Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager
Company: Knights Brown
Location: Bridgend, Wales, United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Engineering & Construction Operations
Date Posted: October 17, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and delivery of major infrastructure projects within the Wales Region, ensuring seamless integration of civil, structural, MEPICA, and environmental considerations.
• Drive technical excellence by coordinating multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative and value-driven engineering solutions throughout the design lifecycle.
• Foster strong stakeholder relationships, both internal and external, to secure buy-in for proposed designs and ensure collaborative project execution.
• Oversee the entire design process, from feasibility studies and concept development to detailed design, ensuring constructability and high-quality technical outcomes.
• Uphold company values of inclusiveness and employee well-being while driving project success and clear career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under Engineering & Construction Operations due to its focus on managing the technical design and delivery of infrastructure projects, requiring a deep understanding of engineering principles, project lifecycles, and stakeholder management within a construction context. The emphasis on "Pre-Construction team," "multidisciplinary inputs," and "technical delivery" strongly aligns with operational management within the infrastructure sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Pre-Construction team to spearhead the design and successful delivery of significant infrastructure projects across the Wales Region.
• Coordinate and integrate multidisciplinary inputs from Civil, Structural, MEPICA, Health and Safety, Sustainability, Environmental, and Planning teams to ensure comprehensive and innovative project solutions.
• Champion the technical delivery of infrastructure projects, leading and mentoring multidisciplinary technical teams to develop value-engineered solutions that effectively address client challenges from inception to completion.
• Engage proactively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including clients and supply chain partners, to gain consensus on proposed solutions and cultivate collaborative working relationships.
• Ensure the development of buildable, compliant, and high-quality technical outcomes by fostering effective communication and collaboration across all project teams and external parties.
• Drive the technical aspects of feasibility studies, options appraisals, and concept design, providing critical insights for early-stage project development.
• Oversee the outline and detailed design phases, ensuring alignment with project requirements, budget constraints, and buildability considerations.
• Contribute to risk management by identifying and mitigating technical and commercial delivery risks associated with complex multidisciplinary design and build projects.
• Ensure Health and Safety, Sustainability, and Environmental Planning considerations are embedded into the design from the earliest stages, meeting regulatory compliance and company standards.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on Temporary Works design and implementation where applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic operational role focused on the front-end of project delivery (Pre-Construction and Design) with a strong emphasis on cross-functional coordination, technical oversight, and stakeholder management, all critical functions within the construction operations domain.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant engineering subject (e.g., Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering).
• Consideration will be given to candidates with equivalent practical experience in lieu of a formal degree.

Experience:

• Proven experience in managing all aspects of civil engineering projects, gained either from a design consultancy or a contracting background.
• Demonstrable experience in leading multidisciplinary technical teams and coordinating diverse engineering inputs.
• Experience in undertaking feasibility studies, options appraisal, and concept design, as well as outline and detailed design for both clients and design and build contractors.
• Experience in managing the technical delivery of infrastructure projects from initiation through to completion.

Required Skills:

• Civil Engineering Project Management: Expertise in overseeing the full lifecycle of civil engineering projects.
• Design Leadership: Ability to lead and manage design teams and processes effectively.
• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Proficiency in integrating inputs from various engineering disciplines (Civil, Structural, MEPICA, etc.).
• Stakeholder Engagement: Strong skills in building and maintaining relationships with internal teams, clients, and supply chain partners.
• Technical Delivery Oversight: Capability to drive and ensure the successful technical execution of projects.
• Commercial Acumen: Clear understanding of the commercial implications and risks associated with complex design and build projects.
• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate delivery risks.
• UK Driving Licence: A full UK Driving Licence is essential for site visits and client meetings.

Preferred Skills:

• Feasibility & Concept Design: Experience in early-stage project development, including feasibility studies and options appraisal.
• Broad Engineering Knowledge: Familiarity with multiple engineering disciplines, including Mechanical, Electrical, and Process engineering.
• Professional Chartership: Chartered or Incorporated status with a relevant professional institution (e.g., ICE, CIWEM) or actively working towards it.
• Temporary Works Design: Experience and understanding of temporary works design principles and execution.
• Sustainability & Environmental Expertise: Knowledge of integrating sustainable practices and environmental considerations into design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical engineering knowledge, project leadership experience, and commercial awareness, typical of a Design Manager role within the construction sector, requiring a deep understanding of operational project execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase a portfolio of major infrastructure projects managed, detailing your specific role, contributions, and outcomes achieved.
• Design Process Documentation: Provide examples of established design processes, workflow diagrams, and methodologies used to manage multidisciplinary teams and ensure integrated design solutions.
• Stakeholder Management Examples: Illustrate instances where you successfully managed complex stakeholder relationships, secured buy-in for designs, and fostered collaboration.
• Technical Solution Development: Demonstrate instances where you led the development of innovative, value-driven, and buildable technical solutions for infrastructure challenges.
• Risk Mitigation Examples: Highlight projects where you identified and effectively mitigated significant technical or commercial delivery risks.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing and implementing structured design processes, from initial concept and feasibility through to detailed design and construction support.
• Documentation showcasing how you coordinate and integrate multidisciplinary inputs, ensuring seamless workflow and communication between different engineering teams.
• Examples of how you measure and report on the technical performance and quality of designs, incorporating feedback loops for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial to demonstrate practical experience in managing complex projects and processes. The focus should be on showcasing the candidate's ability to orchestrate diverse technical inputs and stakeholder interactions to achieve project objectives, reflecting operational project management capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the UK construction sector, particularly in Wales, the estimated salary range is £55,000 - £75,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the responsibility of leading major infrastructure projects, managing multidisciplinary teams, and the required technical expertise.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: Reflecting your experience and responsibilities.
• Clear Career Progression: Opportunities for advancement within Knights Brown, a growing contractor.
• Proactive Employee Engagement: A supportive work environment with initiatives focused on employee well-being and satisfaction.
• Company Car or Car Allowance: To support travel requirements for site visits and client meetings (essential given the requirement for a UK Driving Licence).
• Pension Scheme: A contributory pension scheme to support long-term financial planning.
• Generous Annual Leave: A standard allowance for paid time off.
• Professional Development Support: Opportunities for further training, certifications, and support towards professional chartership (e.g., ICE, CIWEM).
• Health and Wellbeing Programs: Initiatives aimed at supporting employee health and work-life balance.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands. The role is primarily on-site, requiring presence at project locations and the Bridgend office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from UK salary surveys for engineering and construction management roles, adjusted for location (South Wales) and the specified experience level. Benefits are typical for a managerial role in this industry, with specific emphasis on those supporting the operational demands of the position.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Infrastructure. Knights Brown is identified as one of the UK's fastest-growing contractors, operating within a dynamic and competitive sector. This means a focus on efficiency, innovation, and delivering high-quality projects to secure future business. Company Size: Knights Brown is a growing contractor, suggesting a dynamic environment that balances established processes with entrepreneurial spirit. This size often means opportunities for direct impact and less bureaucracy than larger organizations. Founded: While the founding date is not specified, the company's description as "fastest-growing" implies a current phase of significant expansion and development, likely with a forward-looking strategic vision.

Team Structure:

• Pre-Construction Collaboration: The role involves close collaboration with the Pre-Construction team, indicating a structured approach to project initiation and design development.
• Multidisciplinary Project Teams: You will lead and coordinate diverse teams, including Civil, Structural, MEPICA, Health and Safety, Sustainability, Environmental, and Planning specialists.
• Reporting Lines: Likely reporting to a senior management figure within Pre-Construction or Project Delivery, with direct management responsibilities for technical design staff and project teams.
• Cross-functional Integration: Emphasis on seamless integration between design, commercial, and delivery functions to ensure buildable and commercially viable outcomes.

Methodology:

• Value-Driven Solutions: A core aspect of the role is developing solutions that deliver maximum value to clients and the business.
• Integrated Design Approach: Emphasis on coordinating multidisciplinary inputs to create cohesive and effective designs.
• Risk-Informed Decision Making: A clear understanding of commercial requirements and delivery risks is paramount.
• Stakeholder-Centric Collaboration: Fostering strong relationships and securing buy-in from all parties involved.
• Continuous Improvement: Implied through the company's growth trajectory and the need for innovative solutions.

Company Website: https://careers.knightsbrown.co.uk

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as community-oriented, valuing well-being, ambition, and growth. This suggests an environment that is both supportive and performance-driven, ideal for operations professionals seeking to make a tangible impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level management position within the operations and project delivery functions of a construction firm. It requires significant technical expertise, leadership experience, and a strategic understanding of the entire design and construction lifecycle. The Design Manager is a critical link between the pre-construction phase and on-site execution, influencing project success from the outset.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Head of Pre-Construction, Director of Operations, or a similar senior leadership role. They will, in turn, manage and mentor a team of engineers and designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment. The role demands strong communication and coordination with commercial, project management, and site delivery teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager has a profound impact on project profitability, timelines, and quality. By ensuring innovative, buildable, and cost-effective designs, they directly contribute to:

• Reduced Construction Costs: Optimizing designs to minimize material waste and labor requirements.
• Minimized Project Delays: Proactive identification and resolution of design conflicts and constructability issues.
• Enhanced Safety Performance: Embedding safety considerations into the design process.
• Client Satisfaction: Delivering designs that meet or exceed client expectations.
• Business Development: Successful project delivery leads to repeat business and a strong company reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership: Progression to roles such as Head of Design, Director of Engineering, or a broader Operations Director position.
• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific infrastructure sectors (e.g., transportation, utilities, renewables) or advanced design methodologies.
• Commercial Development: Transitioning into roles with a greater commercial focus, such as Business Development Manager or Commercial Director.
• Project Director: Taking on overall responsibility for larger, more complex projects, managing all aspects from inception to completion.
• Mentorship and Training: Developing leadership skills through mentoring junior staff and contributing to the company's training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is pivotal in bridging the gap between conceptual design and practical execution, making it a high-impact position within the operational framework of a construction company. The growth potential is significant, offering pathways into senior management and broader project leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based at the Knights Brown office in Bridgend, South Wales. This office serves as a hub for planning, coordination, and management activities. The environment is described as dynamic, entrepreneurial, and supportive, suggesting a collaborative workspace where innovation is encouraged.

Office Location(s):

• Bridgend, South Wales (CF31 3PL): This is the primary office location. The office is likely situated to provide good access to major transport links within South Wales, facilitating commutes and travel to various project sites.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Knights Brown emphasizes a community and family feel, suggesting an open and communicative workspace designed to foster teamwork and knowledge sharing amongst operations and design professionals.
• Technology & Tools: Access to modern design software, project management tools, and communication platforms necessary for coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with colleagues from Pre-Construction, Project Management, Commercial, Health & Safety, and other operational departments, promoting a holistic understanding of project delivery.
• Field Visits: The role necessitates regular visits to project sites across the Wales Region, providing hands-on exposure to construction activities and the practical application of designs.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, the demanding nature of major infrastructure projects may require flexibility, with potential for extended hours during critical design or pre-construction phases. The on-site nature of the role means that working hours are often dictated by project milestones and site operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is characterized by a blend of office-based strategic planning and on-site operational oversight, typical for project leadership roles in construction. Knights Brown's focus on employee engagement suggests a culture that values the well-being of its on-site and office-based teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Application & Screening: Submit your CV and cover letter, highlighting relevant experience in civil engineering design management and infrastructure projects. Applications will be screened against the essential and desirable criteria.
2. First Interview (HR/Hiring Manager): An initial discussion to assess your overall fit with Knights Brown's culture, your career aspirations, and a broad overview of your experience. Preparation should focus on your understanding of the company's values and your motivation for the role.
3. Technical Interview & Portfolio Review: This stage will involve a deep dive into your technical expertise, project management methodologies, and stakeholder engagement strategies. You will be expected to present your portfolio, showcasing key infrastructure projects, your role in their design and delivery, and the outcomes achieved. Be prepared to discuss specific challenges, solutions, and your approach to multidisciplinary coordination.
4. Final Interview/Assessment: Potentially a meeting with senior leadership or a practical assessment/case study. This may involve problem-solving scenarios related to design challenges, risk management, or stakeholder conflict resolution. The focus will be on your strategic thinking, decision-making capabilities, and leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Narrative: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the objective, your specific responsibilities, the design process followed, key challenges, innovative solutions, and measurable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, safety improvements).
• Showcase Multidisciplinary Integration: Highlight instances where you successfully coordinated diverse engineering disciplines, demonstrating your ability to manage complexity.
• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics and data wherever possible. Instead of saying "improved efficiency," state "reduced design review time by 15% through implementing a new collaborative platform."
• Focus on "How": Explain your thought process and methodologies for problem-solving, stakeholder management, and risk mitigation.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects and experiences most relevant to major infrastructure, civil engineering, and design management.
• Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to elaborate on any aspect of your portfolio, answer probing questions about your decision-making, and discuss lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Optimization Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach optimizing a design for cost-effectiveness, buildability, or sustainability, given specific project constraints.
• Stakeholder Conflict Resolution: Prepare examples of how you have managed disagreements or conflicts between different project stakeholders (e.g., client vs. contractor, internal teams).
• Risk Identification & Mitigation: Practice articulating how you identify potential risks in the design and pre-construction phases and the strategies you employ to mitigate them.
• Technical Problem-Solving: Be prepared to walk through a complex technical problem you encountered and the steps you took to resolve it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess a candidate's technical prowess, leadership capabilities, and operational understanding of project delivery within the construction industry. A strong, well-presented portfolio is essential for demonstrating practical experience and strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD & Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) and potentially BIM (Building Information Modeling) platforms (e.g., Revit) is expected for design review and oversight.
• Project Management Software: Experience with project management platforms for scheduling, task tracking, and resource allocation (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com).
• Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with tools that facilitate communication and document sharing among multidisciplinary teams (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data, performance metrics, and technical reports. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and analysis is fundamental.
• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with creating or interpreting project status reports and performance dashboards.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design inputs feed into CRM systems for client management and project tracking can be beneficial.
• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project documentation (e.g., Aconex, Procore).

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is not IT-focused, proficiency with design, project management, and collaboration technologies is crucial for effective operational management and coordination within large infrastructure projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Building and maintaining trust with colleagues, clients, and partners through honest and transparent dealings.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated to achieve common goals.
• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in design, project delivery, and client satisfaction.
• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to drive efficiency and value.
• Safety & Well-being: Prioritizing the health, safety, and overall well-being of all employees and stakeholders.
• Growth & Development: Commitment to continuous learning and providing opportunities for personal and professional advancement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires active collaboration with Pre-Construction, commercial teams, project managers, and site engineers to ensure a cohesive project lifecycle.
• Constructive Feedback: An environment that encourages open feedback and continuous improvement in design processes and project execution.
• Proactive Communication: Emphasis on clear, timely, and effective communication to manage expectations and resolve issues promptly.
• Partnership Approach: Working closely with clients and supply chain partners to build strong, long-term relationships based on mutual respect and shared objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Knights Brown's stated values of community, ambition, and well-being suggest a culture that balances professional rigor with a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, encouraging operational teams to thrive and contribute effectively.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Multidisciplinary Teams: Effectively coordinating diverse engineering disciplines, each with its own priorities and methodologies, requires strong leadership and communication skills.
• Balancing Technical Excellence with Commercial Viability: Ensuring designs are technically sound, innovative, and meet client needs while also being cost-effective and profitable for the company.
• Navigating Stakeholder Expectations: Managing the often-conflicting demands and expectations of various stakeholders, including clients, regulators, and internal teams.
• Adapting to Evolving Project Requirements: Infrastructure projects can be subject to changes in scope, regulatory requirements, or site conditions, requiring agility and proactive problem-solving.
• Driving Innovation in a Traditional Industry: Encouraging the adoption of new technologies and design approaches within a sector that can sometimes be resistant to change.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & BIM Training: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in areas like BIM, sustainable design, or specific civil engineering specializations.
• Leadership & Project Management Courses: Formal training to enhance management, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Participation in events to stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in infrastructure design and construction.
• Mentorship Program: Access to senior leaders within Knights Brown for guidance on career progression and professional development.
• Chartership Support: Continued support and opportunities to achieve or maintain professional engineering chartership (ICE, CIWEM, etc.).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex operational challenges in a dynamic industry, with Knights Brown providing structured support for skill development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a major infrastructure project where you led the design process. What were the key challenges, how did you coordinate the multidisciplinary teams, and what was the ultimate outcome?" (Focus on process, coordination, and results.)
• "How do you ensure that a design is not only technically sound but also commercially viable and constructible?" (Highlight your understanding of the balance between design excellence and operational realities.)
• "Tell me about a time you had to gain buy-in for a significant design proposal from a challenging stakeholder. What was your approach, and what was the result?" (Demonstrate stakeholder management and persuasive communication skills.)
• "How do you approach risk identification and mitigation in the design and pre-construction phases of a project?" (Showcase your proactive approach to operational risk management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Knights Brown and our position as a growing contractor in the UK infrastructure market?" (Research the company’s recent projects, values, and growth strategy.)
• "How do you see your values aligning with Knights Brown's emphasis on community, ambition, and employee well-being?" (Connect your personal work ethos to the company’s stated culture.)
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you foster collaboration among diverse technical professionals." (Discuss your leadership style and approach to team dynamics.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best represent your experience in managing complex infrastructure design and delivery.
• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your strategic approach, the specific actions you took, and the measurable impact.
• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, flowcharts, and visuals to illustrate design processes, team structures, and key project elements.
• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions and decision-making, rather than just describing the project as a whole.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your technical decisions, problem-solving methods, and how you managed trade-offs.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, present data on cost savings, time efficiencies, safety improvements, or client satisfaction achieved through your design management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of operational project delivery, technical leadership, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships within the construction industry. The portfolio review is a critical component, requiring a structured and results-oriented presentation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Knights Brown careers portal via the provided link.
• Customize Your CV: Ensure your CV clearly highlights your experience in civil engineering, infrastructure project design management, multidisciplinary coordination, and stakeholder engagement. Use keywords from the job description, such as "infrastructure projects," "technical delivery," "pre-construction," and "multidisciplinary."
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases 2-3 of your most relevant infrastructure projects. Focus on illustrating your process, your role in managing design teams, and the impact of your contributions. Be ready to present this digitally or in person.
• Research Knights Brown: Familiarize yourself with the company's recent projects, values, and growth trajectory. Understand their approach to client relationships and project delivery.
• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and technical questions, especially those related to leadership, problem-solving in design, and stakeholder management. Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

⚠️ 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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