Framework Engineering & Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Framework Engineering & Design Manager

Company: Costain Group

Location: Gatwick, West Sussex, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Operations - Framework Engineering & Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the engineering and design aspects for major civils and building frameworks at London Gatwick Airport, focusing on infrastructure modernization and capacity enhancement.

• Drive the development and execution of framework strategies, including tender processes, design reviews, and ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) initiatives.

• Manage and mentor a team of engineering and design professionals, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

• Ensure all design and construction activities align with Costain's strategic objectives, business goals, and industry best practices in engineering and regulatory compliance.

• Collaborate closely with London Gatwick, supply chain partners, and internal stakeholders to deliver complex infrastructure projects efficiently and effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a managerial position within a complex, multi-year framework agreement, indicating a strong emphasis on strategic planning, stakeholder management, and team leadership. The integration of "Framework Engineering & Design" suggests a focus on not just project execution, but also the strategic development and optimization of the framework itself, including tender processes and design house compatibility. This implies a need for strong commercial acumen alongside technical engineering expertise.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the ECI, detailed design, intrusive surveys, and construction phases for highways and civils packages within the framework.

• Manage and develop design strategies for buildings and airside infrastructure upgrades, ensuring alignment with airport operational requirements and future growth projections.

• Lead the EOI (Expression of Interest) / Tender and Framework strategy process and development, ensuring a robust and competitive approach.

• Provide essential tender support for future works pipeline, including review of proposals and development of design strategies to secure new projects.

• Conduct design house compatibility reviews and agreements, ensuring alignment with Costain's business strategy and client requirements.

• Manage the engineering and design team, including recruitment, development, performance management, and fostering a collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment.

• Ensure adherence to all relevant engineering standards, health and safety regulations, and client-specific requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

• Contribute to asset optimization strategies and the implementation of digitally optimized solutions across the framework projects.

• Act as a key point of contact for clients, supply chain partners, and internal departments regarding engineering and design matters.

• Drive innovation in design and construction methodologies to enhance efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of airport infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical engineering leadership and strategic framework management. The inclusion of "EOI / Tender and Framework strategy process and development" and "Tender support for future works pipeline" indicates a significant commercial and business development component, requiring the manager to not only execute existing work but also to actively contribute to securing future opportunities within the framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Chartered Engineer status (e.g., CEng MIStructE, CEng MICE) is highly preferred. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in construction delivery and engineering management.

• At least 3 years of experience in a senior management or leadership role, specifically managing engineering and design functions.

• Proven experience working within framework agreements, particularly in large-scale infrastructure or aviation projects.

• Demonstrated experience in ECI, detailed design, and construction phases of complex civil engineering projects. Required Skills:

• Civil Engineering Expertise: Deep understanding of civil engineering principles, design, and construction methodologies relevant to highways, airside infrastructure, and building works.

• Design Management: Proficient in managing the entire design lifecycle, including ECI, detailed design, constructability reviews, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams.

• Framework Strategy Development: Ability to develop and implement successful strategies for framework bids, tender processes, and ongoing framework management.

• Team Leadership & Development: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop engineering teams, promoting collaboration and high performance.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively manage relationships with clients (London Gatwick), supply chain partners, and internal teams.

• Regulatory Compliance & Standards: Thorough knowledge of UK engineering standards, health and safety legislation (e.g., CDM regulations), and airport-specific operational requirements.

• Project Controls & Risk Management: Familiarity with project controls, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies within complex infrastructure projects.

• Commercial Acumen: Understanding of contract management, tender evaluation, and commercial aspects of framework agreements.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with temporary works design and management.

• Familiarity with Principal Designer and Principal Contractor roles under CDM regulations.

• Experience with airport-specific design challenges and operational constraints (airside and landside).

• Knowledge of digital technologies and BIM (Building Information Modelling) in infrastructure projects.

• Experience in process optimization and implementing efficiency improvements within engineering workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a Bachelor's degree and Chartered Engineer status, alongside 10+ years of experience with at least 3 in management, points towards a senior-level role requiring significant technical depth and leadership capability. The inclusion of "Principal Designer" and "Principal Contractor" as preferred skills suggests that knowledge of relevant UK construction regulations is a strong advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Framework Strategy & Tender Successes: Case studies demonstrating successful development and execution of framework strategies, including specific examples of tender wins and the approach taken.

• Design Management & Optimization: Examples of complex design challenges overcome, design optimization processes implemented, and the resulting improvements in constructability, cost, or program.

• Team Leadership & Development: Evidence of team growth, skill development initiatives, and successful team management in engineering environments.

• Project Delivery & Risk Mitigation: Case studies showcasing successful delivery of large-scale civil engineering or building projects, with a clear articulation of how risks were identified and mitigated.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Examples of successful collaboration and communication with clients, regulatory bodies, and supply chain partners on significant infrastructure projects.

Process Documentation:

• Framework Development Lifecycle: Documentation outlining the stages and best practices for developing and managing construction frameworks, from EOI to ongoing delivery.

• Design Review & Approval Workflows: Standard operating procedures for design review, assurance, and approval processes, ensuring quality and compliance.

• Team Performance Management: Frameworks for setting objectives, performance reviews, and professional development plans for engineering and design teams.

• Risk Management Protocols: Documented processes for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with framework projects, including design, construction, and commercial risks.

• Stakeholder Communication Plans: Templates and strategies for effective communication and engagement with key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority, a portfolio should clearly demonstrate strategic thinking, leadership impact, and a track record of successful framework management and technical oversight. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the processes they've implemented or improved, not just the outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Framework Engineering & Design Managers with 10+ years of experience in the UK construction sector, particularly in the South East of England, the estimated salary range for this role is between £75,000 and £100,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the senior nature of the role, the complexity of managing multi-year frameworks for a major infrastructure client like London Gatwick, and the specific location.

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary range is an estimate based on publicly available data for similar roles in the UK construction and engineering sector, considering experience level, responsibility, and geographical location. Actual compensation will be determined by the hiring organization based on individual qualifications, experience, and internal compensation structures.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Pension Scheme: Generous employer contribution to a defined contribution pension plan.

• Life Assurance: Cover providing financial security for beneficiaries.

• Generous Annual Leave: Ample paid time off, often with options to purchase additional days.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued professional development, training, and certifications.

• Cycle to Work Scheme: Encouraging sustainable commuting options.

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

• Performance-Related Bonuses: Potential for bonuses based on individual and company performance.

• Company Vehicle or Allowance: Depending on travel requirements for site visits and client meetings.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• A hybrid working arrangement is in place, requiring regular attendance at the Gatwick site for key meetings, design reviews, and team coordination, with flexibility for remote work on other days.

📝 Enhancement Note: Benefits packages in senior engineering roles often include elements that support long-term financial security and professional growth, such as robust pension schemes, life assurance, and dedicated professional development budgets.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction and Infrastructure Solutions. Costain operates in the UK's energy, water, transportation, and defence markets, focusing on major infrastructure projects.

Company Size: Large enterprise (likely 5,000+ employees based on general knowledge of Costain Group). This size offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for diverse project involvement.

Founded: Costain Group has a long history, founded in 1865, signifying deep industry experience and established market presence.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role sits within a project delivery or framework management team, focused on the engineering and design execution of critical infrastructure upgrades.

• Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a senior project director, framework director, or head of engineering, with direct line management of a team of engineers, designers, and potentially technical specialists.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration with project managers, commercial teams, site operations, procurement, health & safety, and client representatives from London Gatwick.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data analytics to inform design choices, optimize processes, and measure project performance.

• Integrated Solutions: Costain's approach involves integrating strategic consultancy, digital technology, and complex program delivery to provide end-to-end asset lifecycle solutions.

• Process Optimization: A continuous focus on enhancing efficiency, resilience, and sustainability through refined engineering and construction processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Costain's positioning as a "smart infrastructure solutions company" suggests a culture that values innovation, technology integration, and a holistic approach to project delivery, which will be reflected in the expectations for this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management role, overseeing a critical function (engineering and design) within a significant infrastructure framework. It requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic leadership, and commercial awareness.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Director-level position within the Costain Group's infrastructure or major projects division. The role will have direct reports, including engineers and design professionals.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the successful delivery of London Gatwick's infrastructure upgrades, influencing project timelines, budget adherence, technical quality, and client satisfaction. Effective framework strategy and design management are crucial for Costain's continued success and relationship with Gatwick.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership: Progression to Framework Director, Program Director, or Head of Engineering roles within Costain, managing larger, more complex projects or multiple frameworks.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like airside infrastructure, complex civils, or digital engineering solutions.

• Business Development: Transitioning into roles with a stronger commercial or business development focus, leveraging framework management experience to secure new contracts.

• Technical Authority: Becoming a recognized technical authority within Costain or the broader industry for airport infrastructure or framework delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the seniority and scope, growth opportunities are likely to involve increased responsibility for P&L, broader strategic input, and potential leadership of larger operational units or business segments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role involves a hybrid working model. This includes significant time spent at the project site office located near Gatwick Airport for team collaboration, client meetings, and site liaison, alongside remote working days.

Office Location(s): Primarily based at a project site office in or near Gatwick, West Sussex. This location is strategic for direct engagement with the London Gatwick Airport client.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The site office will foster collaboration with project teams, design consultants, and client representatives, facilitating real-time problem-solving and decision-making.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office facilities, project management software, design collaboration tools, and potentially site-specific operational technology.

• Operations Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with the direct reports, project management staff, and other key functional heads involved in the framework delivery.

Work Schedule:

• The standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility to accommodate project demands. This may occasionally require working beyond standard hours, especially during critical project phases or tender submissions. The hybrid model allows for structured planning of office and remote days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and site-specific focus mean candidates should be comfortable with a mix of office-based collaboration and independent work, with a need for regular presence at the Gatwick project location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application by the recruitment team, focusing on alignment with core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager to assess technical expertise, leadership style, and understanding of framework management. Expect questions on past projects, team management, and strategic approach.

• Technical/Panel Interview: A more detailed interview, potentially with senior engineers, project directors, or client representatives, to delve into technical challenges, design strategies, and problem-solving capabilities. This may include a presentation of your portfolio.

• Assessment Centre/Case Study: Possibly a scenario-based assessment or case study focusing on framework strategy, design challenges, or team leadership in a relevant context.

• Final Interview & Offer: A final discussion to confirm fit and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Framework Success: Showcase specific examples of frameworks you've managed or significantly contributed to, detailing your role in strategy development, tender wins, and execution.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your design decisions and management strategies (e.g., cost savings, program acceleration, risk reduction, efficiency gains).

• Showcase Team Leadership: Include examples of how you've developed teams, managed performance, and fostered a collaborative engineering culture.

• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Present complex design challenges you've resolved, highlighting your problem-solving approach and technical rationale.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type, responsibility area, or chronologically, with clear summaries for each section. Prepare a concise overview for a presentation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Framework Strategy Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach developing a bid strategy for a new framework or how you would optimize an existing one.

• Design Problem-Solving: Prepare to walk through a complex design problem you've encountered and solved, detailing your methodology and the outcome.

• Team Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing underperforming team members, resolving conflicts, or motivating a diverse engineering team.

• Client Engagement: Think about how you would manage challenging client relationships or negotiate critical design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role like this, expect interviewers to probe deeply into your strategic thinking, leadership philosophy, and ability to translate complex technical requirements into actionable plans. The portfolio review is a critical component for demonstrating practical experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD packages (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation) for reviewing and understanding designs.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for planning, scheduling, and tracking framework activities.

• BIM Software: Familiarity with BIM tools and workflows (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) for design coordination and clash detection, especially relevant for building components and integrated infrastructure.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, or dedicated project collaboration software for team communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret data from project reports, site surveys, and performance metrics. Familiarity with tools like Excel for data manipulation and analysis.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with creating or interpreting project performance dashboards for senior management and clients.

CRM & Automation:

• Costain's Internal Systems: Familiarity with Costain's specific ERP, project management, and CRM systems, if applicable.

• Workflow Automation: Understanding of how automation can be applied to design review processes, reporting, or team task management to improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool proficiency might not always be listed, an understanding of the types of software used in large-scale infrastructure design and project management is crucial. The emphasis on digital optimization suggests a need for awareness of modern engineering technology.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to health, safety, and well-being in all operations and design activities.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, partners, and employees.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication and mutual support are encouraged.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and approaches to drive efficiency and deliver smart solutions.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality outcomes in design, delivery, and client service.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting the needs of clients like London Gatwick.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Encouraging seamless working relationships between engineering, project management, commercial, and site operations teams.

• Process Review Culture: Regularly reviewing and refining engineering and design processes to identify areas for improvement and efficiency gains.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture where lessons learned are shared across projects and teams, contributing to collective expertise and continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Costain's stated vision and values emphasize a forward-thinking, integrated approach to infrastructure solutions, suggesting a culture that values both technical rigor and collaborative innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Airport Environments: Navigating the unique operational constraints, security requirements, and logistical challenges of working airside and landside at a major international airport.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing the diverse requirements and expectations of London Gatwick, supply chain partners, and internal Costain stakeholders.

• Driving Design Innovation: Pushing for innovative design solutions while adhering to strict regulatory compliance and budget constraints.

• Team Development & Retention: Attracting, developing, and retaining skilled engineering talent in a competitive market.

• Framework Evolution: Adapting design and delivery strategies as the framework progresses and airport needs evolve over its multi-year term.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Engineering & Design Training: Access to specialized training in areas such as airport infrastructure design, advanced structural engineering, or digital engineering techniques.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance management and leadership skills through formal training and on-the-job experience.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Participation in relevant industry events to stay abreast of best practices, new technologies, and regulatory changes.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within Costain or to mentor junior engineers, fostering professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges in this role are intrinsically linked to the scale and complexity of airport infrastructure projects, requiring resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience in developing and managing engineering frameworks. What are the key success factors?"

• "How would you approach the ECI process for a major airport infrastructure upgrade to ensure optimal design outcomes?"

• "Outline your strategy for managing a multidisciplinary design team on a complex, high-pressure project."

• "How do you balance innovation in design with stringent regulatory requirements and budget constraints?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Costain's approach to smart infrastructure solutions, and how would you contribute to it?"

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between different stakeholders. How did you resolve it?"

• "How do you foster a culture of safety and integrity within your engineering teams?"

• "What are your expectations regarding collaboration with our client, London Gatwick?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary: Begin with a concise overview of your career, highlighting your most relevant framework and design management experience.

• Case Study Deep Dive: Select 2-3 key projects or frameworks that best illustrate your capabilities. For each, clearly define the challenge, your approach, the solution, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, program improvements).

• Framework Strategy Example: Detail a specific instance where you developed or significantly influenced a framework strategy, explaining the rationale and outcomes.

• Team Leadership Examples: Integrate examples of how you've led, mentored, and developed engineering teams to achieve project goals.

• Concise & Visual: Use clear visuals, diagrams, and data points. Avoid overly technical jargon unless explaining specific engineering principles. Keep the presentation focused and within the allocated time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific, quantifiable examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and leadership impact. Tailor your examples to the context of large-scale infrastructure and aviation projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select and refine 2-3 key case studies that best demonstrate your experience in framework strategy, design management, team leadership, and successful infrastructure project delivery. Ensure these highlight quantifiable achievements.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your CV to clearly highlight your 10+ years of experience, with a specific focus on senior management roles, framework agreements, civil engineering, and design management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions, particularly those related to strategy, leadership, and technical problem-solving.

• Research Costain & Gatwick: Familiarize yourself with Costain's business strategy, values, and recent projects, as well as London Gatwick's current infrastructure development plans and operational needs.

⚠️ 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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