with the Design Manager expected to work closely with Package Leads, Technical Authority Leads, consultants, contractors, and various internal departments (e.g., safety, commercial, planning). Methodology:

• Turner & Townsend emphasizes a data-driven approach, focusing on making a difference through client outcomes, employee potential, and societal contributions.

• Their methodology likely involves robust project management frameworks, rigorous assurance processes, and a strong focus on sustainability and Net Zero initiatives.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are central to their service delivery, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated to enhance project delivery and client value.

Company Website: www.turnerandtownsend.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is geared towards making a tangible impact, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and client success. The scale of Turner & Townsend, combined with its long history and CBRE's backing, suggests a stable, reputable employer offering significant opportunities for professionals in the infrastructure sector. The focus on Net Zero initiatives is a forward-looking aspect that will appeal to candidates interested in modern construction and development challenges.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior management level within the Design and Infrastructure domain. It requires significant technical expertise (10+ years in rail engineering) coupled with leadership and management capabilities. The Design Manager is responsible for overseeing critical design processes, managing external contractors, and ensuring the technical integrity of major infrastructure contracts. This level implies a degree of autonomy and accountability for significant project outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a senior director or head of department within Turner & Townsend's Infrastructure division. They will be responsible for leading and managing a team of discipline engineers and potentially other technical staff. This structure indicates a blend of individual contribution (through technical oversight) and people management.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is profound, directly influencing the technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, safety, and long-term performance of major infrastructure projects. Their work ensures that designs are not only compliant with standards but also constructible, maintainable, and aligned with the client's strategic objectives, including sustainability and Net Zero goals. Effective design management by this role is crucial for mitigating risks, controlling costs, and ultimately delivering successful projects that benefit society.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: Potential to specialize further in specific infrastructure domains (e.g., rail signaling, power systems, sustainable infrastructure) or advance into broader project director roles.

• Global Mobility: With Turner & Townsend's international presence and CBRE's ownership, there are opportunities for international assignments and exposure to diverse global projects.

• Professional Development: Access to continuous learning, training programs, and potentially support for advanced certifications or further academic pursuits relevant to engineering and project management.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of the next generation of technical leaders within the firm.

• Client Relationship Management: Developing deeper relationships with key clients, potentially leading to business development opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear pathway for career advancement within a leading global firm. The combination of technical depth and management responsibility provides a strong foundation for future leadership roles, both within Turner & Townsend and the broader infrastructure industry. The emphasis on international projects and sustainability initiatives adds further appeal for ambitious professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Dublin and is described as "On-site" within the job details, indicating a primary requirement to work from a Turner & Townsend office location. This environment is typically professional, corporate, and designed to facilitate collaboration among project teams.

Office Location(s): The office is located in Dublin, Ireland. Specific details regarding the exact office address or accessibility would typically be provided during the application process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is expected to support teamwork, with meeting rooms, common areas, and desk spaces designed for interaction among project teams, including engineers, project managers, and client representatives.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard corporate IT infrastructure, project management software, design collaboration tools, and potentially specialized engineering software will be available.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues from various disciplines within the Infrastructure division, fostering knowledge sharing and problem-solving. The role also necessitates significant interaction with external parties (contractors, consultants, stakeholders).

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, likely aligning with typical business hours (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM), totaling approximately 40 hours per week. However, the nature of large infrastructure projects may require occasional flexibility to meet critical deadlines or attend stakeholder meetings outside of standard hours. The company promotes a healthy work-life balance, suggesting that overtime is managed and not the norm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Dublin suggests a traditional office-based role where face-to-face collaboration and access to company resources are prioritized. This environment is suitable for a Design Manager who needs to actively coordinate teams and manage complex project documentation. The emphasis on work-life balance is a positive aspect for professionals seeking a structured yet supportive work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruitment specialist will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the Hiring Manager (likely a senior figure in the Infrastructure team) focusing on your experience, technical skills, and leadership approach. Be prepared to discuss your rail engineering background and design management experience.

• Technical/Panel Interview: This stage may involve a panel of subject matter experts (e.g., other Design Managers, Senior Engineers) who will probe your technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of engineering standards and project controls. You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Director) to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your experience in rail infrastructure design management, particularly involving Design-Build contracts and complex stakeholder environments.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the challenges, your role, the processes you implemented (e.g., design coordination, risk mitigation, contractor management), and the quantifiable outcomes or impact achieved (e.g., on-time delivery, cost savings, risk reduction, compliance achieved).

• Structure Your Case Studies: Use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. For example:

  • Situation: Describe the project, its scope, and the key challenges.
  • Task: Detail your specific responsibilities as Design Manager.
  • Action: Explain the steps you took, the methodologies you applied, and how you managed teams and stakeholders.
  • Result: Quantify the achievements and lessons learned.

• Highlight Technical Compliance: Showcase your understanding and application of relevant engineering standards (IS, BS, EN, NFPA) and railway safety regulations.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss specific design challenges, engineering solutions, and your approach to quality assurance and risk management.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Management Scenario: You might be given a hypothetical scenario involving a design conflict, a contractor delay, or a scope change and asked to outline your approach to resolving it.

• Risk Assessment Exercise: Be prepared to discuss how you would identify and mitigate risks for a specific phase of a rail infrastructure project.

• Stakeholder Engagement Strategy: You may be asked to describe how you would manage communication and resolve conflicts among diverse stakeholders.

• Technical Standards Application: Questions may arise about how you ensure compliance with specific engineering standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely rigorous, reflecting the seniority and critical nature of the Design Manager role. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates your process, impact, and technical expertise, especially in rail infrastructure and Design-Build contexts, will be essential for success. Demonstrating a strong understanding of risk management and stakeholder engagement will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in using platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Asana for team communication and task management.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for storing, organizing, and sharing project documentation (e.g., SharePoint, Aconex).

• CAD/BIM Software: While not necessarily a user, a strong understanding of how CAD (e.g., AutoCAD) and BIM (e.g., Revit) software are utilized in infrastructure design is beneficial for effective coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and interpret progress reports, risk assessments, and performance metrics using standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint).

• Data Analysis: Proficiency in analyzing project data to identify trends, forecast potential issues, and support decision-making.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While less direct for a design role, understanding how client requirements are captured and managed within CRM systems can be advantageous for stakeholder alignment.

• Automation Tools: Awareness of how automation can be applied in project controls, reporting, or design review processes to enhance efficiency.

• Integration Tools: Understanding the importance of integrating design data and project information across different systems to ensure a single source of truth.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool requirements are not explicitly listed, a strong foundation in project management software, collaboration tools, and document management systems is expected for a Design Manager role. Familiarity with the broader technology landscape of engineering and construction, including CAD/BIM, is a significant advantage. The ability to leverage data for reporting and decision-making is also critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Making a Difference: A core value for Turner & Townsend, emphasizing the positive impact of their work on clients, society, and the environment (e.g., Sustainable Net Zero outcomes).

• Commitment, Capability, Care: These principles guide their approach to client delivery, employee development, and professional conduct. Expect a culture that values expertise, dedication, and a supportive attitude.

• Integrity and Trust: Building trust with clients, suppliers, and colleagues is paramount. This translates to transparent communication, ethical conduct, and reliable delivery.

• Innovation and Adaptability: The company encourages finding smarter ways to work and adapting to the evolving challenges of the industry, such as driving sustainable practices and embracing new technologies.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, both internally across disciplines and externally with partners and clients, to achieve shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where Design Managers work closely with project managers, cost consultants, sustainability experts, and other specialists to ensure holistic project delivery.

• Proactive Communication: A culture that encourages open and proactive communication to address issues early, share information effectively, and maintain alignment among all project stakeholders.

• Feedback and Continuous Improvement: An environment that values constructive feedback and fosters a continuous improvement mindset, where processes are regularly reviewed and refined.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Turner & Townsend is built around strong professional values, a commitment to positive impact, and a collaborative ethos. Candidates who align with these values, particularly regarding sustainability, integrity, and teamwork, will likely thrive in this environment. The emphasis on "making a difference" suggests a purpose-driven organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Stakeholder Management: Balancing the needs and expectations of diverse stakeholders, including clients, contractors, regulatory bodies, and internal teams, can be challenging.

• Interdisciplinary Coordination: Ensuring seamless integration and communication between multiple technical design disciplines (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, signaling, etc.) on large infrastructure projects requires robust coordination skills.

• Risk Identification and Mitigation: Proactively identifying and effectively mitigating the numerous risks inherent in large-scale rail infrastructure projects (technical, financial, safety, environmental) is a continuous challenge.

• Adherence to Standards and Regulations: Maintaining strict compliance with evolving engineering standards, safety regulations, and client-specific requirements in a dynamic project environment.

• Managing Design Changes: Effectively controlling and managing design changes to minimize impact on project cost, schedule, and scope.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to internal and external training programs focused on advanced engineering topics, project management methodologies, risk management, and contract administration.

• Industry Certifications: Potential support for obtaining or maintaining professional certifications relevant to engineering and project management (e.g., Chartered Engineer, PMP).

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within Turner & Townsend or to mentor junior team members, fostering leadership skills.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of high-profile infrastructure projects, both domestically and internationally, provides broad experience and exposure to different challenges and solutions.

• Sustainability Focus: Deep dive into Sustainable Net Zero initiatives and their integration into infrastructure design and delivery, a growing area of expertise and opportunity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent in managing complex, large-scale infrastructure projects. However, these challenges are balanced by substantial growth opportunities, particularly for those seeking to deepen their expertise in rail engineering, project leadership, and sustainable development within a globally recognized firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to coordinate multiple engineering disciplines to achieve a cohesive design for a complex infrastructure project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your coordination process, communication strategies, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure a Design-Build contractor delivers a system specification that fully meets the client's needs while managing potential scope creep or technical deviations?" (Highlight your contract management, technical oversight, and negotiation skills.)

• "Walk me through your process for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks during the design phase of a major rail infrastructure project." (Detail your risk management framework, tools, and proactive strategies.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to manage conflicting stakeholder interests regarding a design decision. How did you navigate this, and what was the resolution?" (Emphasize your stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation abilities.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Turner & Townsend, and how do you see your experience contributing to our goal of delivering Sustainable Net Zero outcomes?" (Showcase your research on the company's values and your alignment with them.)

• "How do you foster a high-performance culture within a technical design team, ensuring quality standards and efficient delivery?" (Discuss your leadership style, motivation techniques, and focus on quality assurance.)

• "Describe your experience working within a large, global organization like Turner & Townsend. How do you adapt to different project environments and corporate structures?" (Demonstrate your adaptability and understanding of corporate dynamics.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin by clearly stating the project's objective and your key achievements as Design Manager.

• Structure Clearly: Use a consistent structure for each case study (e.g., Project Overview, Your Role & Responsibilities, Key Challenges, Actions Taken, Results Achieved, Lessons Learned).

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "Reduced design review time by 15%," "Successfully managed a €50M design package with zero safety incidents").

• Highlight Process: Explain how you achieved results by detailing your methodologies for coordination, risk management, quality assurance, and stakeholder engagement.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific technical aspects, decision-making rationale, and challenges encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the entire design lifecycle, robust project controls, effective stakeholder management, and a proactive approach to risk and quality. Highlighting experience with Design-Build contracts and rail-specific requirements will be critical. Your portfolio should serve as tangible evidence of your capabilities in these areas.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager - Infrastructure position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.

• Tailor your CV: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 10+ years of rail engineering experience, leadership roles, and specific achievements in design management, contractor management (especially Design-Build), and project controls. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your experience in infrastructure design management. Prepare concise case studies detailing your role, challenges, actions, and quantifiable results, focusing on rail projects and adherence to standards.

• Research Turner & Townsend: Understand their values, recent projects (especially in infrastructure and sustainability), and their commitment to Net Zero. Prepare to articulate how your skills and experience align with their mission.

• Practice your interview responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples that demonstrate your leadership, technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and stakeholder management skills, using your portfolio projects as evidence.

⚠️ 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.