Engineering / Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Engineering / Design Manager

Company: AtkinsRéalis

Location: Bristol, United Kingdom; Exeter, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering & Design Management (Infrastructure)

Date Posted: 2026-08-13

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the design process for complex, multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with client requirements and project objectives.

• Drive technical excellence and quality assurance throughout the project lifecycle, from inception to completion, utilizing robust governance and process frameworks.

• Foster a collaborative and high-performing design team environment, promoting mentorship, knowledge sharing, and effective communication across all disciplines.

• Manage project scope, budget, and schedule, proactively identifying and mitigating technical and commercial risks to ensure successful project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Project Delivery Practice (PDP) of AtkinsRéalis, focusing on infrastructure projects across various sectors including Water, Defence, Nuclear, Aviation, Energy, Rail, and Urban Developments. The emphasis is on end-to-end project responsibility, combining project and design management expertise.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Author and maintain comprehensive Design Management Plans, incorporating input from discipline leads and aligning with established governance processes.

• Develop, manage, and track the project's list of deliverables, ensuring timely and quality production of design outputs that meet cost and time constraints.

• Ensure technical quality assurance and quality control processes are embedded, and that key design choices and requirements are clearly documented through agreed tools and forms.

• Act as the primary point of contact for coordinating the resolution of technical issues, hosting stakeholder meetings, and facilitating the integration of operational requirements into the design.

• Promote, motivate, and mentor the multi-disciplinary design team, providing multi-disciplinary linkage and ensuring effective communication through appropriate channels like Microsoft Teams and in-person workshops.

• Contribute to the identification of commercial and technical risks, ensuring the scope and level of design information align with project briefs, and agreeing programmes with key milestones.

• Coordinate commercial arrangements with teams, monitor resource requirements, and ensure discipline leads have adequate resources to deliver the project.

• Lead multi-disciplinary technical and CDM (Construction Design and Management) reviews, ensuring multi-disciplinary coordination and consistency of output with necessary discipline sign-off.

• Ensure rigorous challenge of teams to drive efficiency in design programmes and promote sustainable design and Net Zero principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process ownership, risk management, and collaborative leadership. The role requires proactive engagement with clients, discipline leads, and project managers to ensure seamless project execution and adherence to quality standards.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Chartered Engineer, Architect, or equivalent professional qualification.

Experience: Demonstrable experience managing design, build, and/or operate commissions on multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects. Minimum of 5-10 years of relevant experience is anticipated for this level.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to manage design processes for multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects.

• Strong knowledge of systems integration concepts and theories as applied to complex designs.

• Familiarity with various forms of construction contracts, such as NEC3 or NEC4.

• Proficiency in BIM (Building Information Modelling) and 3D modelling tools for design coordination and information management.

• Excellent client relationship management and customer-focused approach.

• Strong leadership qualities, with the ability to manage, motivate, and mentor multi-disciplinary teams.

• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills (verbal and written).

• Adaptability, initiative, and the ability to remain calm under pressure and meet demanding deadlines. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in specific AtkinsRéalis market sectors such as Nuclear, Defence, Energy, or Water.

• Understanding of management processes relating to technical integration and analytical approaches.

• Ability to recognize and adopt digital technologies to support and enhance the design process.

• Awareness of sustainable design and Net Zero principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical expertise, project leadership, and interpersonal skills. The requirement for a Chartered status or equivalent suggests a need for deep professional knowledge and a commitment to industry standards.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful management of design processes for at least two significant multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects, showcasing your approach to design integration and coordination.

• Provide examples of robust Design Management Plans and Technical Quality Assurance frameworks you have authored or significantly contributed to.

• Showcase experience with BIM and 3D modelling tools, highlighting how these were used for design coordination, clash detection, and information extraction to drive project efficiency.

• Include case studies that illustrate your ability to manage project scope, budget, and schedule, with clear articulation of challenges faced and outcomes achieved, including any cost or time savings. Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow design and optimization strategies implemented for design delivery processes, emphasizing efficiency gains and quality improvements.

• Documentation illustrating experience with implementing and managing technical delivery processes, including how you ensured production of design deliverables to time, cost, and quality.

• Evidence of processes used for tracking deliverables, managing technical issues, and ensuring compliance with design briefs and technical standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio showcasing practical application of design management principles, process optimization, and successful project outcomes will be critical for demonstrating capability. The emphasis on documentation and process is key for this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Chartered Engineers/Architects with 5-10 years of experience in senior management roles within the UK infrastructure sector, a competitive salary range of £60,000 - £85,000 per annum is anticipated. This range can vary based on specific experience, location, and the exact scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Competitive salaries and a comprehensive employee rewards program.

• Opportunities for extensive training and professional development to enhance skills and career progression.

• Hybrid working culture offering flexibility between office, client sites, and remote work.

• Flexible holiday allowances to support work-life balance.

• A range of family-friendly and inclusive employment policies designed to support employees.

• Access to various health, wellbeing, financial, and lifestyle choices through tailored benefit options.

• Opportunities for international travel and work on diverse projects.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility expected to meet project demands. Agile working arrangements are in place.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of comparable roles in the UK engineering and infrastructure sector, considering the experience level and professional qualifications required. Benefits are drawn directly from the provided text, highlighting a focus on employee wellbeing and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, Infrastructure, Nuclear, Defence, Energy, Water, Aviation, Rail, Urban Development. AtkinsRéalis operates as a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization, connecting people, data, and technology to transform global infrastructure and energy systems.

Company Size: Large (typically 10,000+ employees globally), indicating a robust organizational structure, extensive resources, and opportunities for diverse project involvement.

Founded: AtkinsRéalis has a long history, with its origins tracing back to 1911, signifying a stable and established presence in the industry.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Growth Markets Project Delivery Practice (PDP), a centre of excellence for infrastructure project delivery, combining project and design management.

• The team is structured to deliver design services across multiple market sectors, requiring significant cross-discipline collaboration.

• Reporting lines will likely involve direct reports from discipline leads and close collaboration with Project Managers and client representatives. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making and leveraging technology for design and project management.

• Focus on robust process frameworks, including Design Management Plans, Project Execution Plans, and BIM Execution Plans.

• Commitment to technical quality assurance, quality control, and continuous improvement in design delivery processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is characterized by a commitment to innovation, client focus, and sustainable practices. The large size suggests a structured environment with clear career paths and extensive resources, while the PDP structure points to a specialized, project-centric delivery model.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management role, representing a significant step up in responsibility. It requires an individual to lead and manage complex design processes, mentor teams, and have direct impact on project success and client satisfaction. It bridges technical leadership with project execution and commercial awareness.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into senior leadership within the Infrastructure PDP, likely a Practice Director or similar. The individual will manage a multi-disciplinary team of discipline leads and design engineers, and will work closely with Project Managers and potentially client-side counterparts.

Operations Impact: The Engineering / Design Manager is critical to the successful and profitable delivery of infrastructure projects. Their role directly influences project timelines, budget adherence, technical quality, client satisfaction, and the overall reputation of AtkinsRéalis in key growth markets. They are instrumental in translating client needs into executable designs and ensuring efficient project execution.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific infrastructure sectors (e.g., Nuclear, Defence, Water) or advanced design methodologies (e.g., digital twins, advanced BIM).

• Project Leadership: Progress to managing larger, more complex, or strategically significant projects, potentially with greater commercial responsibility or international scope.

• Management Progression: Advance into higher leadership roles within the PDP or other business units, focusing on practice development, business growth, or operational strategy.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop leadership capabilities through mentoring junior staff, leading training initiatives, and potentially contributing to the development of best practices and company standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear pathway for experienced engineers and architects to transition into a leadership position with significant project ownership and growth potential within a major global engineering firm. The emphasis on PDP suggests a focus on core project delivery excellence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates within a hybrid working model, combining work from AtkinsRéalis offices (Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter) with client offices and project sites. This offers a dynamic and varied work environment.

Office Location(s): Primary office locations include Bristol, Cardiff, and Exeter in the UK, offering access to regional project hubs. Travel to client sites across the UK and potentially abroad is also a requirement.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative office spaces designed to facilitate team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional discussions, utilizing modern communication tools.

• Access to advanced design software, BIM platforms, and other digital technologies essential for infrastructure project delivery.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with multi-disciplinary teams, project managers, clients, and other stakeholders, fostering a dynamic and engaging work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule is expected, with a commitment to agile working. This means flexibility in hours and location, balanced with the need to meet project deadlines, attend critical meetings, and ensure team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model reflects a modern approach to work, balancing flexibility with the necessity of on-site presence for project delivery and client engagement. This is typical for senior roles in the infrastructure sector.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CVs and applications to assess alignment with core requirements, particularly Chartered status, experience level, and key skills.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on design management methodologies, technical problem-solving, experience with BIM, contract knowledge (NEC3/4), and project delivery challenges. Expect detailed questions about past projects and your role in them.

• Managerial/Team Interview: Assessment of leadership capabilities, team management style, communication skills, and cultural fit. This may involve situational questions and behavioral assessments.

• Portfolio Presentation (Potentially): Candidates may be asked to present specific examples from their portfolio, detailing their approach to design management, problem-solving, and project outcomes.

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

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or by functional area (e.g., Design Management Plans, BIM Implementation, Risk Mitigation).

• Content: For each project, clearly define the scope, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges encountered, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., time saved, cost efficiencies, quality improvements). Use visual aids where appropriate.

• Process Focus: Highlight your systematic approach to design management, quality assurance, and team coordination. Explain the processes you followed and why.

• BIM & Contracts: Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've utilized BIM and managed projects under NEC3/4 contracts.

• Conciseness: Focus on the most impactful projects and deliverables that best represent your capabilities for this specific role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions asking how you would handle specific design management challenges, such as scope creep, inter-disciplinary conflicts, or tight deadlines.

• CDM Regulations: Be ready to discuss your understanding and application of CDM regulations in design management.

• Client Communication: Practice articulating complex technical information clearly and concisely for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will likely assess technical depth, leadership potential, and practical experience. A well-curated portfolio that clearly demonstrates impact and process adherence is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM Software: Proficiency with industry-standard BIM platforms (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) for design coordination, clash detection, and data management.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools for project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Aconex).

• Collaboration Platforms: Effective use of tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and potentially specialized project collaboration platforms for communication and document management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for generating reports on design progress, quality metrics, risk status, and budget adherence. This might involve integrated reporting within PM software or dedicated BI tools.

• Familiarity with data analysis to support decision-making regarding design efficiency and resource allocation. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding client relationship management principles is key.

• Awareness of how design processes can be automated or streamlined using digital technologies to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a strong command of BIM and project management technologies. Familiarity with digital tools that enhance collaboration and efficiency in design delivery is highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety & Quality: Upholding the highest standards of safety and technical quality in all design and project management activities.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibility are paramount.

• Innovation: Encouraging the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to drive efficiency and deliver better project outcomes.

• Integrity: Conducting all business dealings with honesty, transparency, and ethical behaviour.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building strong relationships, and delivering exceptional value.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively promoting seamless collaboration between engineering disciplines, project management, commercial teams, and clients.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear, consistent, and timely communication through regular meetings, workshops, and digital platforms.

• Problem-Solving Orientation: Encouraging a collaborative approach to identifying and resolving technical and project challenges, valuing input from all team members.

• Knowledge Sharing: Creating a culture where best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise are shared freely across teams and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: AtkinsRéalis likely values a culture of professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement. The emphasis on safety, quality, and client focus is standard for a leading engineering firm in this sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Multi-Disciplinary Projects: Managing diverse engineering disciplines, each with its own methodologies, priorities, and technical requirements, requires strong coordination and communication skills.

• Balancing Competing Demands: Effectively balancing project timelines, budget constraints, quality standards, client expectations, and team well-being.

• Adopting New Technologies: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in digital design tools and methodologies (e.g., AI in design, advanced BIM workflows) and integrating them effectively into project delivery.

• Risk Management: Proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating a wide range of technical, commercial, and contractual risks inherent in large infrastructure projects.

• Client Stakeholder Management: Navigating complex client relationships and ensuring alignment on technical scope, deliverables, and project objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM and Digitalisation: Training and practical application of cutting-edge BIM capabilities, digital twins, and other advanced digital technologies.

• Contract Management Expertise: Deepening knowledge and practical application of NEC contracts and other forms of procurement relevant to infrastructure.

• Leadership Development: Formal leadership training programs, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on experience in managing larger teams and projects.

• Sector Specialisation: Opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge and experience in high-growth sectors like Nuclear, Defence, and Renewable Energy.

• Sustainability & Net Zero: Development of expertise in sustainable design principles and contributing to Net Zero initiatives within infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in major infrastructure projects, offering significant opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex multi-disciplinary infrastructure project you managed. What was your specific role, what were the key design challenges, and how did you ensure technical quality and timely delivery?" (Focus on Design Management Plan, Quality Assurance, and coordination).

• "How do you approach the authoring and implementation of a Design Management Plan and a BIM Execution Plan? What are the critical elements you ensure are included?" (Highlight process, governance, and stakeholder input).

• "Discuss your experience managing projects under NEC3 or NEC4 contracts. How do you handle change management, programme adjustments, and commercial coordination within these frameworks?" (Demonstrate contractual and commercial acumen).

• "How do you foster collaboration and motivate a multi-disciplinary design team, especially when working in a hybrid environment? Provide examples of how you've resolved inter-disciplinary conflicts." (Showcase leadership and communication skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AtkinsRéalis and our work in the infrastructure sector? How do your skills and experience align with our company values and strategic goals?" (Research company, PDP, and market sectors).

• "How do you ensure technical quality and compliance with safety regulations (e.g., CDM) in your design management approach?" (Connect to company's emphasis on safety and quality).

• "Describe your experience working with clients. How do you build strong relationships and manage their expectations regarding design deliverables and project progress?" (Demonstrate client focus). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Impact: For each project example, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the quantifiable positive outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule acceleration, risk reduction, quality improvement).

• Process Demonstration: Walk through your key processes – how you developed the Design Management Plan, managed technical reviews, coordinated disciplines, or resolved issues.

• Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to briefly showcase how you utilized BIM or other relevant software to achieve project objectives.

• Concise Storytelling: Tell a compelling story for each project that highlights your leadership, problem-solving abilities, and technical expertise. Focus on the "why" and "how" of your actions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of design management principles, strong leadership capabilities, practical experience with relevant contracts and tools, and a clear ability to drive project success in a complex infrastructure environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Engineering / Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the AtkinsRéalis careers portal via the provided link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience in multi-disciplinary design management, project leadership, BIM proficiency, and familiarity with NEC contracts. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 key infrastructure projects. For each, clearly outline your role, responsibilities, challenges, implemented processes, and quantifiable achievements in design management and project delivery.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, focusing on your approach to technical quality, risk management, team leadership, and client engagement. Practice answering scenario-based questions related to design management challenges.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AtkinsRéalis, its project portfolio, its values, and its presence in the UK infrastructure market, particularly in the sectors mentioned (Nuclear, Defence, Energy, Water). Understand the PDP structure and its objectives.

⚠️ 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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