ENG - Design Manager - Operations

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager (Operations)

Company: N G Bailey

Location: Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations Management / Engineering Management

Date Posted: 05 November 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years inferred)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Minimum 4 days on-site required)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design management process for complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure projects within a highly regulated and security-conscious environment.

• Own and manage design delivery programmes, schedules, and workflow processes across multiple engineering disciplines, ensuring timely and accurate information flow.

• Act as the central point of contact for design coordination, interfacing with Technical Managers, Project Engineers, BIM teams, consultants, and specialist subcontractors.

• Drive collaboration and ensure the effective integration of design deliverables to support procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations" in the job title, combined with the focus on managing design delivery for major infrastructure projects, suggests this role is deeply embedded within the operational execution of large-scale engineering and construction programs. It requires a strong understanding of project lifecycles, stakeholder management, and the practical application of design principles to ensure successful project outcomes. The emphasis on "Operations" highlights the role's critical function in enabling the physical delivery of the project through robust design management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement project-specific design management strategies and plans tailored to the unique requirements of major nuclear infrastructure programs.

• Take ownership of design delivery timelines, resource allocation, and workflow optimization across diverse engineering disciplines, including MEP, structural, civil, and architectural.

• Coordinate and manage internal engineering teams, external consultants, and specialist subcontractors to ensure seamless integration of design information and timely issuance of deliverables.

• Lead critical design coordination meetings and technical interface reviews, ensuring all action items are meticulously tracked, resolved, and formally closed out.

• Proactively manage discipline and system interfaces, identifying potential integration challenges early and facilitating swift resolution to prevent project delays.

• Champion safe design principles in accordance with CDM 2015 regulations, overseeing effective risk management throughout the design lifecycle.

• Administer and enforce design change control processes, ensuring all modifications are rigorously reviewed, documented, and formally approved.

• Maintain strict adherence to Common Data Environment (CDE) protocols, security requirements, and project-specific procedures for information management.

• Collaborate closely with Technical Managers to orchestrate technical reviews, quality assurance activities, and critical approval gateway processes.

• Generate comprehensive and concise design status reports, clearly articulating progress, identifying risks, highlighting constraints, and proposing recovery actions.

• Provide robust support to project teams across all phases, including design development, procurement, construction, commissioning, and final handover.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a Design Manager in complex, regulated project environments. The emphasis on "Operations" in the title strongly suggests this role is focused on the execution and delivery aspects of design within a project lifecycle, rather than pure conceptual design. This includes ensuring design is practical, constructible, compliant, and integrated with the overall project schedule and procurement activities. The responsibilities also highlight a strong need for process adherence, risk management, and stakeholder alignment, which are core to successful operations in such demanding sectors.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Essential: HNC, HND, Degree, or equivalent practical experience in Building Services Engineering, Construction, Design Management, Project Management, or a closely related technical discipline. Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in Design Management, Project Engineering, Package Management, or Engineering Coordination roles on large-scale construction or infrastructure projects.

• Proven ability to effectively manage multiple design packages and complex, multidisciplinary workstreams concurrently.

• Extensive experience coordinating internal engineering teams, external consultants, specialist subcontractors, and diverse stakeholder groups.

• Significant experience operating within highly regulated sectors such as Nuclear, Defence, Energy, Rail, or other complex project environments.

• Tangible experience managing design programmes, responsibility matrices, design reviews, and formal approval processes.

• Proficiency in operating design change management procedures and maintaining robust design governance controls.

• Experience supporting projects through all lifecycle phases: design development, pre-construction, active delivery, commissioning, and final handover.

• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with a demonstrated ability to foster collaboration and drive the achievement of critical programme milestones. Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of comprehensive design management processes and multidisciplinary engineering workflows.

• Proven ability in leading and coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and external stakeholders.

• Expertise in managing design delivery programmes, schedules, and workflow processes.

• Proficiency in implementing and managing design change control and governance procedures.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to drive collaboration and ensure alignment. Preferred Skills:

• Professional registration as Engineering Technician (EngTech), Incorporated Engineer (IEng), or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

• Membership in a recognized professional institution such as the IET, CIBSE, CIOB, or APM.

• Deep knowledge of MEP systems and their integration with architectural, structural, and civil disciplines.

• Good understanding of Common Data Environments (CDE), BIM Execution Plans (BEPs), Technical Information Delivery Plans (TIDPs), and document control methodologies.

• Experience with technical interface management and engineering assurance requirements.

• Commercial awareness, including understanding design responsibility, programme impacts, and change management economics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Essential Experience" and "Technical Knowledge" suggests a robust set of practical skills is prioritized over purely academic qualifications. The preferred skills, particularly professional registration and institutional membership, indicate a desire for candidates who are committed to professional development and recognized industry standards, which is crucial in high-stakes engineering operations. The mention of BIM, CDE, and MEP systems points to a need for modern technical proficiency within the operations framework.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful management of complex, multidisciplinary design packages on major infrastructure projects.

• Include case studies that highlight effective coordination of design teams, consultants, and subcontractors, emphasizing timely information delivery.

• Provide evidence of managing design programmes, schedules, and workflow processes, ideally with examples of optimization or efficiency improvements.

• Showcase experience with design change control, risk management, and adherence to regulatory compliance (e.g., CDM 2015) within a project context. Process Documentation:

• Examples of developed design management strategies and plans, demonstrating alignment with overarching project requirements and operational goals.

• Documentation illustrating proficiency in leading design coordination meetings, tracking actions, and managing technical interface resolutions.

• Evidence of implementing and managing design governance controls and Common Data Environment (CDE) protocols for information management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, particularly in "Operations," a portfolio is critical. It needs to go beyond just listing projects; it should demonstrate the candidate's process for managing design delivery. This includes showing how they developed plans, managed workflows, coordinated teams, handled changes, and ensured compliance. The focus should be on tangible outcomes and the methodologies used to achieve them, reflecting the operational execution of design management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Specific figures are not provided but are expected to align with senior engineering management roles in the UK nuclear/defence sector. Benefits:

• Car Allowance: A dedicated allowance for vehicle provision.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: This typically includes private medical insurance, life assurance, pension scheme contributions, and potentially other benefits tailored to the company and sector.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, skill enhancement, and support towards professional qualifications and chartership.

• Long-term Project Pipeline: Access to a continuous stream of significant projects, offering job security and sustained career engagement.

• Exposure to Technically Challenging Projects: Opportunity to work on cutting-edge, complex engineering initiatives.

• Collaborative Environment: Work within a high-performing team focused on excellence and innovation. Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are assumed to be approximately 40 hours per week, with a requirement for a minimum of 4 days on-site per week. Flexible working is available where project commitments allow, indicating a degree of operational flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Competitive Salary + Car Allowance + Excellent Benefits" is standard for senior roles in this industry. The key differentiator for operations professionals will be the "long-term project pipeline" and "professional development" aspects, suggesting stability and growth opportunities within a major, ongoing program. The explicit mention of site presence highlights the operational reality of this role, requiring hands-on engagement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering & Services (specifically within major infrastructure, nuclear, and defence sectors).

Company Size: Over 3000 employees, with a turnover of £500m, indicating a large, established, and significant player in the UK engineering landscape.

Founded: 1921, signifying a long history and deep-rooted expertise in the industry.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will be part of the Design & Technical team, reporting to Technical Managers and collaborating closely with Project Engineers, BIM teams, consultants, and specialist subcontractors.

• This role sits within a project-specific structure, likely matrixed, requiring interaction with various project delivery functions.

• The team operates in a highly regulated and security-conscious environment, necessitating a disciplined and process-driven approach to collaboration. Methodology:

• Operations are guided by a structured approach to design management, emphasizing rigorous planning, coordination, and control.

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making through performance monitoring via programmes, trackers, and dashboards.

• A commitment to safe design principles (CDM 2015) and effective risk management is integral to operational processes.

• Adherence to established project procedures, security protocols, and Common Data Environment (CDE) standards is paramount.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: N G Bailey's long history and significant size suggest a stable, well-resourced organization with established operational frameworks. The focus on major infrastructure, nuclear, and defence implies a culture of high standards, safety, and security. The "Operations" aspect of this role means the candidate will be working within these established frameworks to ensure the practical, day-to-day execution of design management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level management position, requiring significant experience in design coordination and project delivery. It's a key leadership role within the project's technical execution team, responsible for a critical operational process.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to Technical Managers and will manage and coordinate internal engineering teams, external consultants, and specialist subcontractors. This involves influencing without direct line management for many external parties.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on project timelines, budget adherence, quality of deliverables, and overall project success. Effective design management is fundamental to enabling efficient procurement, construction, and commissioning, thereby directly influencing project profitability and client satisfaction within the operational framework.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Seniority: Progression to Senior Design Manager, Lead Design Manager, or Technical Manager roles on even larger or more complex projects.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Opportunities to move into broader project management, programme management, or operational leadership roles within N G Bailey, leveraging deep project execution experience.

• Chartership & Professional Development: Support towards achieving professional registration (EngTech, IEng, CEng) and membership in professional institutions, enhancing credibility and career advancement.

• Sector Expertise: Deepening expertise within the nuclear or defence sectors, becoming a go-to specialist for critical infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations" focus here means growth is likely tied to successfully delivering complex projects and demonstrating mastery of project execution processes. Advancement will depend on efficiently managing design to support construction and the ability to handle increasing complexity and leadership responsibilities within the operational delivery chain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires a minimum of 4 days per week on-site, indicating a hybrid work model with a strong emphasis on physical presence for project engagement. This suggests a project office environment or a main company office location in Barrow-in-Furness.

Office Location(s): Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, UK. This location is known for its significant industrial and defence presence.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as collaborative and high-performing, focused on excellence and innovation, typical of major project delivery teams.

• As part of the Design & Technical team, the workspace will likely involve close interaction with other engineering disciplines, project managers, and BIM specialists.

• Access to project-specific systems, documentation, and potentially specialized design software will be available.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (likely 40 hours/week) is expected, with flexibility available when project commitments allow. The on-site requirement is critical for effective coordination and stakeholder engagement in this operational role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a significant on-site component is crucial for this role. It underscores the operational necessity of face-to-face interaction, site visits, and direct engagement with project teams and stakeholders, which cannot be fully replicated remotely in such complex, secure environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application for essential experience, qualifications, and eligibility for security clearance.

• First Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or senior technical lead to assess technical expertise, experience in design management, and understanding of regulated environments. Preparation should focus on specific project examples demonstrating your responsibilities and achievements.

• Second Interview/Assessment: May involve a technical assessment, a case study presentation (potentially related to design coordination, change management, or risk mitigation), or an interview with a wider panel including project directors or HR.

• Security Clearance Checks: A fundamental part of the process, requiring thorough vetting.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Operations: Organize your portfolio to clearly demonstrate your process for managing design delivery. Use a project lifecycle approach, highlighting your role in each phase (planning, design development, coordination, review, handover).

• Quantify Impact: For each case study, use metrics where possible. For example: "Reduced design query resolution time by X%," "Ensured X% of design deliverables issued on time," "Managed changes representing Y% of the design budget."

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Include visual aids if appropriate, such as simplified workflow diagrams, examples of coordination meeting minutes (anonymized), or change control logs.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Focus on challenges faced in design coordination or integration and how you effectively resolved them. Emphasize your role in mitigating risks and ensuring compliance.

• Tailor to Nuclear/Defence: If possible, include examples from regulated industries, or clearly articulate how your experience managing complex, safety-critical systems translates to this environment.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing design management plans, leading coordination meetings, managing design changes, and ensuring compliance with CDM 2015.

• Practice articulating your experience with BIM, CDE, and document control processes.

• Prepare to discuss how you manage conflicting priorities and stakeholder expectations in a high-pressure operational environment.

• Consider how you would approach integrating design information from multiple disciplines for a critical infrastructure project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations" context is key here. The interview process and portfolio review will likely focus heavily on the candidate's practical ability to execute design management processes efficiently, manage risks, and collaborate effectively to ensure project delivery milestones are met. Demonstrating a structured, process-oriented approach is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Management Platforms: Experience with project management software for scheduling, task tracking, and reporting (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6).

• Common Data Environment (CDE): Proficiency with CDE platforms for document control, information sharing, and workflow management (e.g., Bentley ProjectWise, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Aconex, SharePoint).

• BIM Software: Familiarity with Building Information Modelling (BIM) concepts and execution plans (BEPs), and potentially experience with BIM coordination software (e.g., Navisworks, Solibri).

• Collaboration Tools: Standard office suites (Microsoft Office 365) including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and potentially Teams or similar for communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Proficiency in using Excel for data analysis, tracking, and reporting.

• Experience with dashboard tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for visualizing design progress, risks, and performance metrics. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design information integrates with procurement and project management systems is beneficial. Experience with workflow automation tools within CDE or project management software is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools mentioned in the job description (CDE, BIM, MEP systems) are critical. Proficiency in CDE platforms for document control and workflow management is essential for the operational aspect of this role. Familiarity with BIM principles and coordination tools is also highly relevant for managing multidisciplinary design integration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence and Innovation: A drive to achieve high standards and adopt modern approaches in design management and project delivery.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and working effectively across disciplines and with external partners.

• Safety and Compliance: A deep commitment to adhering to stringent safety regulations (CDM 2015) and security protocols, reflecting the critical nature of the projects.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of design deliverables, processes, and outcomes, with a focus on driving results and meeting programme milestones.

• Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards and professional conduct, particularly important in regulated industries.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Regularly initiating communication and coordination with all relevant parties to ensure alignment and prevent issues.

• Facilitative Leadership: Leading meetings and discussions to drive consensus and decision-making, rather than dictating.

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with construction, procurement, commissioning, and safety teams to ensure design is aligned with operational realities.

• Feedback-Oriented: Open to constructive feedback on design processes and willing to adapt methodologies for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be professional, safety-conscious, and results-oriented, driven by the demands of large-scale, high-stakes infrastructure projects. The "Operations" aspect means the team values efficiency, reliability, and clear communication to ensure the smooth execution of design management.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multidisciplinary Complexity: Coordinating diverse engineering disciplines, each with its own priorities and technical requirements, on a large-scale project.

• Strict Regulatory & Security Environment: Navigating the stringent compliance, safety, and security requirements inherent in nuclear or defence infrastructure projects.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and effective collaboration from a wide array of internal and external stakeholders with potentially competing interests.

• Information Management: Maintaining rigorous control and accuracy of design information within a Common Data Environment under demanding project timelines.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Delivering design information efficiently to support project schedules while ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and compliance are met.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Exposure: Gaining invaluable experience on one of the UK's most significant defence and infrastructure programmes.

• Sector Specialization: Deepening expertise in the nuclear or defence construction sectors.

• Professional Accreditation: Support for achieving and maintaining professional qualifications (e.g., CEng, IEng, CIOB, APM).

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to take on increasing leadership responsibilities within project delivery teams.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Exposure to advanced BIM, CDE, and engineering technologies used in modern infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of high-complexity, regulated project environments. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for those looking to build a career in major infrastructure and operations management within these critical sectors.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a project-specific design management plan for a major infrastructure project. What key elements would you include?" (Focus on operational planning, risk, stakeholder engagement, and compliance).

• "How do you ensure effective coordination and integration of multidisciplinary design information, especially when dealing with complex interfaces like MEP, structural, and architectural?" (Highlight your coordination meetings, use of BIM/CDE, and problem-solving approach).

• "Walk me through a challenging design change you managed. What was the issue, how did you manage the process, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate your understanding of change control, impact assessment, and stakeholder communication in an operational context). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for N G Bailey, and specifically on this major nuclear infrastructure programme?" (Research N G Bailey's values, history, and the significance of the project).

• "How do you approach collaboration and stakeholder management when working in highly regulated and security-conscious environments?" (Emphasize your communication style, ability to build relationships, and understanding of compliance).

• "How do you ensure design compliance with safety regulations like CDM 2015?" (Show your proactive approach to safe design and risk management). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: For your portfolio, don't just show the final designs. Clearly outline the process you followed for managing design. Use visual aids like simplified workflow diagrams.

• Quantify Your Impact: Use metrics to demonstrate your achievements. For example, "Reduced design query resolution time by X% through improved CDE protocols," or "Ensured 95% of design deliverables were issued on schedule, supporting critical procurement milestones."

• Tell a Story: For each case study, frame it as a problem, your solution (your process/actions), and the positive outcome (project success, efficiency gains, risk mitigation).

• Highlight Key Tools: Be ready to discuss your experience with specific tools like CDE platforms (mention which ones and how you used them for operational efficiency) and BIM coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical execution skills, process adherence, and the ability to manage complexity and risk in a highly regulated operational environment. The portfolio is your evidence base for these claims.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce HCM portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio that specifically showcases your experience in design management for large-scale infrastructure or regulated projects. Highlight your process for coordination, change control, and information management using CDE.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your CV to emphasize keywords found in the job description, such as "Design Management," "Multidisciplinary Coordination," "Infrastructure Projects," "CDM 2015," "CDE," "Stakeholder Management," and experience in "Nuclear" or "Defence" sectors. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with specific examples related to the "Key Responsibilities" and "Essential Experience" sections. Be ready to discuss your approach to technical challenges, stakeholder engagement, and process adherence.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with N G Bailey's projects, values, and commitment to safety and innovation. Understand the significance of the Barrow-in-Furness location and the defence/nuclear sector.

⚠️ 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.