Design Manager- Kano-Maradi Railway Project

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager- Kano-Maradi Railway Project

Company: Mota-Engil

Location: Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Design Management (Infrastructure)

Date Posted: August 07, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and oversee all multidisciplinary engineering and design activities for the Kano-Maradi Railway Project, ensuring adherence to contractual requirements, client specifications, and international railway standards.

• Manage the design schedule, identify and mitigate design risks, and ensure seamless integration between various engineering disciplines.

• Serve as the primary liaison between the project team, client, design consultants, and regulatory authorities to facilitate effective communication and problem-solving.

• Ensure all design solutions are technically sound, constructible, cost-effective, sustainable, and aligned with project objectives and budget constraints.

• Drive quality assurance processes for design deliverables, including calculations, drawings, specifications, and reports, ensuring compliance with project quality management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for large-scale infrastructure projects, requiring a seasoned professional with deep expertise in railway engineering and complex project management. The focus on integration across multiple disciplines (civil, structural, signaling, telecommunications, etc.) and stakeholder management is paramount.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the comprehensive design management strategy for the Kano-Maradi Railway Project, establishing clear technical standards and priorities.

• Coordinate and manage multidisciplinary engineering teams, ensuring effective collaboration and integration of civil, structural, geotechnical, architectural, railway systems, MEP, signaling, and telecommunications designs.

• Oversee the development and maintenance of the detailed design schedule, monitor progress against engineering milestones, and proactively identify and implement design risk mitigation measures.

• Review and approve all engineering calculations, drawings, specifications, and technical reports, verifying compliance with project technical requirements, contractual obligations, and relevant Nigerian and international railway standards.

• Manage the interfaces between various design disciplines and construction teams, ensuring timely submission of design packages to the Client and Supervising Engineers.

• Provide essential technical support during the construction phase, including reviewing Requests for Information (RFIs), managing design clarifications and revisions, and coordinating responses to site engineering issues.

• Control design modifications, assess the technical and commercial impacts of proposed changes, maintain accurate design registers, and ensure all design changes are properly approved before implementation.

• Manage design budgets and engineering consultant contracts, monitor engineering expenditures, and plan for effective allocation of design resources.

• Ensure all engineering designs comply with Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) requirements, Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) requirements, lender standards (e.g., AfDB, EBRD, IFC), and sustainability/climate resilience criteria.

• Implement robust design quality control processes, establish clear document review and approval workflows, and manage non-conformities and design change requests to maintain high standards.

• Drive value engineering initiatives and identify optimization opportunities within the design process to enhance cost-effectiveness and constructability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong leadership in managing complex, multi-faceted design processes within a large-scale infrastructure project. Emphasis is placed on integrated design, risk management, stakeholder coordination, and adherence to stringent quality and compliance standards, including environmental and social considerations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Railway Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.

• A Master's degree in a relevant engineering field is considered a significant advantage. Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years of progressive engineering experience is required.

• A minimum of 10 years of experience specifically within major infrastructure projects.

• A minimum of 5 years of experience directly related to railway, metro, transportation, or other large linear infrastructure projects.

• Demonstrated experience in successfully managing multidisciplinary design teams.

• Experience with EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) and Design-Build contract models is essential.

• Previous experience working on internationally financed infrastructure projects is preferred. Required Skills:

• Railway Engineering Design: In-depth understanding of permanent way, track design, stations, bridges, structures, earthworks, drainage, and associated rail infrastructure.

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead, coordinate, and control complex multidisciplinary design processes from conception through to construction support.

• Project Controls: Expertise in developing and managing design schedules, monitoring progress, and implementing effective project control measures for engineering deliverables.

• Systems Integration: Strong capability to ensure seamless integration of diverse railway systems including signaling, telecommunications, power supply, and operational facilities.

• Contract Management: Experience in managing engineering consultant contracts, understanding EPC, and Design-Build contractual frameworks.

• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating design-related risks throughout the project lifecycle.

• Quality Management Systems: Experience in implementing and maintaining design quality control processes and ensuring compliance with ISO and project-specific quality standards.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent ability to manage relationships and communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders including clients, consultants, regulatory bodies, and lenders.

Preferred Skills:

• BIM and Digital Engineering: Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and advanced digital engineering tools and methodologies for design and coordination.

• CAD Software Proficiency: Competence in industry-standard CAD software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, or OpenRail.

• Value Engineering: Experience in conducting value engineering studies to optimize designs for cost and constructability.

• PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification: Demonstrates structured project management capabilities.

• Environmental & Social Compliance: Understanding of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) requirements, particularly in the context of international lender standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (15+ years total, 5+ in rail) and specific technical competencies highlight this as a senior-level role. The emphasis on both technical engineering skills and robust management capabilities is critical. The inclusion of BIM and specific CAD software suggests a need for modern design practices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Management Case Studies: Showcase examples of leading complex, multidisciplinary design efforts for large-scale infrastructure projects, ideally in the transportation or railway sector.

• Integrated Design Demonstrations: Present instances where you successfully coordinated and integrated designs across multiple engineering disciplines (e.g., civil, structural, MEP, signaling, telecommunications).

• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Include examples of how you identified, assessed, and managed design-related risks, demonstrating proactive problem-solving and mitigation planning.

• Quality Assurance Frameworks: Detail your approach to implementing design quality control processes, including document review workflows, non-conformity management, and adherence to quality standards.

• Stakeholder Communication Plans: Provide examples of communication strategies used to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, manage expectations, and resolve design-related conflicts.

Process Documentation:

• Design Management Plan: Evidence of developing and implementing comprehensive design management plans that outline strategies, schedules, resource allocation, and control measures.

• Workflow Optimization: Examples of processes you've streamlined or improved within design phases to enhance efficiency, reduce timelines, and minimize errors.

• Design Review Protocols: Documentation demonstrating structured procedures for conducting multidisciplinary design reviews, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance.

• Change Management Procedures: Clear processes for managing design changes, including impact assessment, approval workflows, and revision control.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare a portfolio that clearly demonstrates their experience in managing the entire design lifecycle for major infrastructure projects. Emphasis should be placed on their ability to integrate complex systems, manage risks, ensure quality, and effectively communicate with all project stakeholders. Proven process documentation and case studies will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 15+ years of experience in a senior role on a major infrastructure project in Nigeria, the estimated annual salary range is between ₦25,000,000 and ₦45,000,000. This range accounts for the complexity of the Kano-Maradi Railway Project, the extensive experience required, and the cost of living and market rates in Lagos, Nigeria. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for the employee and potentially dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions to a pension or provident fund.

• Accommodation Allowance/Provided Housing: Given the project's scale and potential remote aspects, housing assistance or provision is common.

• Transportation Allowance/Company Vehicle: Support for commuting or a company-provided vehicle for site and office travel.

• Annual Leave: Generous paid time off in accordance with Nigerian labor laws and company policy.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for bonuses tied to project milestones and individual performance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications (e.g., advanced project management, specialized railway engineering courses), and participation in industry conferences.

• Life Assurance: Coverage providing financial support in the event of death.

• Relocation Assistance: If applicable for candidates relocating to Lagos.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, given the demanding nature of major construction projects, there may be expectations for extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases, often compensated through overtime or compensatory time off.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for senior engineering management roles in large infrastructure projects within Nigeria, considering factors like experience, responsibility, and location. Benefits are standard for such positions, with a strong emphasis on support for living and working in the region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Engineering (Infrastructure Development)

Company Size: Mota-Engil is a large, multinational group with a significant presence in Africa, employing tens of thousands of people. This specific project in Nigeria likely involves a dedicated, large-scale project team.

Founded: 1947, Mota-Engil has a long history and extensive experience in large-scale infrastructure projects across various sectors.

Team Structure:

• Project-Centric Organization: The Design Manager will be part of a large, dedicated project team for the Kano-Maradi Railway Project, likely reporting to a Project Director or Head of Engineering.

• Multidisciplinary Design Unit: The role involves leading a diverse group of engineering specialists (civil, structural, systems, etc.), potentially including both in-house engineers and external design consultants.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with construction management, procurement, quality assurance, environmental, and project controls teams to ensure design alignment with project execution.

Methodology:

• Integrated Project Delivery: Emphasis on collaborative workflows between design, procurement, and construction to optimize project delivery.

• Standardized Engineering Processes: Adherence to established company and international engineering standards, quality management systems, and safety protocols.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilization of project data, performance metrics, and technical analysis to inform design decisions and manage project execution.

Company Website: https://www.mota-engil.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Mota-Engil's status as a major international player suggests a structured, professional environment with a strong emphasis on project execution, safety, and adherence to international standards. The project-specific team structure will be critical for day-to-day operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the project's engineering and design hierarchy. It is a critical management role with significant responsibility for the technical success of a flagship infrastructure project. The Design Manager is a key decision-maker regarding the project's technical integrity and constructability.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager typically reports to a Project Director, Engineering Director, or a similar senior project leadership role. They will, in turn, manage a team of discipline engineers and potentially oversee external design consultants.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's influence is profound, directly impacting project timelines, budget adherence, technical quality, safety, and long-term operational efficiency of the railway. Successful design management is foundational to the entire project's success, influencing construction feasibility, cost, and the ultimate functionality of the railway infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Leadership: Progression to higher project management roles (e.g., Project Director, Head of Engineering) on future large-scale infrastructure projects within Mota-Engil.

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in a specific area of railway engineering or design management through specialized projects or advanced training.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects within the Mota-Engil group, expanding experience across different regions and project types.

• Strategic Planning: Involvement in early-stage project development, feasibility studies, and strategic engineering planning for new ventures.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant career advancement opportunity for experienced engineering managers, providing exposure to high-profile international projects and the potential for substantial career growth within a global organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily based in an on-site project office environment in Lagos, Nigeria. This office will serve as the central hub for project management, engineering coordination, and administrative functions.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Lagos, Nigeria. However, the nature of large infrastructure projects may require occasional travel to project sites, other Mota-Engil offices, or client/consultant locations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Project Hub: The workspace will likely be an open-plan or shared office environment designed to foster collaboration among project teams. It will be equipped with standard office amenities and IT infrastructure.

• Access to Design Tools & Technology: The role will require access to relevant design software (CAD, BIM, project management tools) and IT systems necessary for managing project documentation and communication.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with multidisciplinary engineering teams, construction managers, and other project stakeholders will be a core part of the daily work.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, project deadlines and critical phases may necessitate flexible working hours, including evenings or weekends, to ensure project milestones are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is typical for large-scale infrastructure projects, emphasizing collaboration and on-site presence. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic, project-driven schedule that may require flexibility beyond standard office hours.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruitment specialist will review applications and resumes to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview: Conducted by senior engineering or project management personnel to evaluate technical expertise in railway design, project controls, and management capabilities. This may involve scenario-based questions and discussions of past projects.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a selection of their work, focusing on key projects that demonstrate their design management experience, problem-solving skills, and ability to handle complex engineering challenges. This is a critical stage to showcase practical application of their skills.

• Stakeholder Management Simulation: An interview or exercise designed to assess how candidates handle communication and negotiation with various project stakeholders, including potential challenges or conflicts.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership (e.g., Project Director) to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the senior management role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Key Projects: Select 2-3 major infrastructure or railway projects that best showcase your design management achievements.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your design management efforts, such as schedule adherence, cost savings, reduction in rework, or quality improvements.

• Showcase Integration: Clearly articulate how you managed the integration of diverse engineering disciplines and systems.

• Detail Problem-Solving: Present specific design challenges encountered and the solutions you implemented, emphasizing your analytical and decision-making skills.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Illustrate your role in fostering effective communication and collaboration among design teams and other project stakeholders.

• Address Compliance: Show examples of how you ensured designs met all contractual, regulatory, environmental, and safety requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario Analysis: Be prepared to analyze a hypothetical design challenge for a railway project and outline your approach to managing it, including team coordination, risk assessment, and stakeholder communication.

• RFI/Change Order Response: Practice responding to typical Requests for Information (RFIs) or design change requests, demonstrating your ability to provide timely, technically sound, and commercially aware responses.

• Technical Presentation: Prepare a concise and impactful presentation on a past project, focusing on your role, key challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical experience and the ability to articulate complex technical and managerial skills. A well-prepared portfolio is crucial, acting as tangible evidence of the candidate's capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, or similar tools for drafting and design visualization.

• BIM Software: Experience with BIM platforms such as Autodesk Revit, Bentley AECOsim, or similar for integrated design and model management.

• Specialized Railway Design Software: Familiarity with software like OpenRail, Bentley Rail Track, or equivalent for track design, alignment, and profile generation.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for schedule development and tracking.

• Document Management Systems (DMS): Proficiency in using systems for managing project documentation, drawings, and specifications (e.g., Aconex, Procore, SharePoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret and utilize data from design models and project reports for decision-making.

• Reporting Software: Experience in generating technical reports, progress updates, and risk assessments using standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data interfaces with project management and procurement systems is beneficial.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strong command of industry-standard design and project management software. Familiarity with specialized railway design tools and BIM is highly advantageous, reflecting modern practices in infrastructure development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Engineering: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound engineering designs that meet or exceed project requirements and industry standards.

• Safety First: Prioritizing safety in all design considerations, ensuring that designs contribute to a safe construction process and a safe operational railway.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where multidisciplinary teams work together effectively, sharing knowledge and supporting each other to achieve common goals.

• Integrity and Ethics: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all professional dealings, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Encouraging creative problem-solving and a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for design optimization and process enhancement.

• Sustainability and Responsibility: Integrating environmental and social considerations into design decisions to promote sustainable development and responsible project execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A proactive approach to integrating design efforts with construction, procurement, and other project functions to ensure seamless project delivery.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, direct, and timely communication among team members and with external stakeholders.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Promoting an environment where feedback is shared openly and constructively to drive continuous improvement in design and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing expertise and lessons learned across the design team and project organization to build collective knowledge and capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely emphasizes professionalism, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to delivering complex projects successfully. Collaboration and adherence to high ethical and quality standards are paramount in this industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Multidisciplinary Coordination: Managing the integration and alignment of numerous specialized engineering disciplines, each with its own requirements and constraints.

• Tight Project Schedules: Delivering high-quality designs within demanding project timelines, often requiring efficient planning and rapid problem-solving.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating the diverse interests and requirements of multiple stakeholders, including the client, lenders, regulatory bodies, and local communities.

• Technical Problem Solving: Addressing unforeseen technical challenges that arise during the design phase or are identified during construction, requiring innovative and practical solutions.

• Resource Management: Optimizing the allocation and utilization of design resources, including personnel, budget, and technology, to meet project demands effectively.

• Adapting to Local Conditions: Ensuring designs are suitable for the specific environmental, geological, and regulatory conditions in Nigeria.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Railway Engineering: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in specific areas of railway design and systems through specialized training or challenging project components.

• Project Leadership Development: Gaining experience in senior project management and leadership roles, enhancing strategic decision-making and team management skills.

• International Project Exposure: Working on a large-scale, internationally financed project provides valuable experience in global project management practices and diverse stakeholder engagement.

• Certification Pursuits: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, or specialized engineering accreditations.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior leaders within Mota-Engil, providing guidance on career progression and leadership development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are inherent to large-scale infrastructure projects, offering substantial opportunities for professional growth and development in a demanding yet rewarding environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design lifecycle for a major railway infrastructure project, from concept to construction support. What are the critical phases and control points?"

  • Preparation: Detail your methodology, including design management plans, schedule development, risk assessment, and quality assurance processes. Use examples from your portfolio.

• "How do you ensure effective integration and coordination among diverse engineering disciplines (e.g., civil, structural, signaling, MEP) on a complex project like the Kano-Maradi Railway?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your strategies for communication, interface management, clash detection (if BIM is used), and resolving interdisciplinary conflicts. Provide specific examples.

• "Walk us through a significant design challenge you faced in a previous project. What was the issue, how did you analyze it, what solution did you propose, and what was the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Select a complex problem that showcases your analytical skills, problem-solving ability, and decision-making process. Quantify the impact of your solution if possible. Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Mota-Engil and our commitment to infrastructure development in Africa?"

  • Preparation: Research the company's history, values, recent projects, and its strategic focus in Nigeria and the broader African continent.

• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within a multidisciplinary engineering team?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your leadership style, communication strategies, and how you motivate teams, manage performance, and encourage knowledge sharing.

• "How do you ensure designs comply with stringent international standards, lender requirements (like AfDB, EBRD), and local Nigerian regulations?"

  • Preparation: Highlight your experience in navigating regulatory frameworks and ensuring adherence to quality and compliance standards. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio by project, highlighting your role, key responsibilities, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Focus on Design Management: Emphasize your leadership in managing the design process, rather than just technical execution. Showcase your ability to plan, control, and coordinate.

• Demonstrate Stakeholder Management: Clearly illustrate how you interacted with and managed expectations of clients, consultants, and other stakeholders.

• Visual Aids: Use drawings, diagrams, or BIM models (if applicable and permitted) to visually support your explanations and showcase the complexity of the projects.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Be prepared to present key information efficiently, focusing on the most impactful aspects of your experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of deep technical expertise in railway engineering and robust project/design management capabilities, with a strong emphasis on leadership, communication, and problem-solving within a large-scale project context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application: Utilize the provided link on the Mota-Engil careers portal to submit your detailed resume and any supporting documents.

• Tailor your resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your extensive experience in railway engineering, large infrastructure projects, design management, and team leadership. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate a selection of your most relevant project examples, focusing on design management aspects, complex multidisciplinary coordination, and successful project outcomes. Be ready to present this during the interview process.

• Research Mota-Engil: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, values, and recent projects, particularly those in Nigeria and the infrastructure sector.

• Practice interview responses: Prepare for technical, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on how your experience aligns with the specific requirements of the Kano-Maradi Railway Project. Practice articulating your portfolio highlights and problem-solving approaches.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Mota-Engil during the application and interview process.