Physical Security Technical Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Physical Security Technical Design Manager

Company: Ethos

Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Security Engineering Operations / Technical Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-02

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Serve as the ultimate technical authority for all Physical Security Engineering projects within Ethos, ensuring the highest standards of design accuracy, compliance, and operational performance.

• Lead and mentor engineering teams through the entire project lifecycle, from conceptualization to close-out, focusing on security strategies and robust engineering methodologies.

• Define, implement, and continuously improve technical design processes, engineering standards, and best practice documentation for the Physical Security discipline.

• Conduct rigorous technical assurance and governance activities, including design reviews and quality control, to guarantee all security designs meet stringent international and client-specific requirements.

• Drive innovation in engineering solutions for complex, mission-critical facilities, ensuring integrated physical security systems align with current industry best practices and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the Smart Buildings team, requiring deep technical knowledge and the ability to influence design standards and technical development across the organization. The focus is on ensuring engineering excellence and technical governance for physical security systems in critical infrastructure like data centers.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Strategy: Act as the definitive technical authority for all physical security engineering initiatives, providing strategic direction and leadership throughout the design lifecycle (concept to close-out).

• Design Standards & Methodology: Establish, maintain, and continuously enhance engineering design standards, technical guidance documents, templates, and best practice methodologies for physical security systems.

• Technical Assurance & Governance: Oversee the technical accuracy, completeness, and consistency of all physical security designs, chairing technical design reviews, peer reviews, and QA/QC processes.

• Integrated System Design: Lead the development of comprehensive integrated physical security solutions, including CCTV, Access Control, PIDS, IDS, Intercom, Security Management Systems (SMS/PSIM), and security networks.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Ensure seamless integration of security designs with other engineering disciplines (ICT, Electrical, Mechanical, Architectural, Civil, Structural) and stakeholders through effective engineering workshops and reviews.

• Standards & Compliance: Ensure all security designs comply with relevant legislation, European & British Standards, International Standards (e.g., EN 62676, EN 60839, ISO 27001, NIS2), and client-specific design requirements.

• Risk Management: Identify technical risks within security designs and ensure appropriate engineering solutions and mitigation strategies are implemented.

• Team Development & Mentorship: Mentor and develop Senior Engineers, Design Engineers, and Graduate Engineers, providing technical coaching, supporting competency development, and promoting a culture of engineering excellence and innovation.

• Innovation & Emerging Technologies: Maintain expert knowledge of emerging security technologies, international standards, and evolving industry best practices, driving the adoption of innovative engineering solutions.

• Project Support: Provide essential technical support to project teams during design, procurement, and construction phases, resolving complex technical issues and supporting commissioning and acceptance processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a senior role with significant oversight and strategic input. The emphasis on technical authority, design governance, and team development suggests a need for a candidate with a proven track record in leading complex security engineering projects, particularly within critical infrastructure environments such as data centers.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Degree in Engineering or a related discipline.

• Desirable: Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards chartership. Experience:

• Extensive experience designing integrated physical security systems for mission-critical facilities, hyperscale data centers, or critical infrastructure.

• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering projects within a consultancy environment.

• Strong experience delivering RIBA Stage 2–5 (or equivalent) design packages and leading technical assurance activities.

• Desirable: Experience developing engineering standards or contributing to industry guidance.

• Desirable: Experience in hyperscale data centers, defence, healthcare, or critical infrastructure projects. Required Skills:

• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of integrated CCTV, Access Control, IDS, PIDS, Intercom, and SMS/PSIM systems.

• Security Networks: Strong understanding of security network architecture and structured cabling.

• Advanced Technologies: Familiarity with video analytics, biometrics, and security integration platforms.

• Security Principles: Proficiency in Defence in Depth, layered security, TVRA, security zoning, and operational concepts for critical infrastructure protection.

• Design Tools: Good understanding and practical application of BIM, Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and IP networking.

• Technical Assurance: Expert design review and technical assurance capability.

• Stakeholder Management: Strong multidisciplinary coordination and stakeholder management skills.

• Communication: Excellent specification writing and technical reporting skills.

• Leadership: Strong communication, mentoring, and leadership skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Certifications: ASIS PSP, CPP, or equivalent certification.

• Professional Memberships: Membership of IET, ASIS, Security Institute, BICSI, or similar professional bodies.

• Digital Engineering: Knowledge of Digital Engineering, BIM, Digital Twins, and Smart Buildings.

• Industry Standards: Excellent understanding of key industry standards, including EN 62676, EN 60839 Series, EN 50131, EN 50600, ISO 27001, NIS2, NPSA guidance, and relevant IEC, BS, and EN standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of deep technical knowledge in physical security systems and broader engineering project leadership. The inclusion of specific standards and software like Revit and AutoCAD indicates a need for practical, hands-on design experience, while the desirable certifications and experience highlight pathways for candidates with specialized expertise in critical infrastructure and advanced digital engineering practices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase detailed examples of integrated physical security system designs for complex, mission-critical facilities (e.g., data centers, critical infrastructure).

• Technical Review Documentation: Provide evidence of leading and contributing to technical design reviews, including checklists, review reports, and resolution of identified issues.

• Standards Development: Include examples of contributions to the development or application of internal engineering standards, technical guidance documents, or best practice methodologies.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Illustrate instances where you successfully coordinated physical security designs with other engineering disciplines, highlighting communication and integration strategies.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Optimization: Demonstrate experience in defining and improving technical design processes, illustrating how you've enhanced efficiency, quality, or innovation within a security engineering workflow.

• Quality Assurance Frameworks: Present examples of implementing or utilizing governance frameworks, QA/QC procedures, and technical assurance processes to ensure design integrity.

• Technical Risk Management: Showcase how you have identified, assessed, and mitigated technical risks within complex security engineering projects.

• System Integration Documentation: Provide examples of documentation related to the integration of various physical security systems (CCTV, Access Control, SMS/PSIM, etc.) and their networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority, a portfolio should demonstrate not just technical design capability but also strategic thinking in process improvement, technical governance, and leadership in multidisciplinary environments. The focus should be on impact, efficiency, and the successful delivery of complex projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Physical Security Technical Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in Birmingham, UK, a competitive salary range would typically fall between £65,000 and £90,000 per annum. This estimate considers the role's senior technical authority status, leadership responsibilities, and the high demand for specialized security engineering expertise in critical infrastructure projects. Factors such as specific project complexity, candidate qualifications (e.g., Chartered status, specific certifications), and the company's growth phase can influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working: Flexible working times and a 9-day fortnight working schedule (every second Friday off).

• Annual Leave: 25 days of annual holidays.

• Retirement: Pension Scheme.

• Referral Program: Refer a Friend scheme.

• Health & Wellness: Subsidised Health Insurance Allowance.

• Expenses: Working travel out-of-pocket expenses covered.

• Professional Development: Regular training/mentoring, further college support, and support for Chartership.

• Professional Memberships: A Professional Subscription Fee paid by the company.

• Statutory Leave: Paid Statutory Leaves.

• Social Activities: Heavily subsidised social committee.

Working Hours:

The role is full-time, likely based on a standard 40-hour work week, with the benefit of flexible working times and a 9-day fortnight schedule, providing enhanced work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is based on general UK market data for senior engineering roles in major cities, adjusted for the specialized nature of physical security design management in critical infrastructure. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance and professional development, which are attractive to experienced engineers.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Data Centre and Energy Infrastructure Consultancy. Ethos operates within a dynamic and high-growth sector, providing specialized engineering and consulting services for complex, mission-critical projects. This context means a focus on precision, reliability, and cutting-edge solutions.

Company Size: Ethos is described as being in an "exciting phase of growth," indicating a medium-to-large consultancy that is expanding its capabilities and project portfolio. This suggests a company with established processes but also with opportunities for individuals to shape its future.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, Ethos is presented as a well-established multidisciplinary consultancy with a history of delivering complex projects, now undergoing significant expansion.

Team Structure:

• Smart Buildings Team: This role is part of the Smart Buildings team, suggesting a focus on integrated building technologies and systems.

• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: The role requires extensive coordination with ICT, Electrical, Mechanical, Architectural, Civil, and Structural engineering teams, highlighting a highly collaborative and integrated project delivery approach.

• Reporting: While not explicitly stated, a Technical Design Manager typically reports to a senior engineering lead or director within the Smart Buildings or overall Engineering division, with direct responsibility for mentoring and guiding other engineers.

Methodology:

• Integrated Delivery: Ethos emphasizes an integrated delivery approach, combining technical expertise, creativity, and client collaboration.

• Sustainability Focus: Sustainability is a guiding principle in design, collaboration, and delivery, aiming to create innovative and lasting value.

• Data-Driven Design: The role requires a strong understanding of data centre and critical infrastructure operational requirements, implying a data-informed approach to security design.

Company Website: https://careers.ethoseng.ie

📝 Enhancement Note: Ethos positions itself as a forward-thinking consultancy focused on complex, mission-critical infrastructure with a strong emphasis on sustainability and integrated delivery. The Smart Buildings team context means this role is at the intersection of physical security and advanced building technology, requiring collaboration across multiple engineering disciplines.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior-to-principal level within the engineering and design hierarchy. It's a Subject Matter Expert (SME) position, signifying deep technical specialization and the responsibility for setting technical standards and quality assurance for physical security engineering. The emphasis on technical authority and mentorship points towards a leadership track within the technical domain.

Reporting Structure: The Technical Design Manager will likely report to a senior engineering director or head of the Smart Buildings division. They will, in turn, manage and mentor a team of Senior Engineers, Design Engineers, and Graduate Engineers within the Physical Security discipline. This structure allows for direct oversight of design quality and technical development.

Operations Impact: The Physical Security Technical Design Manager has a significant impact on the success of Ethos's projects by ensuring the integrity, security, and operational resilience of critical infrastructure. Their designs directly influence client satisfaction, project delivery timelines, and the company's reputation for technical excellence. By setting standards and driving innovation, they contribute to the company's competitive edge and long-term growth in the data centre and energy infrastructure markets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced physical security technologies, cybersecurity integration, and emerging trends in critical infrastructure protection.

• Leadership Development: Progress into broader engineering management roles, leading larger teams or entire engineering disciplines, or move into strategic roles focused on business development and client relations.

• Industry Influence: Represent Ethos on industry working groups, technical committees, and professional forums, contributing to the evolution of security standards and best practices.

• Project Leadership: Take on lead technical roles for highly complex, high-profile projects, offering greater visibility and strategic input.

• Professional Accreditation: Support and guidance towards achieving or maintaining professional accreditations like Chartered Engineer (CEng) or advanced ASIS certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a pivotal technical leadership position, offering substantial opportunities for growth in both specialized technical expertise and broader engineering management. The company's growth phase suggests ample opportunities to influence processes and take on significant project responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Birmingham, and while described as Hybrid, it implies a mix of office-based work for collaboration and design activities, alongside potential site visits to project locations. The company emphasizes a collaborative environment.

Office Location(s): Birmingham, England, United Kingdom. This location provides access to a major city with good transport links, suitable for a hybrid working model.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Ethos fosters a collaborative team atmosphere, encouraging interaction among engineers and consultants. This suggests an open-plan office layout or dedicated collaborative spaces designed for teamwork.

• Technical Tools & Technology: The role requires proficiency with design software such as BIM, Revit, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam, indicating that the company provides access to robust technological infrastructure and software licenses necessary for advanced engineering design.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with other engineering disciplines (ICT, Electrical, Mechanical, etc.) will be frequent, facilitated by office-based work and internal meetings.

Work Schedule: The "Flexible Fridays" and "9-day fortnight working schedule" indicate a progressive work environment that prioritizes work-life balance. While the core working hours are likely standard for a full-time role (around 40 hours/week), there's significant flexibility built into the schedule, allowing for personal appointments or extended breaks on designated days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, combined with the flexible working schedule and emphasis on collaboration, suggests a modern work environment designed to attract and retain top engineering talent. The specific mention of design software implies a well-equipped office space.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess technical qualifications, experience in critical infrastructure security design, and leadership capabilities.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focused on your technical expertise in physical security systems, design methodologies, standards compliance, and experience with multidisciplinary coordination. Expect questions on specific technologies (CCTV, Access Control, PIDS, SMS/PSIM), network design, and security principles.

• Leadership & Case Study Interview: Assessment of your leadership and mentoring skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you approach technical challenges. You may be asked to walk through a complex design project from your portfolio, explaining your role, the challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with Ethos's values and growth objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your capabilities as a Technical Design Manager. Prioritize projects in data centers, critical infrastructure, or similar mission-critical environments.

• Detail Your Role & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, the technical challenges faced, the design solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes or benefits achieved (e.g., improved security posture, cost savings, efficiency gains).

• Showcase Design Documentation: Include relevant excerpts from design drawings, specifications, technical review reports, or process improvement documentation that highlight your technical acumen and governance capabilities.

• Highlight Collaboration: Demonstrate your ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams by providing examples of coordination strategies and successful integration outcomes.

• Present Clearly: Be prepared to present your portfolio concisely and compellingly, focusing on key achievements and demonstrating your thought process.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be ready to discuss hypothetical technical challenges related to designing security systems for new or existing critical facilities, including considerations for scalability, redundancy, and integration with other building systems.

• Process Improvement: Prepare to discuss how you would approach defining or improving design processes, quality assurance frameworks, or technical standards within a growing consultancy.

• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about mentoring junior engineers, managing design conflicts, or ensuring technical consistency across multiple projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical depth and leadership/management capabilities. A strong, well-curated portfolio that clearly articulates impact and technical expertise will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: BIM, Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam (essential for technical design and documentation).

• Security Systems: Extensive knowledge of integrated CCTV, Access Control, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS), Intercom systems, and Security Management Systems (SMS/PSIM).

• Networking: IP networking, security network architecture, and structured cabling.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis: While not explicitly listed as a tool, the role's emphasis on technical authority, design reviews, and problem-solving implies the use of data analysis to validate designs, assess risks, and support decision-making.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in creating detailed technical specifications, reports, and design documentation using standard office productivity suites.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management: Familiarity with project management principles and potentially project management software used within a consultancy environment for tracking design progress and resource allocation.

• System Integration: Understanding of how physical security systems integrate with other building management systems (BMS) and IT infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on CAD/BIM design software and deep technical knowledge of physical security systems and their underlying network infrastructure. The ability to integrate these systems and understand their operational context is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A core value driving the commitment to technical accuracy, high-quality design, and adherence to best practices in physical security engineering.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where engineers from different disciplines work together seamlessly to deliver integrated solutions.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging the development of novel engineering solutions and the ongoing refinement of design processes and technical capabilities.

• Sustainability: A guiding principle that influences design decisions, aiming for environmentally conscious and long-lasting infrastructure solutions.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, delivering value through robust and reliable security designs for mission-critical facilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Multidisciplinary Integration: Proactive and structured collaboration with ICT, Electrical, Mechanical, Architectural, Civil, and Structural engineering teams is essential. This involves regular design workshops, review meetings, and clear communication channels.

• Process-Oriented: A methodical approach to design, assurance, and documentation, ensuring consistency and adherence to established standards and methodologies.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages senior engineers to mentor junior staff, fostering professional growth and the dissemination of technical knowledge across the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ethos appears to cultivate a culture that values technical rigor, collaborative problem-solving, and a forward-thinking approach to sustainable infrastructure. The emphasis on mentorship and continuous improvement suggests a supportive environment for professional development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Keeping Pace with Technology: The rapid evolution of physical security technology (AI-powered analytics, advanced biometrics, IoT integration) requires continuous learning and adaptation of design strategies.

• Complex Project Demands: Designing for highly secure, mission-critical facilities (like hyperscale data centers) presents unique challenges related to scale, redundancy, threat assessment, and integration with IT infrastructure.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Effectively integrating physical security designs with numerous other engineering disciplines, each with its own priorities and constraints, requires strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Global Standards Harmonization: Navigating and applying diverse international, European, and British standards while meeting specific client requirements can be complex.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to training on emerging security technologies, advanced cybersecurity principles relevant to physical security, and specialized design software.

• Industry Certifications: Support and funding for pursuing or maintaining professional certifications such as ASIS PSP/CPP, or relevant engineering charterships.

• Project Diversity: Opportunity to work on a wide range of high-profile, complex projects across different sectors (data centers, critical infrastructure), broadening experience and exposure.

• Leadership Mentorship: Guidance from senior leadership within Ethos on technical management, strategic planning, and career progression within the consultancy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant platform for professional growth by tackling complex technical challenges in a rapidly evolving field, supported by a company committed to continuous learning and development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex physical security design challenge you faced for a mission-critical facility and how you engineered a solution, including your approach to technical assurance and multidisciplinary coordination."

• "How would you establish and maintain engineering design standards and best practices for a growing physical security team within a consultancy environment?"

• "Walk us through your process for conducting a technical design review. What key elements do you focus on, and how do you ensure compliance with relevant standards like EN 62676 or ISO 27001?"

• "How do you approach mentoring junior engineers and fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation within a design team?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Ethos and our work in data centre and energy infrastructure? How do your skills and experience align with our focus on sustainability and integrated delivery?"

• "How do you envision contributing to the growth and technical development of the Smart Buildings team at Ethos?"

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you ensure effective communication and integration with other engineering disciplines?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) focusing on the technical problem, your role, the specific design actions taken, and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals from your designs (schematics, layouts, system architecture diagrams) to illustrate complex concepts. Ensure any proprietary information is anonymized or generalized.

• Highlight Technical Depth: Be prepared to dive deep into the technical specifics of systems (e.g., CCTV camera selection criteria, access control reader types, PIDS sensor technologies, PSIM integration protocols).

• Emphasize Leadership & Process: Clearly articulate your role in leading design efforts, conducting reviews, and improving processes, not just your individual technical contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong blend of technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and an understanding of Ethos's project delivery methodology and values. Be ready to back up claims with specific examples from your portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the careers portal at https://careers.ethoseng.ie/jobs/8309060-physical-security-technical-design-manager.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 key projects that best showcase your experience in designing integrated physical security systems for mission-critical facilities. Ensure these examples highlight your technical leadership, design assurance capabilities, and multidisciplinary coordination.

• Optimize Your CV: Tailor your resume to emphasize your extensive experience in physical security engineering, technical authority, leadership, and familiarity with relevant standards and design software (Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for Technical Discussion: Brush up on specific physical security systems (CCTV, Access Control, PIDS, SMS/PSIM), network architectures, relevant international standards (EN, ISO, NPSA), and common design challenges in data centres and critical infrastructure.

• Research Ethos: Familiarize yourself with Ethos's company values, project portfolio (especially in data centres), and their approach to sustainability and integrated delivery. Understand their position in the market.

⚠️ 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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