Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: United Infrastructure

Location: Nottingham, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations & Project Management (Infrastructure)

Date Posted: March 30, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in coordinating the detailed design process for critical infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with company standards and regulatory requirements to facilitate timely site commencement.

• The Senior Design Manager will oversee technical and design processes from initial concept through procurement and construction, with a strong emphasis on progress monitoring against strict timelines and budgetary constraints.

• A key aspect involves managing and coordinating external consultants, driving high standards in their deliverables and ensuring all designs are fully coordinated, cost-effective, and buildable.

• This position requires a proactive, analytical, and detail-oriented individual capable of managing complex workflows, mitigating risks, and ensuring seamless information flow between design, commercial, and construction teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior Design Manager," the responsibilities described lean heavily towards a Design Coordinator or Design Project Manager role within an infrastructure construction context. The emphasis on "assisting the Design Manager" and coordinating consultant teams suggests a supporting or operational management function rather than a purely strategic leadership role, aligning with a Senior Design Manager position that focuses on execution and coordination. The "5-10 Years" experience level further supports this interpretation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate the development of detailed design packages with consultant teams, ensuring compliance with United Infrastructure's technical specifications, current regulations, and project-specific requirements.

• Manage and monitor the progress of technical and design processes throughout the detail design, procurement, and construction phases, ensuring all project milestones are met on time and within budget.

• Review consultant detail design drawings and subcontractor designs, providing constructive feedback and ensuring buildability, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to company targets for maximum revenue generation.

• Drive high standards and timely delivery of all consultant and subcontractor design deliverables, facilitating efficient information exchange with Commercial, Operations, and Client teams.

• Oversee the change control process for design variations, managing revisions to drawings, construction programmes, and associated costs effectively.

• Ensure all necessary critical certificates are obtained and documented for project completion and handover, including liaising with Planning Authorities and Building Control for submissions and approvals.

• Manage the processing of design information through company workflows and document management systems, ensuring accurate filing, version control, and adherence to company protocols.

• Conduct regular site visits to monitor work execution, benchmark progress against design specifications, and address any on-site technical or design-related issues promptly.

• Manage, investigate, and respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) from site teams and subcontractors, providing clear solutions and coordinating corrective measures for identified design issues.

• Compile and manage Health & Safety files and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) manuals in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

• Uphold and promote United Infrastructure's company values in all aspects of design management and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on the operational execution of the design process within a construction project lifecycle. The emphasis on "assisting the Design Manager," "coordinating consultant teams," and managing "information flow" points to a role deeply involved in the day-to-day management and coordination of design activities, rather than high-level strategic design decision-making. This is characteristic of a Senior Design Manager focused on project delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Minimum relevant Level 4 qualification (e.g., HNC/NVQ4 in a relevant construction or engineering discipline).

Experience:

• Proven track record in design coordination and experience in Design and Build projects within the construction industry.

• Minimum of 5-10 years of relevant experience in a design management or coordination role.

Required Skills:

• Thorough, proactive management style with the ability to prioritize and motivate.

• Strong analytical approach with meticulous attention to detail.

• Excellent leadership skills, including decisiveness, flexibility, and effective time management.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

• Proven ability to review drawings, identify buildability and technical issues, and assess design risks.

• Strong project and process management capabilities.

• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in liaising with all levels of management and project teams.

• Up-to-date knowledge of construction industry legislation, procedures, and best practices.

• Knowledge of methodology and sequencing processes in delivering construction projects, including design and pre-construction activities.

Preferred Skills:

• Passion for construction, customer satisfaction, and a commitment to high standards and excellence.

• In-depth knowledge of contractual requirements, section agreements, and the utility application process.

• Tenacity, drive, and a results-oriented mindset.

• Strong practical knowledge of construction work types, methods, and design solutions.

• Experience with CAD software, specifically AutoCAD or Revit.

• Knowledge and understanding of Building Information Modelling (BIM) principles and application.

• Experience with works related to the Building Safety Act.

• Experience in retrofit works.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications list is comprehensive, balancing formal education and certifications with practical experience and essential soft skills. The distinction between "Essential" and "Desirable" provides clear guidance on candidate prioritization. The inclusion of specific software (AutoCAD, Revit) and methodologies (BIM) indicates the expected technical proficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of coordinated design packages, demonstrating how designs were integrated across different disciplines (e.g., structural, MEP, architectural) to ensure a cohesive and constructible outcome.

• Include case studies that highlight your role in managing design timelines, identifying and resolving design conflicts, and ensuring designs met budgetary constraints and buildability requirements.

• Present documentation illustrating your experience with design review processes, including how you assessed consultant and subcontractor submissions for compliance and quality.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding and application of design coordination workflows, from initial concept and feasibility studies through to detailed design issue for construction.

• Illustrate experience with document management systems and protocols for efficient information exchange, version control, and archiving of design-related documents.

• Showcase examples of how you have contributed to the compilation and delivery of essential project documentation, including H&S files and O&M manuals, highlighting your process for collating and verifying information.

• Evidence of managing the submission and approval process with planning authorities and building control, detailing the steps involved and any challenges overcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list achievements but demonstrate the candidate's process, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage complex design coordination within a project lifecycle. The emphasis on documentation, approvals, and information flow is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with performance-based reviews and potential for increases.

• Comprehensive benefits package recognizing expertise, likely including pension contributions, life assurance, and potentially private medical insurance.

• Clear career progression pathways within a rapidly growing company, offering opportunities for advancement into more senior design or project management roles.

• Opportunities to play a key role in revitalizing communities and contributing to sustainable infrastructure development, offering a sense of purpose and impact.

• Professional development support, potentially including funding for further training, certifications, or membership fees for relevant professional bodies.

• Paid time off, including annual leave and bank holidays.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• Occasional flexibility may be required to attend site meetings or address urgent project needs, which may involve working outside standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary figures are estimates based on typical UK construction industry standards for this role and location. Benefits are inferred from the "What's in it for you" section and common industry offerings for senior roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

Company Size:

Founded:

Team Structure:

• The role is positioned to "assist the Design Manager," indicating a clear reporting line within a design or project management department.

• The team likely comprises other design coordinators, engineers, architects, and potentially specialists in various infrastructure disciplines.

• Close collaboration is expected with Commercial, Operations, and Construction teams, highlighting a cross-functional and integrated project delivery approach.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes delivering "innovative solutions to complex challenges," suggesting a problem-solving and forward-thinking approach.

• A strong focus on meeting "company targets," ensuring "maximum revenue," and promoting "design that respects budgetary constraints" indicates a commercially aware and efficiency-driven operational methodology.

Company Website:

• uig.net

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context paints a picture of a growth-focused organization in a vital sector. The operational implications for a Senior Design Manager include working within established but evolving processes, collaborating across multiple departments, and contributing to both project success and business growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

• The Senior Design Manager will report directly to a Design Manager, who likely oversees a portfolio of projects or a larger design department.

• This role will also involve managing or coordinating the work of external consultants and subcontractors, requiring effective communication and direction.

Operations Impact:

• The design coordination efforts directly influence project profitability by ensuring cost-effective and buildable designs, minimizing costly variations and rework.

• Efficient design delivery is critical for maintaining project schedules, impacting overall project completion timelines and client satisfaction.

• The role contributes to the company's reputation by ensuring designs meet high standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance, which is paramount in the infrastructure sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Management Leadership: Progression to a Design Manager role, overseeing larger projects or a team of design professionals.

• Project Management: Transition into a Project Manager role, taking full P&L responsibility for infrastructure projects.

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific infrastructure sectors (e.g., utilities, social infrastructure) or advanced design methodologies like BIM.

• Technical Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in areas like constructability, risk management, or specific building codes and regulations.

• Commercial Acumen: Develop stronger commercial skills through close collaboration with the commercial team, potentially leading to roles with more business development or client-facing responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and the described responsibilities suggest a role that bridges execution and management. The growth opportunities reflect a natural career progression within the construction and infrastructure project delivery lifecycle.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role is primarily on-site, with the Senior Design Manager expected to undertake "site visits as required" and attend "site meetings and monthly/weekly project meetings."

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be a blend of office-based (for documentation, coordination, and meetings) and site-based environments.

• Office spaces are likely to be equipped with standard office technology, including access to document management systems, project management software, and communication tools.

• Site environments will require adaptability, with a focus on practical problem-solving and direct interaction with construction teams.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

• Flexibility is expected, with the potential for working beyond standard hours to attend critical meetings, manage urgent RFI responses, or ensure timely submission of design packages and approvals. This flexibility is common in roles that directly impact project timelines and site operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is a key characteristic, implying a hands-on approach and direct engagement with project delivery dynamics.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of CV and application, potentially followed by a brief phone or video call with HR or a recruitment partner to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• First Interview: This will likely be with the hiring manager (Design Manager) and possibly a senior member of the operations or project management team. Focus will be on technical experience, design coordination processes, problem-solving skills, and understanding of construction methodologies.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Assessment: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio of their work, showcasing key projects and demonstrating their approach to design coordination, risk management, and stakeholder communication. This might be integrated into the first or second interview.

• Second Interview/Assessment: This could involve a more in-depth discussion, potentially a case study exercise related to design coordination challenges, or an interview with a higher-level manager (e.g., Head of Design, Operations Director). The focus will be on leadership potential, strategic thinking within project constraints, and alignment with company values.

• Final Stage: May involve meeting with key stakeholders or a final discussion to confirm fit and terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or by key skills demonstrated (e.g., design coordination, RFI management, change control). For each project, clearly state your role, the project's scope, key challenges, your solutions, and the outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate your impact. For example, "Reduced design queries by X%," "Ensured timely delivery of Y design packages, contributing to Z% program adherence," or "Identified cost savings of £X through buildability reviews."

• Process Focus: Highlight your systematic approach to design coordination, information management, and stakeholder engagement. Show how you utilize document management systems and adhere to company protocols.

• Problem-Solving: Include examples of complex technical or coordination issues you encountered and how you resolved them, demonstrating your analytical and decision-making skills.

• Visuals: Use diagrams, flowcharts, or relevant drawings (where permissible) to illustrate design coordination processes, workflows, or complex design elements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios related to:

  • Managing conflicting design requirements from different consultants.
  • Responding to urgent RFIs from site with limited information.
  • Handling significant design variations impacting cost and program.
  • Ensuring compliance with new regulations or company standards.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, outlining the steps you would take, the stakeholders you would involve, and the potential outcomes.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the interdependencies between design, commercial, and construction phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio process for a Senior Design Manager in infrastructure is highly practical. Candidates must be ready to demonstrate their ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder processes and deliver tangible results in a project environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Document Management Systems (DMS): Proficiency with systems like Aconex, Procore, or similar platforms for managing project documentation, workflows, and communication is essential.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling, progress monitoring, and resource allocation.

• CAD Software: While not necessarily a CAD operator, understanding and ability to review drawings from AutoCAD and Revit is a strong advantage, especially for identifying buildability and technical issues.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal and external team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and interpret reports from DMS and PM software to track design progress, identify bottlenecks, and present status updates.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, tracking, scheduling updates, and financial monitoring related to design costs.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable in the traditional sales/marketing sense, but understanding how design processes integrate with broader project management and operational workflows is key.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with automating repetitive tasks within document management or approval processes is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is heavily focused on project execution and information management within the construction lifecycle, rather than sales or marketing tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Pro-active Management: Taking initiative, anticipating issues, and driving solutions rather than waiting for problems to arise.

• Detail-Oriented Excellence: A commitment to accuracy, quality, and meticulousness in all design-related tasks and documentation.

• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering an environment of open communication and teamwork across all project stakeholders.

• Efficiency & Cost-Effectiveness: Driving designs that are not only technically sound but also budget-conscious and constructible to maximize revenue and minimize waste.

• Safety & Compliance: Upholding the highest standards of health, safety, and environmental responsibility in all design decisions and project execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively bridging the gap between design, commercial, and construction teams to ensure seamless project delivery.

• Proactive Stakeholder Engagement: Regularly engaging with consultants, subcontractors, clients, and internal teams to manage expectations, resolve issues, and ensure alignment.

• Constructive Feedback Loop: Encouraging a culture where feedback on designs and processes is openly shared and acted upon to drive continuous improvement.

• Information Transparency: Ensuring all relevant parties have access to up-to-date design information and project status updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values and collaboration style are inferred from the job description's emphasis on pro-activity, detail, budget consciousness, and cross-functional teamwork, which are critical for success in infrastructure project management.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Design Coordination Complexity: Managing intricate design interdependencies between multiple disciplines and stakeholders on large infrastructure projects.

• Balancing Competing Demands: Juggling strict timelines, budgetary constraints, technical requirements, and regulatory compliance simultaneously.

• Information Flow Management: Ensuring timely and accurate dissemination of design information to all relevant parties, especially in fast-paced site environments.

• Managing External Consultants: Driving performance and quality from external design teams while ensuring they adhere to company standards and project objectives.

• Adapting to Evolving Regulations: Staying current with changes in construction legislation, safety standards (e.g., Building Safety Act), and client requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design & BIM: Deepen knowledge and practical application of BIM technologies and workflows.

• Project Management Certifications: Pursue professional certifications such as PRINCE2 or PMP to enhance project management capabilities.

• Specialized Infrastructure Training: Gain expertise in specific utility sectors (e.g., water treatment, power distribution) or social infrastructure technologies.

• Leadership Development: Participate in leadership training programs to prepare for future management roles.

• Contractual & Commercial Skills: Develop a more in-depth understanding of construction contracts and commercial negotiation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges helps candidates prepare for the realities of the role and demonstrates insight into the industry. Highlighting learning opportunities shows the company's commitment to employee growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for coordinating detailed design packages for a complex infrastructure project. How do you ensure all disciplines are integrated and compliant?" (Focus on your systematic approach, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation.)

• "How do you manage and motivate external consultants to deliver high-quality designs on time and within budget?" (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and performance monitoring skills.)

• "Walk me through a time you encountered a significant design conflict or buildability issue. What was your approach to resolving it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method example that showcases problem-solving, analytical skills, and collaboration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about United Infrastructure's work in Utility and Social Infrastructure, and why are you interested in contributing to these sectors?" (Research recent projects and company news.)

• "How do you align with our company values of pro-active management, excellence, and collaboration?" (Provide specific examples from your past experience.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best represent your experience in design coordination, problem-solving, and managing complex projects.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your specific role, the challenges faced, your methodology for coordination and issue resolution, and the tangible outcomes achieved (e.g., time saved, cost efficiencies, improved quality).

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics wherever possible to support your claims about efficiency, cost savings, or adherence to schedule.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design review process, how you manage RFIs, your experience with specific software, and how you handle disagreements.

• Showcase Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with different teams (commercial, operations, site) and external parties to achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailoring interview preparation to the specific role and company is crucial. Focusing on process, problem-solving, and quantifiable impact will resonate strongly with hiring managers for this type of operational role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight your experience in design coordination, project management, and working within the construction/infrastructure sector. Use keywords from the job description, such as "detailed design," "design coordination," "RFI management," "buildability," "consultant review," and "H&S files."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile a concise portfolio showcasing your most relevant projects. Focus on demonstrating your process, problem-solving abilities, and quantifiable achievements in design coordination and project delivery. Be ready to present this.

• Research United Infrastructure: Understand their work in Utility and Social Infrastructure, their company values, and their mission. This will help you articulate your interest and cultural fit during interviews.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, especially those related to technical coordination, problem-solving, leadership, and stakeholder management. Use the STAR method for behavioral questions.

⚠️ 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.