Engineering Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Engineering Design Manager

Company: Egis Group

Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations - Engineering & Infrastructure Project Management

Date Posted: 2026-05-01T16:00:01.348

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the end-to-end delivery of complex, high-value railway infrastructure projects, ensuring successful execution from concept through to handover.

• Oversee large, multidisciplinary project teams, fostering collaboration and ensuring efficient coordination between internal resources, consultants, contractors, and supply chain partners.

• Drive engineering and design excellence by setting clear communication guidelines, implementing best practices, and ensuring solutions meet client requirements and project objectives.

• Act as a senior client representative, building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, regulators, and key stakeholders to ensure project success and organizational growth.

• Champion health, safety, environmental, and sustainability outcomes, embedding best practices across all project phases to meet Egis's values and goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Engineering Design Manager in a globally recognized firm like Egis Group, particularly within the transportation sector, indicates a significant focus on strategic project oversight, stakeholder influence, and operational excellence in delivering large-scale infrastructure. The emphasis on "end-to-end delivery" and "major capital projects" signifies a need for robust project management, risk mitigation, and a deep understanding of the entire project lifecycle within the rail infrastructure domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the successful delivery of major, complex railway infrastructure projects, including high-speed rail, metro, and light rail systems, from early concept and consenting stages through to detailed design, construction, and final handover.

• Coordinate and manage large, multidisciplinary project teams, often exceeding 100 individuals, comprising internal staff, external consultants, contractors, and supply chain partners, ensuring seamless integration and collaboration.

• Establish and enforce clear communication protocols and best practices across all engineering and design disciplines to ensure consistent progress, high-quality solutions, and alignment with client needs and project specifications.

• Lead technical discussions and client engagements, acting as a trusted advisor and senior representative to foster strong working relationships and ensure client satisfaction.

• Serve as the primary client representative, managing relationships with clients, regulatory bodies, statutory authorities, and other key stakeholders to navigate project complexities and ensure compliance.

• Champion and embed best practices in health, safety, environmental management, and sustainability across all project activities, ensuring compliance with Egis's values and industry standards.

• Conduct regular project and program reviews to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, capture lessons learned, and enhance future project delivery methodologies.

• Actively support and lead client engagement initiatives, contributing to the development of new business opportunities and strengthening client partnerships.

• Contribute to the professional development of the engineering team, mentor junior staff, and support the strategic growth and expansion of Egis's operations within the UK, Ireland, Nordics, and globally.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project management, and client relationship management. The emphasis on "interface coordination of large multi-disciplinary teams" and "setting communication guidelines" points to a need for strong organizational and interpersonal skills beyond pure engineering. The inclusion of "client engagement" and "strategic growth of the business" suggests this role extends into business development and strategic operations planning.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in engineering and design management, with a significant portion dedicated to large-scale, complex rail infrastructure projects.

• Proven track record of successfully delivering projects within demanding schedules, strict budget constraints, and high-quality standards.

Required Skills:

• Engineering Management: Expertise in overseeing engineering design processes for major infrastructure projects.

• Project Delivery: Proven ability to manage complex projects from inception through to completion, ensuring all milestones are met.

• Rail Infrastructure Expertise: In-depth knowledge of high-speed rail, metro, or light rail systems and their associated infrastructure requirements.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional skills in managing relationships with clients, regulators, governmental bodies, and other key stakeholders.

• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Ability to effectively lead, motivate, and coordinate large, diverse project teams.

• Client Engagement: Strong capabilities in building and maintaining client relationships, understanding their needs, and ensuring satisfaction.

• Design Coordination: Proficiency in managing interfaces and ensuring seamless integration between various engineering disciplines.

• Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Management: Comprehensive understanding and application of HSE best practices in project execution.

• Sustainability Integration: Commitment to embedding sustainability principles and practices within project design and delivery.

Preferred Skills:

• Contract Management: Experience with various forms of construction and engineering contracts.

• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks.

• Financial Acumen: Ability to manage project budgets and understand financial implications of design and construction decisions.

• Asset Management Principles: Understanding of asset lifecycle management within the rail sector.

• Digital Engineering Tools: Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modelling) and other advanced digital design and collaboration platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Master's degree and 10+ years of experience positions this as a senior-level operations role. The emphasis on managing large, multidisciplinary teams (100+ people) and delivering complex rail projects (high-speed, metro, light rail) suggests a need for advanced leadership, strategic planning, and hands-on project execution skills within a highly regulated and technical environment. The "Personal Attributes" section further reinforces the need for strong leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal capabilities essential for high-impact operations management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant rail infrastructure projects managed from inception to completion, detailing scope, challenges, and outcomes.

• Team Management Examples: Provide evidence of leading and coordinating large, multidisciplinary teams (ideally 50+ individuals), illustrating team structure, communication strategies, and conflict resolution.

• Client Relationship Management Documentation: Include examples of how client relationships were managed, demonstrating communication, negotiation, and satisfaction metrics.

• HSE & Sustainability Integration: Detail specific initiatives or processes implemented to ensure health, safety, environmental compliance, and sustainability goals were met on past projects.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Showcase instances where existing processes were reviewed and improved to enhance efficiency, quality, or cost-effectiveness in engineering design or project delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing and optimizing complex project workflows, particularly for multidisciplinary engineering design processes in the rail sector.

• Implementation & Automation: Provide examples of how new processes or technologies were implemented, and where automation was leveraged to improve efficiency or accuracy in design or project management.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Illustrate how the performance of engineering design processes and project delivery was measured, using KPIs, metrics, and reporting mechanisms to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Engineering Design Manager role, a portfolio should not only showcase completed projects but also the candidate's approach to process management, team leadership, and operational efficiency. The emphasis on "workflow design and optimization" and "implementation and automation" aligns with the core responsibilities of driving operational excellence within project delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated salary range for an Engineering Design Manager in Birmingham, UK, with 10+ years of experience in complex rail infrastructure projects, typically falls between £70,000 and £100,000 per annum. This estimation is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in major infrastructure firms within the UK, considering factors such as experience level, project complexity, geographic location (Birmingham), and the specific demands of the rail sector.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for medical, dental, and vision care for employees and potentially dependents.

• Pension Scheme: Generous employer contribution to a company pension plan, supporting long-term financial security.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, including funding for relevant courses, certifications, and attendance at industry conferences.

• Life Assurance: A death-in-service benefit to provide financial support for beneficiaries.

• Generous Annual Leave: A competitive annual leave allowance, plus bank holidays, to promote work-life balance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional challenges.

• Cycle to Work Scheme: Encouraging sustainable commuting options.

• Performance-Related Bonus: Potential for bonuses tied to individual and company performance.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours for this role are approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is primarily on-site, Egis Group may offer some flexibility for essential operational needs or in line with project demands, but core hours will be expected to be worked from the office to facilitate team collaboration and client engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on data from reputable UK salary aggregators and recruitment agencies specializing in engineering and construction. It accounts for the senior nature of the role, the specific location within a major UK city, and the specialized expertise required for large-scale rail infrastructure projects. The benefits listed are typical for senior positions within large, established engineering consultancies in the UK.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Egis Group operates within the global consulting and engineering sector, with a strong focus on construction, transport, and mobility services. The company is a key player in delivering critical infrastructure projects that address environmental sustainability and urban development challenges.

Company Size: With 23,500 employees globally, Egis Group is a large, established international firm. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for global collaboration, while also potentially implying a structured, process-driven environment.

Founded: Egis Group has over 50 years of experience, particularly in the rail industry, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to expertise and innovation in complex infrastructure development.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role sits within the broader Engineering Management function, specifically focused on the "Inter-Urban Transport" service line within the "Transportation" business line.

• Reporting: The Engineering Design Manager will likely report to a senior director or divisional head within the transportation infrastructure division, managing a significant number of direct and indirect reports across various engineering disciplines.

• Collaboration: This role demands extensive cross-functional collaboration with design teams, construction teams, project managers, commercial departments, HSE specialists, and client representatives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Egis emphasizes innovation and sustainability, suggesting a culture that values data analysis for decision-making, performance tracking, and continuous improvement in project delivery.

• Process Optimization: The company's long history and involvement in complex projects imply a reliance on well-defined processes for design, engineering, and project management, with a continuous drive for efficiency and best practices.

• Client-Centric Approach: As a consulting and engineering firm, Egis prioritizes client needs and satisfaction, indicating a methodology focused on understanding client requirements and delivering solutions that meet or exceed expectations.

Company Website: https://www.egis-group.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's description highlights a people-first, sustainability-focused culture. For an operations professional, this means a potential emphasis on collaborative working, ethical practices, and a strategic outlook on how projects contribute to broader environmental and societal goals. The extensive global presence suggests opportunities for diverse project experiences and international exposure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management role, demanding a high level of technical expertise, extensive project leadership experience, and a proven track record of delivering complex, large-scale infrastructure projects. The individual is expected to operate with significant autonomy, driving strategic outcomes and managing substantial resources.

Reporting Structure: The Engineering Design Manager will likely report to a senior executive within Egis's transportation division, such as a Director of Engineering or a Head of Projects. They will, in turn, manage large, multidisciplinary teams, potentially including project managers, lead engineers, and design coordinators.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on Egis Group's revenue and profitability through the successful delivery of high-value rail infrastructure projects. Effective management of design, budget, schedule, and client relationships is crucial for project success, client retention, and securing future business opportunities. The role also influences the company's reputation for technical excellence and its commitment to sustainability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to higher executive roles within Egis, such as Director of Engineering, Head of Major Projects, or Regional Director, overseeing larger portfolios or business units.

• Specialization & Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific rail technologies (e.g., high-speed rail systems, autonomous metro operations) or expand into broader infrastructure sectors.

• Global Mobility: Potential for international assignments or leadership roles in other Egis regions, leveraging experience gained on UK projects.

• Strategic Development: Involvement in the strategic planning and business development aspects of Egis Group, contributing to the company's growth and market positioning in the transportation sector.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunities to mentor and develop a new generation of engineering leaders and contribute to Egis's knowledge management and best practice development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path from Engineering Design Manager at Egis Group points towards significant upward mobility within the infrastructure and engineering consulting sector. The emphasis on managing "major capital and engineering/design-led projects" and contributing to "strategic growth" indicates that this role is a critical stepping stone for those aspiring to senior leadership positions within large, international engineering organizations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Birmingham, a major UK city, suggesting operations within a professional office environment designed for collaboration, client meetings, and project planning. Egis Group's commitment to innovation and sustainability may be reflected in modern office facilities.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Birmingham, England. Egis Group has a significant presence in the UK, and specific office locations would typically be well-connected by public transport, providing accessibility for employees.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes meeting rooms, project war rooms, and open-plan areas designed to facilitate communication and collaboration among multidisciplinary teams.

• Technology & Tools: Access to advanced engineering design software, project management platforms, and communication tools will be standard, supporting efficient workflow and data management.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with project teams, senior management, and potentially clients will be a key feature of the workspace, fostering a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Work Schedule: The position entails a standard 40-hour work week. However, given the nature of managing major infrastructure projects, there may be periods requiring extended hours or weekend work to meet critical deadlines, particularly during key project phases or site visits. Egis Group's culture may offer some flexibility where feasible, but the on-site requirement emphasizes the need for consistent physical presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for this role in Birmingham underscores the importance of face-to-face collaboration, client interaction, and direct oversight of project teams and operations. The workspace context is designed to support the complex, collaborative nature of managing large infrastructure projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application by HR or a recruitment specialist to assess alignment with the basic requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the Hiring Manager (likely a senior director) focusing on your experience in managing large rail projects, team leadership, and strategic approach to engineering design management. Expect questions on your track record, problem-solving skills, and understanding of project lifecycles.

• Technical/Panel Interview: This may involve a panel of senior engineers, project managers, or subject matter experts. The focus will be on your technical depth, understanding of rail engineering standards, HSE, and sustainability practices, and your methodology for managing complex design interfaces.

• Case Study Presentation/Portfolio Review: You will likely be asked to present a detailed case study from your portfolio, demonstrating your experience in managing a significant rail infrastructure project. This is where you'll showcase your process documentation, problem-solving approaches, and demonstrated impact.

• Cultural Fit/Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to assess your alignment with Egis Group's values (people-first, sustainability, innovation), leadership style, and overall fit within the organization's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best exemplify your capabilities in managing complex rail infrastructure projects, ideally showcasing high-speed rail, metro, or light rail experience.

• Structure for Clarity: For each project, clearly outline: the project's objectives, your specific role and responsibilities, the size and composition of your team, key challenges faced, your problem-solving strategies, the technical solutions implemented, and the ultimate outcomes (including metrics on schedule, budget, quality, HSE, and sustainability).

• Highlight Process & Methodology: Explicitly detail your approach to design coordination, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership. Use process diagrams or flowcharts where appropriate to illustrate complex workflows.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate your impact. For example, "Reduced design iteration time by 15% through implementation of BIM coordination," or "Successfully managed a budget of £X million, delivering Y% under budget."

• Demonstrate Leadership: Your presentation should not just list tasks but narrate your leadership journey, highlighting how you motivated teams, resolved conflicts, and drove consensus.

Challenge Preparation:

• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Be ready to discuss situations where you've demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, stakeholder management, and conflict resolution. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Research Egis Group: Understand their recent projects, values, sustainability commitments, and strategic goals. Be prepared to articulate how your experience aligns with their vision.

• Anticipate Technical Scenarios: Consider common challenges in rail infrastructure design and delivery (e.g., interface clashes, regulatory hurdles, unforeseen ground conditions) and how you would address them.

• Practice Presentation Skills: Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure it is concise, compelling, and within any time limits. Be prepared for in-depth Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role of this seniority and specialization will be rigorous. A strong portfolio that not only lists accomplishments but also demonstrates a deep understanding of process, methodology, and impact is critical. The emphasis on "stakeholder management" and "client engagement" means candidates should prepare to articulate their approach to building and maintaining relationships.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard platforms such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for planning, scheduling, and resource allocation of large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Design & Collaboration Platforms: Experience with Building Information Modelling (BIM) software (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks), CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD), and collaborative platforms for design review and coordination.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for managing large volumes of project documentation, including technical drawings, reports, and correspondence (e.g., Aconex, SharePoint).

• ERP Systems: Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning systems for financial tracking, procurement, and project cost control (e.g., SAP).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project performance data, potentially using tools like Excel for complex analysis, or more advanced analytics platforms if integrated into Egis's workflow.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating and interpreting project status reports and dashboards for senior management and clients, potentially using tools like Power BI or Tableau.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a primary sales role, understanding of CRM principles for managing client relationships and project stakeholder information might be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with concepts of workflow automation within project management and design processes, even if not directly implementing them, to drive efficiency.

• Integration Tools: Understanding of how different software systems (e.g., design, project management, financial) integrate to provide a cohesive project overview.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the scale and complexity of Egis Group's projects, proficiency with robust project management and BIM software is paramount. The role requires not just using these tools but understanding how they facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration and data-driven decision-making in infrastructure delivery.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People-First: A core value at Egis, emphasizing respect, inclusion, and the well-being of employees. This translates to a collaborative leadership style, open communication, and a focus on employee development.

• Sustainability Commitment: A strong drive to integrate sustainable practices into all operations, from design choices to construction methods, aiming to minimize environmental impact and contribute positively to society.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to solve complex engineering challenges, driving efficiency and finding better solutions for clients and communities.

• Efficiency & Excellence: A focus on delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget, driven by rigorous processes, continuous improvement, and a commitment to operational excellence.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings and interactions, fostering trust with clients, partners, and employees.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Egis promotes a collaborative environment where different departments and disciplines work together seamlessly to achieve project goals. This role will be central to facilitating such integration across engineering, design, construction, and commercial teams.

• Open Communication & Feedback: A culture that values constructive dialogue, transparent information sharing, and the exchange of feedback to foster continuous improvement and problem-solving.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging teams to share best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise to build collective knowledge and enhance project delivery across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "people-first" and "sustainability" at Egis Group suggests that candidates should demonstrate how they foster inclusive team environments and integrate environmental considerations into their operational decision-making. A collaborative style that values open communication and shared learning will be highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Large, Complex Teams: Effectively leading and coordinating diverse teams of 100+ individuals across multiple disciplines and potentially different organizations requires strong leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills.

• Navigating Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the needs and demands of various stakeholders, including clients, regulators, and community groups, on major infrastructure projects can be challenging.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines & Budgets: The pressure to deliver large-scale projects within strict schedules and financial constraints while maintaining high quality and safety standards is a constant challenge.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies & Regulations: Staying abreast of advancements in engineering design, digital tools, and evolving regulatory requirements within the rail sector requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Driving Sustainability Initiatives: Effectively integrating and championing sustainability goals amidst project pressures requires strategic planning and persuasive leadership.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining or renewing certifications like PMP, PRINCE2, or specialized rail project management qualifications.

• Technical Seminars & Workshops: Access to internal and external training sessions on new engineering techniques, software, and industry best practices in rail infrastructure.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to participate in leadership training designed for senior managers, focusing on strategic thinking, executive presence, and advanced team management.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Encouragement to attend major rail and infrastructure conferences to stay updated on industry trends and build professional networks.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in formal or informal mentorship, either as a mentor to junior engineers or as a mentee to senior leaders within Egis.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role will involve navigating the complexities inherent in large-scale infrastructure projects. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they anticipate and mitigate these challenges, and how they view continuous learning as a key component of their professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a multidisciplinary team of over 100 people on a complex rail infrastructure project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful delivery?" (Focus on leadership, coordination, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you approach stakeholder management on large projects with diverse interests, such as clients, regulators, and community groups?" (Assess your communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.)

• "Walk us through your process for managing the engineering design lifecycle from concept to handover on a major infrastructure project, emphasizing quality assurance and risk mitigation." (Demonstrate your understanding of the end-to-end process and operational control.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Egis Group, how do you see your leadership style aligning with our 'people-first' and sustainability-focused culture?" (Showcase your research and cultural awareness.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to drive innovation or implement a new process to improve project efficiency or outcomes. What was the result?" (Illustrate your proactive approach and impact.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Begin with an executive summary of the project, followed by a detailed breakdown of your specific role, team structure, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results.

• Visualize Your Impact: Use charts, diagrams, and photos where appropriate to illustrate project scale, complexity, and outcomes. For process-focused elements, flowcharts or workflow diagrams can be very effective.

• Focus on "How" and "Why": Don't just state what you did; explain how you did it and why you made certain decisions. This demonstrates your strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about any aspect of your presented projects, particularly regarding technical challenges, financial management, and stakeholder interactions.

• Connect to Egis: Conclude by explaining how your experience and approach are directly relevant to the Engineering Design Manager role at Egis Group and how you can contribute to their future success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just experience but also strategic thinking, leadership capability, and alignment with Egis Group's values. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase practical application of operations management principles in a real-world infrastructure context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Engineering Design Manager position:

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

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV highlights your most relevant experience in managing large-scale rail infrastructure projects, team leadership (especially large multidisciplinary teams), and client engagement. Use keywords from the job description such as "Engineering Management," "Project Delivery," "Rail Infrastructure," and "Stakeholder Management."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key project case studies that best demonstrate your capabilities. Focus on projects that showcase end-to-end delivery, complex technical challenges, and successful team coordination. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Research Egis Group: Familiarize yourself with Egis's recent projects, company values (people-first, sustainability), and strategic goals. This will help you tailor your application and responses during interviews.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation and prepare answers to common interview questions related to leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management, using the STAR method.

⚠️ 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.