Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager Company: BT Group Location: Bangalore, Karnataka, India Job Type: Full-Time Category: Software Engineering / Cloud-Native Development Date Posted: August 6, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in defining and executing the engineering strategy and roadmap for BT's commercial objectives, requiring strong cross-functional business partnering and a commitment to innovation.
• The Design Manager will be responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of cloud-native web applications, from initial design and implementation through to ongoing maintenance, ensuring adherence to software development lifecycles.
• A key aspect of the role involves leveraging CI/CD pipelines and Git for version control, alongside a deep understanding of Agile methodologies to drive efficient project delivery.
• The Design Manager will act as a technical leader, capable of deep dives into complex technical areas, debugging challenging issues, and providing optimal solutions to ensure the successful delivery of customer solutions within the telecom domain.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Design Manager" in this context, combined with the responsibilities and required skills, strongly suggests a senior software engineering role focused on architecture, team leadership, and technical execution within cloud-native development. It implies a blend of hands-on technical contribution and management of smaller engineering teams or concurrent releases, aligning with a "Lead Engineer" or "Senior Software Architect" profile within operations or product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of cloud-native web applications, adhering to established software development lifecycles.
• Ensure comprehensive understanding and effective utilization of CI/CD pipelines and Git for robust version control and deployment processes.
• Drive the adoption and adherence to Agile methodologies for efficient and iterative project delivery.
• Conduct in-depth technical analysis to resolve complex issues and optimize outcomes in technically challenging scenarios.
• Apply knowledge of the telecom domain and OSS (Operations Support Systems) to ensure successful delivery of customer solutions.
• Foster strong collaboration within the engineering team to achieve common goals of quality and reusability in deliverables.
• Champion and enforce rigorous engineering practices across the team to maintain high standards of software development.
• Effectively debug complex technical issues and implement precise, effective solutions.
• Manage concurrent application releases and oversee small engineering teams, ensuring timely delivery of quality software releases.
• Proactively explore and evaluate open-source technologies to deliver industry-standard, high-quality solutions.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand business needs and derive compelling business cases for technical initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical leadership (deep dives, debugging, exploring open source) and team/project management (managing releases, small teams, stakeholder engagement). This indicates a role that requires both hands-on technical expertise and the ability to coordinate and guide others towards efficient, high-quality outcomes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is typically expected for a role of this nature. Experience: 5-10 years of hands-on experience in software engineering, with a significant portion focused on cloud-native application development and team leadership. Experience in process design and documentation is also a key requirement.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Java JDK 11+ for robust application development.
• Extensive experience with RESTful web services for building scalable APIs.
• Hands-on expertise in Spring Boot, Spring Data, Spring Security, and Spring Cloud for building enterprise-grade Java applications.
• Proven experience with Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) and NoSQL databases, specifically Neo4j.
• Practical experience in containerizing applications and working with Kubernetes (K8s) for orchestration.
• Familiarity with observability tools such as Prometheus, ELK (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana), and Grafana for monitoring and diagnostics.
• Understanding of automation tools like Jenkins, Spinnaker, and similar CI/CD platforms.
• Deep expertise in developing and operating within a DevOps model.
• Strong ability to design scalable solutions for distributed service architectures.
• Excellent technical expertise, serving as a subject matter expert to drive shared learning and collaboration.
• Strategic and enterprise-level thinking, capable of creating and articulating holistic strategic visions and roadmaps.
• Proficient in change management and Agile delivery methodologies, with a proven ability to manage large-scale, complex business changes.
• Skilled in process design and documentation, with the ability to describe, map, and document processes in a structured manner, ensuring synchronization with other processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Basic knowledge of Cloud platforms, OpenStack, and Software-Defined Networking (SDN).
• Experience acting as an external thought leader or making outstanding contributions to the industry via professional bodies.
• Ability to articulate complex technical information to non-technical colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills list is extensive and highly specific, pointing towards a senior engineering role with architectural responsibilities. The emphasis on Java ecosystem, cloud-native technologies (K8s, containers), DevOps, and observability tools are critical for success in modern software development environments. The "Technical Expertise" and "Strategic/Enterprise Perspective" points suggest a mentorship and strategic planning component to the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of designed, implemented, and maintained cloud-native web applications, demonstrating adherence to SDLC standards.
• Evidence of successful CI/CD pipeline implementation and Git version control strategies.
• Case studies illustrating the application of Agile methodologies in delivering complex projects.
• Examples of deep technical problem-solving, including debugging complex issues and providing effective solutions.
• Demonstrations of contributions to quality and reusable deliverables through collaborative engineering efforts.
• Documentation of exploration and adoption of open-source technologies.
• Examples of stakeholder engagement and the development of business cases for technical initiatives.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed documentation of software development lifecycles for cloud-native applications.
• Process flows for CI/CD pipelines, version control, and automated deployments.
• Methodologies used for implementing and managing applications within a DevOps operating model.
• Documentation of scalable solution designs for distributed service architectures.
• Examples of process mapping and procedural documentation for complex technical processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" isn't explicitly requested, the emphasis on "process design & documentation," "driving strong engineering practices," and the detailed technical requirements imply that candidates will need to demonstrate their experience through examples and case studies during the interview process, particularly highlighting their approach to process management and technical execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the 5-10 years of experience requirement, the senior nature of the role, and the location in Bangalore, India (a major tech hub), the estimated annual salary range would likely be between ₹20,00,000 to ₹35,00,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar senior software engineering/design manager roles in Bangalore, considering the specific technology stack and responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., Provident Fund).
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.
• Access to BT's employee assistance program.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.
• Employee discounts on BT services.

Working Hours: The role is described as full-time, implying a standard 40-hour work week. However, the nature of managing releases and resolving complex issues may sometimes require flexibility beyond standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary figures for India are provided in Indian Rupees (₹). The estimate is based on general market data for senior tech roles in Bangalore and BT Group's standing as a major corporation. Specific benefits will be detailed during the offer stage.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure. BT Group is a global leader in telecommunications, playing a critical role in connecting the UK through its extensive fibre broadband and 5G networks. This context means the operations and engineering teams are focused on reliability, scalability, and innovation in a highly regulated and competitive market. Company Size: BT Group is a large, established multinational corporation with a significant global presence and a large employee base. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for broad impact, but also means processes can be more formalized. Founded: BT Group has a long and rich heritage, tracing its origins back to the telegraph era, making it a pioneer in telecommunications. This history instills a culture of continuous evolution and adaptation to technological advancements.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Software Engineering function, likely part of a larger technology or digital delivery department.
• The Design Manager is expected to lead small engineering teams and manage concurrent application releases, indicating a hierarchical structure with direct reports or project-based team leadership.
• Collaboration is expected with other engineering teams, stakeholders, and potentially external contractors, suggesting a matrixed or cross-functional operational model.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied, with an emphasis on technical expertise and strategic vision.
• Workflow planning and optimization are core to the role, particularly in managing SDLCs and Agile delivery.
• Automation and efficiency practices are critical, evidenced by the requirements for CI/CD, DevOps, and observability tools.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: BT Group's long history and its current transformation phase (full fibre, 5G, simplification) suggest a company undergoing significant change, which can offer exciting challenges and opportunities for impact. The "Connected Leaders behaviours" (Solution focused Achiever, Collaborative Partner, Team Coach) provide insight into the desired leadership and teamwork attributes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior individual contributor or early-stage management level within the engineering domain. It requires deep technical expertise combined with the ability to influence technical direction and manage project execution. It's a step towards more senior technical leadership or management roles. Reporting Structure: The Design Manager likely reports to a Senior Engineering Manager, Head of Engineering, or a similar leadership position within the technology division. They will, in turn, manage or guide small teams of engineers. Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on BT's commercial strategy by ensuring the delivery of robust, scalable, and innovative cloud-native applications. Success in this role contributes to improved customer experience, operational efficiency, and the company's ability to meet its strategic objectives in digital infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to Senior Design Manager, Technical Lead, or Engineering Manager roles, with increased scope of responsibility and team management.
• Specialization in specific technology areas such as cloud architecture, cybersecurity, or specific telecom domains.
• Opportunities to lead larger, more complex projects or contribute to strategic technical roadmapping initiatives.
• Development of leadership and people management skills through coaching and mentoring.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a strong foundation for a career in technical leadership within a large, established technology company. The emphasis on both technical depth and management responsibilities provides a well-rounded development path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Bangalore, India, and is specified as "On-site." This suggests a traditional office environment typical for a large corporation, likely with modern amenities and collaborative workspaces. Office Location(s): The job is located at Adarsh Palm Retreat, Bellandur, Bangalore, a known IT and business hub in the city. Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative environment where engineers work together on complex technical challenges.
• Access to robust IT infrastructure, development tools, and potentially dedicated project spaces.
• Opportunities for interaction with diverse teams, including product managers, operations, and other engineering disciplines.
• A focus on innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging the exploration of new technologies.

Work Schedule: While the standard is 40 hours per week, the dynamic nature of software development and release management may necessitate flexibility. The mention of "managing concurrent application releases" implies a need for responsiveness and potentially working outside of standard hours during critical deployment phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement in a major tech hub like Bangalore suggests a professional, structured work environment with good infrastructure and opportunities for in-person collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a recruiter or HR call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Technical Screening: A technical interview, possibly with a hiring manager or senior engineer, to evaluate core technical skills (Java, Spring, cloud, K8s, etc.) and problem-solving abilities. This may include coding challenges or system design questions.
• System Design/Architecture Interview: A more in-depth session focusing on designing scalable, distributed systems, cloud-native architectures, and handling complex scenarios, directly assessing the "design" aspect of the role.
• Team/Manager Interview: Discussion around leadership style, team management experience, Agile practices, and how the candidate aligns with BT's "Connected Leaders behaviours." This is where portfolio examples of managing teams and processes would be discussed.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Engineering) for final assessment and alignment with company strategy.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss specific Java projects, Spring Boot implementations, microservices architecture, and your experience with databases (RDBMS and Neo4j). Highlight challenges faced and how you overcame them.
• Process Management: Showcase examples of managing SDLCs, implementing CI/CD pipelines, and your experience with Agile methodologies. Detail how you ensure quality and reusability in deliverables.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Provide concrete examples of leading small teams, managing concurrent releases, debugging complex issues, and collaborating effectively with stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Prepare detailed case studies where you had to deep-dive into technical areas, debug complex issues, and arrive at optimal solutions. Quantify the impact of your solutions where possible.
• Documentation: Be ready to discuss your approach to process design and documentation, and perhaps share anonymized examples if possible.

Challenge Preparation:

• System Design: Practice designing scalable microservices architectures, considering factors like data consistency, fault tolerance, and performance.
• Coding: Brush up on Java coding best practices, data structures, algorithms, and potentially specific Spring Boot implementations.
• Agile/DevOps: Be ready to discuss your understanding and practical application of Agile principles and DevOps practices in a real-world setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the technical depth and leadership requirements, expect a multi-stage interview process that rigorously assesses both technical acumen and leadership capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio demonstrating practical application of skills and experience in managing processes and teams will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Programming Languages: Java (JDK 11+)
• Frameworks: Spring Boot, Spring Data, Spring Security, Spring Cloud
• Web Services: RESTful Web Services
• Databases: RDBMS (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL), NoSQL Databases (specifically Neo4j)
• Containerization & Orchestration: Docker, Kubernetes (K8s)
• Version Control: Git
• CI/CD: Jenkins, Spinnaker, and similar automation tools
• Observability: Prometheus, ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana), Grafana

Analytics & Reporting:

• While specific tools aren't listed, expect to use observability tools for performance metrics and potentially BI tools for broader reporting on project delivery and team performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly mentioned as a primary focus for this role, but understanding how applications integrate with CRM or other business systems would be beneficial. Automation is key via CI/CD tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is modern and heavily focused on cloud-native development, microservices, and DevOps practices. Proficiency in this stack is non-negotiable for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Solution Focused Achiever: Emphasizes delivering results, taking ownership, and proactively addressing challenges with a clear focus on outcomes.
• Collaborative Partner: Values strong working relationships, knowledge sharing, and effective collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Team Coach: Promotes a high-performing culture by empowering, mentoring, and developing team members.
• Engineering Excellence: A strong commitment to high-quality, reusable, and well-documented code and processes.
• Innovation: Encouraging the exploration of new technologies and approaches to improve solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, working closely with various engineering teams and stakeholders.
• A culture of shared learning and technical mentorship is expected.
• Open communication and feedback exchange are encouraged to drive continuous improvement.
• Collaboration within a DevOps framework, integrating development and operations practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Connected Leaders behaviours" provide a clear framework for the desired cultural fit and interaction style within the team and the broader organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complexity: Navigating the complexities of large-scale, cloud-native application development and maintenance within a major telecommunications company.
• Driving Change: Implementing and enforcing strong engineering practices and Agile methodologies across teams, potentially requiring significant change management effort.
• Technical Problem-Solving: Tackling intricate technical issues in distributed systems and providing robust, scalable solutions under pressure.
• Stakeholder Management: Balancing the needs and expectations of diverse stakeholders while driving technical initiatives.
• Continuous Learning: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in cloud-native technologies, DevOps, and the telecom domain.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like Kubernetes, microservices architecture, cloud-native security, or specific database technologies.
• Leadership Development: Enhancing skills in team management, coaching, mentoring, and strategic planning.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining insights into the telecommunications industry and the operational challenges of a major provider.
• Certification: Pursuing relevant certifications in cloud technologies, Kubernetes, or Agile methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex technical and managerial challenges within a dynamic industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Strategy: "Describe a complex distributed system you designed. What were the key architectural decisions, trade-offs, and challenges you faced?" "How do you ensure scalability and fault tolerance in cloud-native applications?"
• Process & Methodology: "How do you implement and manage CI/CD pipelines effectively?" "Walk me through your experience with Agile delivery and how you ensure quality in an Agile environment." "Describe your approach to process design and documentation for complex technical workflows."
• Leadership & Collaboration: "How do you foster a culture of engineering excellence within a team?" "Describe a time you had to manage concurrent releases or a small engineering team. What were the key challenges and how did you address them?" "How do you engage with stakeholders to derive business cases for technical initiatives?"
• Problem-Solving: "Describe a challenging technical issue you encountered. What was your process for debugging and arriving at a solution?" "How do you approach deep dives into unfamiliar technical areas?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research BT Group's current strategic initiatives (full fibre, 5G), its mission, and its values.
• Understand the "Connected Leaders behaviours" and prepare examples of how you embody them.
• Be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's transformation journey.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by key skill areas or project types (e.g., Cloud-Native Applications, CI/CD Implementation, Team Leadership).
• Case Studies: For each relevant project, clearly define the problem, your role, the solution implemented (including technologies and processes), and the measurable outcomes or impact. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., reduced deployment time, improved system uptime).
• Technical Deep Dives: Be prepared to verbally walk through the architecture of a key project, explaining your design choices and how you handled technical complexities.
• Process Focus: Highlight your documentation and process design skills by referencing specific examples of how you've mapped, improved, or standardized workflows.
• Conciseness: Focus on the most impactful projects and tailor your examples to the specific requirements of the Design Manager role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific, actionable examples that directly address the responsibilities and required skills. Demonstrating a clear understanding of the company's strategic direction and how your technical leadership can contribute will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided BT Group careers portal link.
• Portfolio Customization: Review your professional experience and select 2-3 key projects or achievements that best showcase your skills in cloud-native design, Java development, CI/CD, Agile delivery, and team leadership. Prepare to discuss these in detail.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Java JDK 11+", "Spring Boot," "Kubernetes," "DevOps," "Agile Delivery," and "Process Design." Quantify your achievements with metrics where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering technical and behavioral questions, focusing on the "Connected Leaders behaviours." Prepare to present your chosen portfolio examples clearly and concisely, emphasizing your problem-solving approach and impact.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research BT Group's business, its current transformation projects, and its company culture to demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.