Design Manager - Airfield Engineering

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Airfield Engineering

Company: WSP

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering & Design Management / Civil Engineering / Aviation Infrastructure

Date Posted: 2026-02-26

Experience Level: Senior/Lead (10+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and delivery of complex, multi-disciplinary airfield civil engineering projects, ensuring adherence to stringent quality, cost, and time targets.

• Manage and coordinate technical design teams, fostering collaboration and technical excellence to drive project success within the aviation infrastructure sector.

• Oversee project lifecycle performance, from initial planning and risk identification through to final delivery and client satisfaction, with a focus on contractual and financial compliance.

• Champion best practices in health, safety, and design, ensuring compliance with regulations such as CDM, and contribute to WSP's reputation for innovation and client-focused solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is clearly positioned as a senior leadership position within the Airfield Engineering team, requiring significant experience in managing complex projects and technical teams. The focus on multi-disciplinary delivery and client relationship management indicates a strategic operational oversight role, bridging technical execution with commercial objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Take full ownership for the successful end-to-end delivery of high-profile airfield civil engineering projects, from conceptualization to completion.

• Lead, manage, and coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams, ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and alignment with project objectives.

• Proactively identify, assess, and manage all technical and project-related risks throughout the project lifecycle to mitigate potential impacts.

• Develop comprehensive project plans, monitor progress against key performance indicators (KPIs), and ensure rigorous adherence to contractual obligations, programme schedules, and financial targets.

• Perform a critical Check/Review function for all technical work, ensuring it meets WSP's rigorous quality management standards and client specifications.

• Act as a key role model, line manager, and mentor for junior engineers and staff within the Airfield Engineering team, fostering professional development and technical growth.

• Champion and enforce excellent health and safety practices, including safety in design, safe site visit protocols, and full compliance with Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM).

• Engage with clients in a professional, customer-focused manner, cultivating and strengthening relationships to secure future business and enhance WSP's reputation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, project management, and people management. The emphasis on "ownership," "managing and coordinating," "identifying and managing risks," and "ensuring all deliverables" points to a strong operational mandate focused on successful project execution and client satisfaction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale, technically complex, multi-disciplinary airfield civil engineering projects.

• Proven ability to understand and balance client needs with business objectives, particularly concerning margin achievement and contract compliance.

• Experience in managing technical design teams and coordinating multi-disciplinary project delivery.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Airfield Civil Engineering design principles and project delivery methodologies.

• Proficiency in managing multi-disciplinary project teams and fostering effective collaboration.

• Strong capabilities in technical design coordination and quality assurance processes.

• Demonstrated experience in contractual, programme, and financial performance management of projects.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.

• A proactive approach to risk identification and management.

• Commitment to championing health and safety, including a thorough understanding of CDM regulations.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status (MICE, MCIHT, or equivalent).

• Familiarity with specific airfield design standards and regulatory frameworks (e.g., ICAO, EASA).

• Experience with specific project management software and design tools relevant to large infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize both formal education and practical experience, with a strong preference for chartered status, indicating a need for deep technical expertise and professional accreditation. The required skills are heavily weighted towards project management, team leadership, and client relations, typical for a Design Manager role in a large engineering consultancy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a track record of successfully leading complex airfield civil engineering projects from inception to completion, showcasing project scope, challenges, and outcomes.

• Provide detailed case studies of projects where you managed multi-disciplinary design teams, highlighting your coordination, risk mitigation, and problem-solving strategies.

• Showcase examples of your approach to financial and programme management, including how you ensured projects met cost and time targets, with evidence of margin achievement.

• Include documentation or descriptions of your quality management processes and how you ensured technical work met stringent standards.

Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your methodology for managing the design process within a multi-disciplinary environment, including workflow design and optimization for efficiency.

• Provide examples of how you have implemented and automated design review and approval processes to enhance speed and accuracy.

• Detail your approach to measuring and analyzing project performance throughout its lifecycle, focusing on key metrics for cost, quality, and time.

• Document your strategies for integrating health and safety considerations, particularly "safety in design," into the project workflow from the earliest stages.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. It should not only showcase completed projects but also demonstrate the candidate's strategic approach to managing complex engineering processes, technical teams, and project financials within the aviation infrastructure context. Emphasis will be on problem-solving, risk management, and delivering against key performance indicators.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Work-life balance: Hybrid working policy offering flexibility to work from home two days a week.

• Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive Thrive programme, Virtual GP service, access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP, and reasonable workplace adjustments.

• Financial Wellbeing: Gymflex scheme offering up to 40% off gym memberships, and a comprehensive menopause support package.

• Time Flexibility: "WSP My Hour" for personal activities, flexible working arrangements, option to purchase additional leave, and flexible bank holiday usage.

• Professional Development: Investment in training, mentoring, and support for Chartership to foster career growth.

• Pension Scheme: Competitive company pension scheme.

• Life Assurance: Standard provision for life assurance.

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

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. The role offers flexibility through the "WSP My Hour" initiative and a hybrid working model, allowing for a balance between office-based collaboration and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on WSP's typical compensation for senior engineering roles in London and the specified experience level. The provided benefits are extensive and align with industry expectations for a leading engineering firm, with a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering & Professional Services, with a specialization in Aviation Infrastructure. WSP is a global leader in designing, managing, and consulting on complex infrastructure projects, including airports, roads, rail, and buildings.

Company Size: Over 72,800 employees globally, with over 9,000 professionals in the UK and Ireland. This large size offers significant opportunities for career development, access to diverse expertise, and involvement in global projects.

Founded: WSP has a long history, with roots dating back to 1885. This extensive legacy signifies stability, deep industry knowledge, and a proven track record of successful project delivery.

Team Structure:

• The Airfield Engineering team is part of WSP's broader Aviation sector. It comprises specialized engineers and designers focused on airport infrastructure.

• This role reports into a senior management position within the Airfield Engineering or Aviation division, likely a Technical Director or Head of Aviation Engineering.

Methodology:

• WSP emphasizes a data-driven approach to engineering, leveraging advanced analytics and modeling for design and project planning.

• Workflow optimization and process improvement are core to their operational strategy, aiming for efficiency, quality, and sustainability.

• Automation is increasingly integrated into design and project management processes to enhance productivity and reduce errors.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: WSP's global presence and long history indicate a stable, reputable organization with a strong commitment to engineering excellence and client service. The company culture likely values innovation, integrity, and inclusion, with a focus on developing its people and delivering impactful projects. The size of the company suggests a structured environment with clear career progression pathways.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the technical engineering function, specifically focused on design management within the aviation sector. It bridges deep technical expertise with project leadership and team management.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a senior leader within the Airfield Engineering or Aviation business unit, likely a Director or Head of Department. They will, in turn, manage a team of engineers and designers.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical to the successful delivery of airfield projects. Their responsibilities directly influence project quality, safety, client satisfaction, financial performance, and the overall reputation of WSP in the aviation sector. Effective management of design processes and teams ensures projects meet complex technical requirements, regulatory standards, and client expectations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of airfield engineering, such as pavement design, drainage systems, or airside master planning, potentially leading to Principal Engineer or Technical Authority roles.

• Project Leadership: Progress into larger, more complex, or international project leadership roles, potentially managing entire airport development programs.

• Management Progression: Advance into senior management roles, such as Head of Airfield Engineering, Technical Director, or Business Unit Lead, with increased commercial and strategic responsibilities.

• Cross-Disciplinary Roles: Transition into broader project management or sector leadership roles within WSP's extensive service offerings.

• Mentorship & Training: Take on formal mentorship roles, contributing to WSP's talent development programs and potentially leading training initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager at WSP is well-defined, offering progression from technical leadership to broader management and strategic roles. The company's global reach and diverse project portfolio provide ample opportunities for skill development and career advancement within the aviation infrastructure domain and beyond.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: WSP promotes a modern, collaborative office environment. The London office at 11 Westferry Circus likely offers state-of-the-art facilities designed to support both individual focused work and team collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary location is London, United Kingdom, specifically at 11 Westferry Circus, E14 4HD. This is a well-connected business district. WSP also has numerous offices across the UK, which may offer flexibility for occasional meetings or regional project engagement.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to encourage cross-functional collaboration, with open-plan areas and dedicated meeting rooms equipped with modern AV technology.

• Access to advanced design software, modeling tools, and robust IT infrastructure is expected, supporting complex engineering tasks.

• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse range of professionals, including engineers from different disciplines, project managers, and business development teams, are frequent.

Work Schedule: The role operates on a standard full-time schedule, with flexibility offered through the hybrid working policy and the "WSP My Hour" initiative. This allows professionals to balance demanding project work with personal commitments, fostering a productive and sustainable work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model signifies a commitment to employee flexibility, balancing the need for in-person collaboration on complex design issues with the benefits of remote work. The London location provides access to a vibrant professional community and excellent transport links.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with the essential requirements, particularly regarding airfield engineering experience and project management capabilities.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your technical expertise, project leadership experience, and understanding of design management principles. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and your role in their success.

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage may involve a panel interview with senior engineers or team members. Expect questions focused on technical challenges, problem-solving approaches, and your experience managing multi-disciplinary teams. You might be asked to walk through a relevant project from your portfolio.

• Assessment/Case Study (Potentially): For senior roles, candidates may be asked to complete a technical or management-focused assessment, or present a case study based on their portfolio, demonstrating their approach to a typical airfield engineering design challenge.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview, often with a senior leader (e.g., Director), to assess overall fit with WSP's culture, values, and strategic objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your most impactful airfield civil engineering projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in design management, team leadership, risk mitigation, and successful delivery.

• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the client's objectives, the project's scale and complexity, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges encountered, the technical solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements).

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics and data to showcase your impact. For example, "Managed a design team of 15 engineers across 5 disciplines," or "Delivered the project 5% under budget through proactive risk management."

• Highlight Process: Explain your approach to design coordination, risk management, quality assurance, and health & safety integration. This shows your methodology and operational thinking.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate detailed questions about your project examples, your team management style, and how you handle difficult stakeholders or unexpected project issues.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Depth: Refresh your knowledge on key airfield engineering principles, common design challenges, and relevant regulations (e.g., CDM).

• Management Scenarios: Prepare for questions about team conflict resolution, managing underperforming team members, stakeholder negotiation, and decision-making under pressure.

• WSP Focus: Research WSP's recent aviation projects, their sustainability initiatives, and their core values. Tailor your responses to demonstrate how you align with their strategic direction and culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely rigorous, reflecting the seniority and complexity of the role. A strong, well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates project success and management methodology will be a significant asset. Preparation should focus on demonstrating both technical acumen and strong leadership and operational management skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD software for civil engineering design (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation) is essential for reviewing and understanding designs.

• BIM Software: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) and understanding BIM processes for multi-disciplinary coordination.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management tools for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com).

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with digital collaboration tools for document sharing, communication, and task management (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Bentley ProjectWise).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Dashboards: Ability to interpret and contribute to project performance dashboards, tracking KPIs related to cost, schedule, quality, and risk.

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency in data analysis tools for reviewing project data and identifying trends or issues.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with robust document control systems essential for managing large volumes of technical documentation and project correspondence.

• Contract Management Systems: Familiarity with systems or processes for managing construction contracts and associated contractual communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is management-focused, a strong understanding of the tools used in design and project delivery is crucial. The emphasis is on managing teams who use these tools and ensuring their effective application to meet project objectives. Familiarity with BIM and advanced CAD/project management software is a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all professional dealings and project execution.

• Innovation: Driving creative solutions and embracing new technologies to enhance design and project delivery.

• Inclusion: Fostering a diverse and respectful environment where all team members feel valued and empowered to contribute their best work.

• Collaboration: Encouraging cross-functional teamwork and open communication to solve complex challenges effectively.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations, building lasting relationships through exceptional service.

• Excellence: Commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound, and sustainable engineering solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• WSP promotes a highly collaborative work environment, emphasizing cross-disciplinary integration. Expect to work closely with engineers from various specialisms, project managers, and commercial teams.

• The culture encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing to drive continuous improvement in processes and project outcomes.

• Team members are expected to actively participate in design reviews, problem-solving sessions, and project meetings, contributing to a collective approach to project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: WSP's stated values align with industry best practices for large engineering consultancies. The emphasis on collaboration, integrity, and innovation suggests a dynamic and professional team environment where contributions are recognized and teamwork is paramount to achieving project goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complexity: Successfully coordinating diverse engineering disciplines on technically demanding airfield projects requires meticulous planning and communication.

• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identifying and mitigating risks associated with large infrastructure projects, including technical, contractual, financial, and health & safety risks.

• Stakeholder Management: Navigating the expectations of various stakeholders, including clients, regulatory bodies, internal teams, and potentially public groups.

• Pace of Innovation: Keeping abreast of rapidly evolving technologies and sustainability requirements in aviation infrastructure design and project delivery.

• Global Standards: Adapting to and implementing different international standards and regulatory frameworks for projects outside the UK.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Opportunities to lead increasingly complex and high-value projects, further honing project management and leadership skills.

• Technical Specialization: Access to WSP's extensive knowledge base and training resources to deepen expertise in specific areas of airfield engineering or related fields.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal training and mentorship programs designed to develop future leaders within WSP.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, workshops, and contribute to professional bodies, staying at the forefront of aviation engineering.

• Chartership Support: Continued support for professional development and Chartership for those who may not yet hold it, or for mentoring others.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges inherent to large-scale infrastructure projects but offers substantial rewards in terms of professional growth, skill development, and the opportunity to work on landmark projects. WSP's investment in employee development is a key advantage for ambitious operations and engineering professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex airfield civil engineering project you managed. What were the key challenges, your specific role, how did you manage the design team, and what was the ultimate outcome?" (Focus on project lifecycle, team coordination, and risk management.)

• "How do you ensure technical design quality and compliance with standards like CDM throughout a multi-disciplinary project?" (Prepare to discuss your quality assurance processes and safety-in-design approach.)

• "Walk me through your approach to managing project budgets and schedules to ensure profitability and on-time delivery for large infrastructure projects." (Highlight your financial acumen and program management strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about WSP's work in the aviation sector, and what interests you most about this specific role?" (Research WSP's recent airport projects and tailor your answer.)

• "How do your personal values align with WSP's core values of integrity, innovation, inclusion, collaboration, client focus, and excellence?" (Provide specific examples.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The STAR Method: Structure your case study presentations using the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method to provide clear, concise, and impactful narratives of your project experiences.

• Visual Aids: Prepare concise visual aids (e.g., key diagrams, project timelines, metric summaries) to support your presentation without overwhelming the audience.

• Focus on Management: Emphasize your role in managing teams, processes, risks, and finances, rather than solely technical design details. This is a management role.

• Demonstrate Impact: Clearly articulate the positive outcomes and value you delivered to clients and WSP, using quantifiable data where possible.

• Engage and Converse: Treat the portfolio review as a discussion. Be prepared to answer follow-up questions and elaborate on specific aspects of your projects and management approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on merging technical understanding with strong management and leadership capabilities. Candidates should be ready to provide concrete examples that demonstrate their ability to manage complex projects, lead teams, and drive successful outcomes in line with WSP's values and operational standards.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor your CV: Highlight specific experience in airfield civil engineering, multi-disciplinary project delivery, design team management, and contract/programme/financial performance. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 3-4 key projects that best showcase your design management expertise, focusing on quantifiable achievements in cost, quality, time, and risk mitigation. Be ready to present these using the STAR method.

• Research WSP: Familiarize yourself with WSP's aviation sector projects, sustainability goals, and company values to articulate your alignment during interviews.

• Practice your responses: Prepare for common interview questions related to technical challenges, team management, client relations, and your approach to project delivery.

⚠️ 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.

---