Senior Design Manager - Aviation

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager - Aviation

Company: Mace

Location: Gatwick, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Engineering & Construction Operations

Date Posted: 2026-02-25

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the comprehensive design management lifecycle for significant aviation civil infrastructure projects, from inception through to final handover.

• Manage and mentor a dedicated team of Design Management professionals, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.

• Drive the development and execution of project design briefs, ensuring alignment with business needs and strategic objectives.

• Oversee and coordinate external design consultants, rigorously reviewing and ensuring the quality and compliance of all design outputs.

• Provide critical technical input and oversight for design changes during construction and handover phases, ensuring project integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager within the Aviation sector, focusing on large-scale civil infrastructure projects. The emphasis on "leading the design management" and managing a team suggests a strategic and leadership-oriented position, requiring a strong understanding of complex project lifecycles and stakeholder management within the aviation construction and consultancy domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the end-to-end design management process, encompassing project inception, design development, construction oversight, and final project handover for major aviation civil projects.

• Define and refine project scopes, ensuring they robustly satisfy business requirements and contribute effectively to the overall business case.

• Develop detailed design briefs for external design consultants, clearly articulating project objectives and technical specifications to guide their work.

• Effectively manage external design consultants, conducting thorough reviews, ensuring design coordination, and upholding stringent quality standards.

• Provide essential technical direction and input for any design modifications or changes arising during the construction and handover phases.

• Ensure the successful commissioning and handover of projects by meticulously reviewing as-built information, verifying quality and completeness against contractual obligations.

• Guarantee strict adherence to all legal, statutory, and regulatory obligations, including relevant standards, code compliance, and planning permissions.

• Actively support the professional development of the Design Management team by setting performance standards, managing workloads, and providing coaching and mentorship.

• Foster talent within the team, identifying high-potential individuals and assisting in their career progression and skill enhancement.

• Collaborate closely with the Construction Management team to ensure the cohesive, efficient, and effective delivery of all project activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, team management, and detailed technical oversight. The emphasis on "lead the design management from project inception through construction, delivery and handover" and "manage a small team of Design Management professionals" indicates a senior role focused on both strategic direction and tactical execution within complex aviation projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in leading engineering design or design management.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in Civil Engineering design principles and practices.

• Demonstrated ability in Design Management leadership, encompassing the full project lifecycle.

• Proven experience in managing external design consultants and ensuring quality outputs.

• Strong understanding of construction delivery processes and project handover procedures.

• Expertise in developing and managing design briefs and technical specifications.

• Thorough knowledge of statutory compliance, legal obligations, and relevant industry standards.

• Significant experience in managing large-scale infrastructure projects (£150M+ value).

• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, coach, and mentor a team of design professionals.

Preferred Skills:

• Chartered Member of a recognized Engineering Institution (e.g., ICE, IStructE).

• Experience within the aviation sector, specifically on airfield civil projects.

• Proficiency in project management software and design coordination tools.

• Experience with BIM (Building Information Modeling) and digital design workflows.

• Strong understanding of contract administration and procurement processes in construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Chartered status and a minimum of ten years of experience on projects exceeding £150 million signifies a highly experienced and senior professional expected to handle significant responsibility and complexity. The emphasis on team leadership and mentorship points towards a role that not only manages projects but also develops future talent within the design management function.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a portfolio of successfully managed large-scale civil infrastructure projects, with a strong emphasis on aviation or similar complex environments.

• Include detailed case studies demonstrating effective design management from inception through to project handover, highlighting strategic decision-making and problem-solving.

• Provide evidence of managing external design consultants, including examples of brief development, performance monitoring, and quality assurance processes.

• Demonstrate experience in managing design changes during construction, with clear examples of impact assessment, coordination, and resolution.

Process Documentation:

• Present documented processes for design brief development, ensuring alignment with business needs and project objectives.

• Provide examples of standardized design review and coordination procedures used with external consultants.

• Showcase methodologies for managing and implementing design changes throughout the project lifecycle, including risk assessment and stakeholder communication.

• Illustrate processes for ensuring statutory compliance and adherence to all relevant standards and regulations.

• Include examples of team management and mentorship processes, outlining how standards are set and staff are developed.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but detail the candidate's specific role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and quantifiable outcomes, particularly regarding design quality, efficiency, and timely delivery on large civil infrastructure projects. The emphasis on process documentation indicates a need for structured approaches to design management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Private Medical Insurance, covering pre-existing conditions.

• Generous Pension Scheme with employer contributions.

• Life Assurance and Income Protection benefits.

• Opportunities for professional development, including funding for further training, certifications, and chartership support.

• Generous annual leave allowance, with options to purchase additional days.

• Flexible working arrangements may be considered, subject to role requirements and project needs.

• Access to Mace's employee assistance program for wellbeing and support.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be offered, but the demanding nature of large infrastructure projects often requires dedication and availability beyond standard hours, particularly during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the £150M+ project value requirement and 10+ years of experience, the salary range is estimated to reflect a senior leadership position within a major consultancy like Mace. Benefits are inferred based on typical offerings for such roles in large UK-based construction and engineering firms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction, Consultancy, Project Management, Infrastructure Development. Mace operates at the intersection of these sectors, offering integrated services from initial concept to project completion, with a strong focus on large-scale, complex projects. The aviation sector is a key area of expertise.

Company Size: Mace is a global, multinational company with a significant employee base, likely numbering in the thousands (based on typical industry leaders of this scale). This size implies a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for impact across diverse projects and teams.

Founded: Mace was founded in 1990. This history suggests a company with established expertise, a proven track record, and a strong understanding of the construction and consultancy landscape, likely fostering a culture of experience-driven decision-making and continuous evolution.

Team Structure:

• The Design Management team within Aviation is likely structured to support specific mega-projects or portfolios of aviation-related works.

• This role will report into a senior project director or head of design for the aviation division.

Methodology:

• Mace emphasizes a client-focused, integrity-driven approach, underpinned by a commitment to safety and the development of its people.

• Operations will likely involve rigorous project controls, robust risk management, and a focus on delivering value and quality.

• Data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement are core tenets, encouraging the use of best practices and innovative solutions in design and delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's reputation as a global consultancy and construction firm suggests a professional, results-oriented culture. The emphasis on values like "Safety first," "Client focus," "Integrity," and "Create opportunity" indicates a commitment to ethical practices, client satisfaction, and employee growth, which are crucial for senior leadership roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is firmly at a Senior Management level, responsible for leading significant design initiatives on large-scale projects and managing a team. It represents a critical juncture for individuals with extensive technical expertise and leadership potential in design management, particularly within specialized sectors like aviation infrastructure.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Programme Director, Divisional Director, or Head of Design within the Aviation Business Unit. They will directly manage a team of Design Managers and potentially junior design professionals, coordinating their efforts to align with project objectives.

Operations Impact: The operations managed by this role have a direct and profound impact on project success, safety, cost, schedule, and quality. Effective design management ensures that projects are buildable, compliant, efficient, and meet the client's strategic and operational requirements, ultimately contributing to the successful expansion and operation of aviation facilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to roles such as Head of Design, Director of Design Management, or Programme Director, overseeing larger portfolios or more complex strategic initiatives.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a recognized subject matter expert in aviation infrastructure design and project delivery within Mace.

• Cross-Disciplinary Experience: Potential to gain exposure to other areas of Mace's integrated services, such as construction delivery, commercial management, or strategic consulting.

• Mentorship and Training: Access to Mace's extensive learning and development programs, leadership training, and opportunities to mentor junior staff, honing leadership and coaching skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The title "Senior Design Manager" combined with the responsibility for leading design on "very large, strategically important, airfield civils projects" and managing a team, positions this role as a key leadership opportunity. Growth potential likely involves broader strategic oversight and management of larger project portfolios or business units.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Mace typically operates within professional office environments that facilitate collaboration and project administration. For this role, it would likely be a modern, well-equipped office space located near or within the project site's operational hubs, possibly at Gatwick.

Office Location(s): Gatwick, United Kingdom. This location is strategic for overseeing aviation projects at Gatwick Airport or related infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be collaborative, requiring frequent interaction with project teams, consultants, and client stakeholders.

• Access to necessary technology, project management software, and communication tools will be standard.

• The environment will be dynamic, reflecting the fast-paced nature of large-scale construction projects, with an emphasis on problem-solving and efficient coordination.

• Regular site visits to project locations will be an integral part of the role to ensure on-the-ground oversight and coordination.

Work Schedule: While standard office hours apply, the nature of large construction projects often necessitates flexibility. This may include working beyond typical hours, occasional weekend work, or being on-call during critical project phases to ensure continuous progress and address any emergent issues promptly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation implies that this role is primarily based at the project location or a dedicated project office, rather than a remote or central corporate office. This suggests a hands-on, integrated approach to project management and design oversight.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application to assess alignment with the core experience and qualifications.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager (e.g., Head of Design, Aviation Director) to discuss experience, leadership style, and suitability for the role and team. Expect questions on your approach to design management, team leadership, and handling complex projects.

• Technical/Case Study Interview: This stage may involve a detailed discussion of your portfolio, potentially presenting a specific project case study, or undertaking a technical exercise related to design management challenges on large civil infrastructure projects.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader within the business unit or a panel interview to assess overall fit, strategic thinking, and cultural alignment with Mace's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project presented, clearly articulate your role, the project's scale and complexity (especially the £150M+ value), the design challenges faced, your strategic approach, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, safety record).

• Highlight Leadership: Showcase examples of your team leadership, mentorship, and ability to manage and develop design professionals.

• Demonstrate Consultant Management: Include specific instances where you successfully managed external design consultants, detailing your process for brief development, review, coordination, and quality assurance.

• Address Compliance: Prepare to discuss your experience in ensuring statutory compliance and adherence to relevant engineering standards on complex projects.

• Tailor to Aviation: If possible, highlight any aviation-specific project experience or demonstrate how your experience in other large infrastructure sectors is transferable and relevant to aviation civil projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design management scenario for a large aviation civil project, focusing on risk identification, mitigation strategies, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring design integrity within budget and schedule constraints.

• Practice articulating your design management philosophy, your leadership style, and how you foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

• Research Mace's recent projects, particularly in the aviation sector, to demonstrate your understanding of their work and how your skills align with their strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "very large, strategically important, airfield civils projects" and managing a team suggests that interviewers will probe deeply into your experience with complex project lifecycles, stakeholder management, and your ability to lead and develop design professionals. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates these capabilities is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in industry-standard project management tools for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6).

• Design Coordination Platforms: Experience with platforms facilitating multi-disciplinary design review and clash detection (e.g., Navisworks, BIM 360, Autodesk Construction Cloud).

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for managing project documentation, drawings, and specifications (e.g., Aconex, SharePoint).

• Collaboration Tools: Experience with digital collaboration suites for team communication and knowledge sharing (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Dashboards: Ability to interpret and contribute to performance dashboards related to design progress, budget adherence, and quality metrics.

• Reporting Tools: Experience in generating and reviewing technical reports, design progress reports, and compliance documentation.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with broader project management and client relationship systems would be beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools for design review processes or document approvals could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the scale of projects (£150M+), proficiency with advanced project management and design coordination tools, particularly those supporting BIM workflows, is highly probable and expected. The ability to leverage technology for efficient design management and communication is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A non-negotiable value, expecting a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating safety risks throughout the design and construction phases. This translates to meticulous design reviews for safety compliance and constructability.

• Client Focus: A commitment to understanding and delivering on client promises, ensuring designs meet their strategic objectives and operational needs for aviation facilities. This involves strong communication and a solutions-oriented approach.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings, particularly with external consultants and stakeholders, ensuring compliance with all obligations and fostering trust.

• Create Opportunity: Encouraging continuous improvement, professional development, and innovation within the design management team. This means fostering a learning environment and empowering team members to excel.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Expect a highly collaborative environment where design managers work closely with construction managers, project managers, and client representatives in integrated project teams.

• Proactive Communication: A culture of open, honest, and proactive communication is vital for managing complex interfaces and resolving issues swiftly.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized for process improvement and skill development within the team and with external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's stated values are central to their operations. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate how they embody these values in their daily work, particularly concerning safety, client delivery, and team development within the context of large-scale engineering projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complexity: Overseeing the design of large, strategically vital aviation civil projects involves navigating intricate technical requirements, numerous stakeholders, and evolving project parameters. Mitigation involves robust planning, clear communication protocols, and strong team leadership.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the diverse needs and expectations of clients, regulatory bodies, construction teams, and design consultants requires exceptional negotiation and communication skills.

• Technical Evolution: Keeping abreast of the latest advancements in civil engineering, aviation infrastructure design, and digital technologies (e.g., BIM, AI in design) to ensure designs are state-of-the-art and future-proof.

• Team Development: Effectively managing and motivating a team of design professionals, ensuring consistent performance and fostering individual growth in a demanding project environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Management Techniques: Access to Mace's internal training programs and industry best practices for leading complex infrastructure projects.

• Aviation Sector Expertise: Deepening knowledge in specialized areas of aviation infrastructure design and operations through project involvement and industry engagement.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities for leadership training, executive coaching, and mentorship programs to enhance strategic management capabilities.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to represent Mace at industry conferences, engage with professional institutions, and contribute to the advancement of design management practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "very large, strategically important" nature of the projects implies significant complexity and high stakes. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they have successfully navigated similar challenges and how they approach continuous learning in a rapidly evolving industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the design management for a complex civil infrastructure project valued over £150 million. What were the key challenges, your strategic approach, and the outcomes?" (Focus on your leadership, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you ensure effective coordination and quality assurance when managing multiple external design consultants on a large-scale project?" (Highlight your process, communication, and review mechanisms.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing a design brief that effectively translates business needs into actionable engineering requirements for a major aviation project." (Demonstrate your understanding of project inception and scope definition.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Mace and this specific Senior Design Manager role within our Aviation division?" (Research Mace's aviation projects and align your skills/ambitions.)

• "How do you approach mentoring and developing junior design management professionals?" (Showcase your leadership and people development philosophy.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly detailing your role, responsibilities, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results for each. Prioritize projects that best exemplify your experience with large-scale civil infrastructure and, ideally, aviation.

• Visuals: Use clear diagrams, timelines, and key metrics to illustrate your points. Avoid overly dense text.

• Storytelling: Frame your experience as a narrative. Explain the context, the problem, your strategic intervention, and the successful resolution.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your design management contributed to project success in terms of safety, quality, budget, and schedule. Be ready to discuss ROI and value engineering where applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle the scale and complexity described (e.g., £150M+ projects, aviation context). Your answers should reflect a strategic, leadership-oriented approach, aligned with Mace's values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Mace Careers portal via the provided link.

• CV Optimization: Ensure your CV clearly highlights your experience in leading design management for large-scale civil infrastructure projects (specifically mentioning values over £150M), your Civil Engineering background, and any aviation sector experience. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that showcases your most relevant projects. Focus on detailed case studies demonstrating your end-to-end design management capabilities, team leadership, and successful consultant management. Prepare to present one or two key projects in detail.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, particularly those related to leadership, complex project challenges, stakeholder management, and your approach to design strategy and compliance. Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Mace's current projects, company values, and strategic objectives, especially within their Aviation division. Understand their approach to safety, client focus, and innovation.

⚠️ 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.