Civil Engineer (Assistant Design Manager)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Civil Engineer (Assistant Design Manager) - Infrastructure

Company: Galliford Try

Location: Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / Construction / Infrastructure

Date Posted: March 06, 2026

Experience Level: Early Career / Mid-Level (Approx. 2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the Design and Quality team in delivering critical infrastructure improvements for National Highways on the A47 Tuddenham project.

• Manage technical queries and design documentation to ensure seamless construction delivery and accurate as-built records.

• Review designs for constructability, compliance with technical standards, and overall project integrity.

• Contribute to the organization and handover of essential design and quality information, including geotechnical and PCF product data.

• This role offers a significant opportunity to develop expertise in large-scale infrastructure projects within a leading principal contractor.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the title "Assistant Design Manager" and the responsibilities outlined, this role is positioned for an early to mid-career Civil Engineer looking to gain experience in design coordination and project delivery within a major infrastructure context. The focus on supporting construction delivery and managing design documentation suggests a hands-on role with significant client and internal team interaction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Actively manage and respond to technical queries originating from construction sites to facilitate timely and effective project delivery.

• Prepare and oversee the creation of red line mark-ups, ensuring all on-site design modifications are accurately documented for the as-built record.

• Conduct thorough reviews of designs to assess constructability, adherence to technical specifications, and compliance with relevant industry standards prior to the commencement of construction activities.

• Collaborate with external designers to support the development and finalization of the Geotechnical Feedback Report, ensuring accurate ground condition data is captured.

• Assist in the comprehensive preparation and organization of all design and quality documentation required for OfT (Office of Rail and Road, or similar regulatory body) submissions and final project handover.

• Support the management of PCF (Project Control Framework) products in close coordination with the client and design teams, ensuring project governance and compliance.

• Liaise effectively with project stakeholders, including delivery teams, designers, and the client, to ensure alignment and efficient information flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a critical support function within the design and construction lifecycle. The emphasis on "managing," "preparing," "reviewing," and "assisting" indicates a role that requires proactive engagement, attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate information across different project phases and teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Approximately 2-5 years of relevant experience in civil engineering, with a focus on infrastructure projects.

• Demonstrated experience in reading, interpreting, and working with design documentation and technical drawings.

Required Skills:

• Solid understanding of general engineering principles relevant to civil infrastructure.

• Proven ability to interpret and utilize design documentation effectively.

• Strong technical query management skills to support construction teams.

• Experience in reviewing designs for constructability and compliance with technical standards.

• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for clear stakeholder interaction.

• Proficient interpersonal skills to foster collaboration within project teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with as-built documentation processes and red line mark-ups.

• Familiarity with Geotechnical design principles and reporting requirements.

• Knowledge of PCF products or similar project control frameworks.

• Experience working with principal contractors or within a design management capacity.

• Exposure to client liaison, particularly with bodies like National Highways.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements blend foundational civil engineering knowledge with practical application skills in design coordination and construction support. The emphasis on ICE Graduate Membership suggests a career-oriented individual at a stage where professional accreditation is a key developmental step.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of technical query resolution, demonstrating problem-solving skills and impact on construction.

• Include instances of design review contributions, highlighting analysis of constructability and compliance.

• Present documentation related to as-built processes or red line mark-ups, illustrating accuracy and detail.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding of design review workflows, from initial assessment to final approval for construction.

• Illustrate experience with the process of managing technical queries from receipt to resolution, including communication protocols.

• Show familiarity with the lifecycle of design documentation, from initial issue through to as-built status and handover.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, candidates are expected to demonstrate practical experience through their CV and interview responses. Highlighting projects where they've managed technical queries, reviewed designs, or contributed to documentation processes will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Generous holiday entitlement, increasing with years of service, with the option to purchase additional holidays.

• A wide range of corporate discounts.

• Cycle to Work schemes to promote sustainable commuting.

• Comprehensive pension plan to support long-term financial security.

• Competitive family leave policy.

• Regular Save as You Earn (SAYE) share purchase scheme.

• Private medical scheme options available for salaried employees.

• Confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering 24/7 support.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. The company promotes Agile Working, suggesting flexibility in how, when, and where work is performed where appropriate, which will be discussed during the recruitment process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is not specified, so an estimated range has been provided based on typical UK infrastructure roles and the experience level indicated. The benefits package is detailed and aligns with industry standards for large construction firms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction and Infrastructure. Galliford Try is a leading principal contractor in the UK.

Company Size: Large (Part of the FTSE 250, with a significant number of employees)

Founded: Galliford Try has a long history, with its origins tracing back over a century, evolving through various mergers and acquisitions to its current form.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Design and Quality team, focusing on infrastructure projects like the A47 Tuddenham scheme.

• This team likely collaborates closely with site delivery teams, project managers, commercial teams, and external design consultants.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on delivering excellence, efficiency, and innovation in all projects.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the focus on design documentation, quality information, and technical standards.

• Collaboration is a core value, with a strong emphasis on working with clients, supply chains, and stakeholders to deliver lasting value.

• Focus on creating lasting differences to local communities through infrastructure development.

Company Website: https://www.gallifordtry.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: Galliford Try positions itself as a significant player in UK infrastructure, emphasizing its commitment to improving people's lives through construction. The culture appears to value integrity, passion, collaboration, and excellence, with a focus on employee development and well-being.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an "Assistant Design Manager" position, suitable for individuals with foundational experience (2-5 years) looking to specialize in design coordination and management within infrastructure projects. It's a stepping stone towards becoming a Design Manager or lead engineer.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Design Manager or a senior member of the Design and Quality team. Close collaboration is expected with site delivery teams, project managers, and potentially client representatives.

Operations Impact: The Civil Engineer plays a crucial role in ensuring that designs are constructible, compliant, and well-documented, directly impacting the efficiency, safety, and quality of construction delivery. Effective management of technical queries and design information minimizes delays and cost overruns.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in design management for large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in road networks.

• Professional Development: Progress towards chartered engineer status (CEng) with support from the ICE membership and internal training programs.

• Leadership: Gain experience managing design aspects of projects, paving the way for promotion to Design Manager or Project Engineer roles.

• Skill Enhancement: Learn advanced techniques in design review, constructability assessment, and project handover procedures.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Understand the interplay between design, construction, commercial, and quality functions within a major contractor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path is clearly defined, moving from an assistant role to managing design responsibilities on complex projects. The company's commitment to training and development, including professional body membership, supports this progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily site-based or office-based within a project hub, with potential for hybrid working arrangements as per the Agile Working policy. The specific setup in Norwich will be clarified during the recruitment process.

Office Location(s): Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom. This is a specific project location, implying a dedicated site office or a regional operational base.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment will involve a mix of office-based tasks (documentation, reviews, coordination) and potential site visits to understand construction progress and address queries.

• Collaboration with site teams will be a key aspect, requiring effective communication and teamwork.

• Access to project-specific design software and documentation systems will be provided.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with the potential for flexibility under the company's Agile Working program. This flexibility will be discussed individually and will depend on project needs and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is on-site, the emphasis on Agile Working suggests a modern approach to work-life balance, which is an attractive aspect for candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CVs by the Resourcing Partner (Jenny Reid) to assess alignment with core requirements.

• First Interview: Likely a discussion with Jenny Reid or a member of the hiring team to assess experience, motivation, and initial fit. This may cover technical knowledge and understanding of the role's responsibilities.

• Second Interview/Assessment: This stage could involve a more in-depth technical discussion, potentially with the hiring manager (Design Manager or Senior Engineer), and may include a case study or a presentation on a past project to demonstrate problem-solving and design interpretation skills.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior manager or project lead to confirm suitability and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Relevant Projects: Focus on projects where you managed technical queries, reviewed designs for constructability, or were involved in documentation for handover.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "reduced RFI turnaround time by X%", "identified Y constructability issues that saved Z hours").

• Showcase Documentation Skills: Include examples of how you organized design information, prepared mark-ups, or contributed to quality reports.

• Explain Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions and responsibilities within each project example.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: For technical queries or constructability issues, explain the problem, your approach, and the resolution.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Knowledge: Brush up on fundamental civil engineering principles, common construction methods for infrastructure (roads, earthworks, drainage), and relevant British Standards or Eurocodes.

• Design Documentation: Be prepared to discuss your experience reading and interpreting complex engineering drawings, specifications, and reports.

• Constructability: Understand common challenges in making designs buildable on site and how to identify potential issues.

• Communication: Practice articulating technical information clearly and concisely, especially when explaining your thought process for problem-solving.

• Company Research: Understand Galliford Try's values, recent projects, and their role in the infrastructure sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The lack of explicit portfolio submission requirements means candidates must be prepared to discuss their experience in detail during interviews, using their CV as a guide.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Familiarity with AutoCAD or similar CAD platforms for viewing and potentially marking up drawings.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems like Aconex, Procore, or similar for managing project documentation and communication.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential for report writing, data analysis, and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but understanding how design interfaces with project management and commercial systems is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The focus is on standard engineering and project management tools. Proficiency in CAD and document management systems is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Doing the right thing, being honest and transparent in all dealings.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with clients, supply chain partners, and internal teams to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence: Striving for high standards in all aspects of work, from design to delivery.

• Passion: Showing commitment and enthusiasm for improving people's lives through infrastructure.

• Respect: Valuing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative approach, involving frequent interaction with site teams, designers, and project management.

• Open communication and a willingness to share information and best practices are encouraged.

• The company values a team-oriented environment where collective success is prioritized.

📝 Enhancement Note: Galliford Try's stated values are integrated into their operational approach, emphasizing ethical conduct, teamwork, and a drive for quality outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design and Construction: Effectively bridging the gap between design intent and site realities, ensuring constructability and minimizing site queries.

• Managing Information Flow: Coordinating design changes, technical queries, and handover documentation across multiple stakeholders.

• Adhering to Standards: Ensuring strict compliance with National Highways' technical standards and project specifications.

• Project Scale: Adapting to the demands and complexity of a large-scale infrastructure project.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Site Experience: Gaining practical, hands-on experience on a major infrastructure project.

• Technical Skills: Deepening knowledge in specific areas of civil engineering design and construction.

• Professional Accreditation: Working towards chartered engineer status with support from the company.

• Design Management Acumen: Developing skills in coordinating design processes, managing design risks, and contributing to project strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a significant learning curve, offering substantial growth in practical engineering and project coordination skills within a high-profile context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage a technical query from a construction site. What was the issue, how did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, communication, and impact on delivery).

• "Walk me through a design you reviewed for constructability. What were the key considerations, what issues did you identify, and how were they resolved?" (Demonstrate analytical skills and understanding of site constraints).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Galliford Try on the A47 Tuddenham project specifically?" (Show research into the company and project).

• "How do you align with Galliford Try's values of integrity, collaboration, and excellence?" (Provide specific examples of how your work ethic reflects these values).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Case Study Approach: Select 1-2 projects that best demonstrate your experience in managing technical queries, design reviews, or documentation for handover.

• Problem-Solution-Outcome: For each case study, clearly outline the challenge, your specific role and actions, and the positive results achieved.

• Visual Aids: If possible, use simplified diagrams or flowcharts to explain processes or design issues.

• Quantify Impact: Use numbers where appropriate to show efficiency gains, cost savings, or risk mitigation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews will likely focus on practical application of engineering knowledge and problem-solving skills, rather than theoretical concepts. Demonstrating a proactive, collaborative, and detail-oriented approach will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Curate Your CV: Tailor your CV to highlight experience in civil engineering, design interpretation, technical query management, and any involvement in construction delivery support or documentation. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Project Examples: Be ready to discuss specific projects that showcase your ability to review designs for constructability, manage technical queries, and handle design documentation.

• Research Galliford Try: Understand the company's history, values, and current projects, particularly in the infrastructure sector and their work with National Highways.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common behavioural and technical questions, focusing on demonstrating your problem-solving skills, collaborative approach, and understanding of engineering processes.

⚠️ 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.

---