Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Kier (via Jobs for Humanity)

Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Management & Engineering Leadership

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years Post-Qualification

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a multidisciplinary design and engineering function within a high-security, complex joint venture project.

• Drive technical excellence and strategic oversight for all design activities, including Temporary Works and Digital Engineering.

• Ensure seamless coordination between design, project management, and operational delivery teams.

• Uphold rigorous contractual, regulatory, and quality standards in a security-sensitive environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior Design Manager", the responsibilities and requirements strongly indicate a role focused on engineering leadership and technical project oversight within the construction and infrastructure sector, rather than a purely aesthetic design role. The emphasis on "engineering function," "technical excellence," "Temporary Works," and "Digital Engineering" points to a need for a technically proficient leader with a strong understanding of construction design processes and project delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and Manage Design Teams: Oversee and direct multidisciplinary design and engineering teams, including experts in Temporary Works, Digital Engineering, Concrete and Materials Management, and Survey and Monitoring.

• Develop Design Strategies: Create and implement strategies for Temporary Works and Contractor Design Portions, ensuring alignment with project lifecycle requirements, schedules, and deliverables.

• Coordinate Project Delivery: Collaborate closely with Project Management and Operational Delivery teams to ensure the timely integration and execution of design solutions.

• Ensure Compliance and Quality: Guarantee adherence to all contractual obligations, regulatory mandates, and quality assurance protocols throughout the design and engineering phases.

• Technical Review and Approval: Review, validate, and formally approve design outputs, technical documentation, and engineering deliverables.

• Resource and Risk Management: Manage design-related resources, budgets, and project risks, implementing mitigation strategies as necessary.

• Team Development and Mentorship: Foster a culture of continuous improvement by mentoring and developing team members, enhancing their professional growth and technical capabilities.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Effectively manage relationships and communicate with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, regulatory bodies, and joint venture partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outline a strategic and operational leadership role. The emphasis on "Temporary Works," "Contractor Design Portion strategies," and "Digital Engineering" suggests a need for a candidate with a deep understanding of the practicalities of large-scale construction projects, not just theoretical design. The requirement for BPSS and SC security clearance indicates a critical infrastructure or government-related project where design integrity and security are paramount.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Professionally qualified senior manager with at least 10 years of post-qualification experience or 15 years of relevant experience.

Experience:

• Significant experience in design and engineering leadership roles.

• Proven project management capabilities.

• Demonstrated team leadership and management skills.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Proven ability to lead and manage complex design processes from inception to delivery.

• Engineering Leadership: Expertise in guiding and directing engineering teams across various disciplines.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent skills in building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment.

• Project Management: Strong understanding and application of project management principles for design and engineering functions.

• Temporary Works Design: In-depth knowledge and experience in developing and managing temporary works strategies.

• Digital Engineering: Proficiency and strategic understanding of digital engineering tools and methodologies.

• Contractual & Regulatory Compliance: Thorough knowledge of relevant industry standards, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements.

• Quality Assurance: Experience in implementing and overseeing quality management systems for design outputs.

• Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate design and engineering-related risks.

• Team Leadership & Development: Proven capability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing design and engineering teams.

• Technical Documentation: Skill in reviewing, approving, and managing technical documentation.

• Client-Facing Presentation: Confidence and capability in leading client-focused presentations and meetings.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Concrete and Materials Management.

• Expertise in Survey and Monitoring techniques within large projects.

• Familiarity with government security vetting processes (BPSS, SC Clearance).

• CSCS White PQP/AQP card holder.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific academic qualifications (HNC, HND, BSc, MSc, BEng, MEng) alongside extensive post-qualification experience emphasizes a need for a technically grounded leader. The inclusion of "Temporary Works" and "Digital Engineering" as core areas suggests a specialization within construction design management. The security clearance requirement is a critical filter and implies a role within a government or defense-related project.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Design Leadership: Demonstrate successful leadership of design and engineering teams on complex projects, highlighting team collaboration and problem-solving.

• Process Optimization Examples: Showcase instances where you have improved design workflows, implemented new methodologies (e.g., digital engineering), or enhanced efficiency within a design function.

• System Implementation & Integration: Provide examples of how you have managed the integration of design systems or processes with broader project management and operational delivery frameworks.

• Quality & Compliance Demonstrations: Present evidence of ensuring design outputs meet stringent quality, contractual, and regulatory standards, particularly in high-stakes environments.

• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Illustrate your approach to identifying and mitigating design-related risks, including those specific to temporary works or critical infrastructure.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Evidence of creating, documenting, and refining design and engineering workflows to improve efficiency and reduce lead times.

• Methodology Implementation: Documentation related to the implementation of specific design methodologies, such as digital engineering standards or advanced temporary works design approaches.

• Performance Measurement: Examples of how design team performance and project design milestones have been tracked, measured, and reported, linking to project success metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, technical oversight, and process improvement within engineering and construction design. Emphasis should be placed on tangible outcomes, such as successful project delivery, efficiency gains, and adherence to strict standards, especially within a project requiring security clearance. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the challenges and solutions encountered in managing complex, multidisciplinary design efforts.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: £70,000 - £95,000 per annum (this is an estimate based on standard industry benchmarks for Senior Design Managers in the UK construction sector with significant experience and security clearance requirements).

• Methodology: This estimate is derived from analyzing salary data for similar roles in the UK, considering the specific location (Plymouth), the experience level (10+ years post-qualification), the industry (construction/infrastructure), and the added complexity of joint venture operations and security clearance requirements. Data sources include industry salary surveys, recruitment agency reports, and publicly available compensation data for comparable positions.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Hours: The role offers some flexibility in working hours, allowing for tailored schedules to better manage work-life balance.

• Comprehensive Health & Wellbeing: Access to a range of benefits, which may include private medical insurance, life assurance, and employee assistance programs.

• Pension Scheme: Generous employer contribution to a pension scheme.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued professional development, training, and support for gaining further qualifications or certifications.

• Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Active participation in company-wide programs aimed at fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.

• Holiday Entitlement: Generous annual leave allowance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for employees facing personal or work-related challenges.

Working Hours:

• 42.5 hours per week.

• Some flexibility on hours is available, and candidates are encouraged to discuss their preferences during the application process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an informed estimate. The specific compensation will depend on the candidate's exact experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits package is typical for senior roles in large UK construction firms, with a notable mention of flexible working hours and a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion initiatives. The requirement for BPSS and SC security clearance can sometimes command a premium in compensation due to the extensive vetting process and residency requirements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Infrastructure (specifically, major redevelopment projects at a Royal Navy site).

Company Size: Kier is a large, established UK construction and infrastructure company. The KierBAM Joint Venture is a significant undertaking, implying a substantial project team size.

Founded: Kier was founded in 1820, bringing a long history of experience and stability. BAM Nuttall is also a well-established engineering and construction firm.

Team Structure:

• Joint Venture: The role operates within the KierBAM Joint Venture, a partnership between Kier and BAM Nuttall, indicating a collaborative, integrated team structure with shared leadership and reporting lines.

• Engineering & Design Focus: The Senior Design Manager will lead the engineering and design team, which is a critical function within the broader project delivery organization.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close working relationships are expected with Project Management, Operational Delivery, site teams, and potentially client representatives.

Methodology:

• Technical Excellence: A strong emphasis on delivering high-quality engineering and design solutions.

• Collaborative Delivery: The joint venture model fosters a collaborative approach to project execution.

• Safety & Security Focused: Given the site location and security requirements, safety protocols and security procedures are paramount and integrated into all processes.

• Data-Driven Design: The "Digital Engineering" aspect suggests a move towards leveraging data and technology for design, planning, and execution.

Company Website: https://www.kier.co.uk/ and https://www.bamnuttall.co.uk/ (for partner information).

📝 Enhancement Note: Operating within a joint venture like KierBAM means navigating the cultures and processes of two major organizations. The project's location at a Royal Navy site implies a highly regulated environment with strict security protocols and potentially unique operational challenges. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion, as highlighted in the job description, suggests an effort to create an equitable and supportive work environment despite the demanding nature of the project.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, typically considered a mid-to-senior management role within the engineering and construction sector. It requires significant technical expertise and proven leadership capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director or Senior Project Manager within the KierBAM Joint Venture. They will, in turn, manage a team of design and engineering professionals.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on project success. Effective design management ensures that projects are delivered on time, within budget, to the required quality standards, and safely. Poor design management can lead to costly delays, rework, safety incidents, and project failure. The strategic oversight provided by this role is crucial for the overall viability and success of the complex redevelopment project.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Leadership: Potential to advance into broader project director roles or take on leadership of even larger, more complex joint venture projects.

• Specialization Development: Deepen expertise in areas like Digital Engineering, Temporary Works, or specific construction methodologies, potentially becoming a subject matter expert.

• Organizational Leadership: Opportunities to influence Kier's or BAM Nuttall's broader design and engineering strategies and standards.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop leadership and mentoring skills by guiding junior engineers and design managers, contributing to the talent pipeline within the organization.

• Advanced Security Clearances: With continued service and proven reliability, opportunities to maintain and potentially work on projects requiring higher levels of security clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical step for experienced design and engineering professionals looking to move into strategic leadership. The joint venture context and the nature of the project offer unique challenges and learning opportunities that can significantly enhance a candidate's career profile, particularly in the infrastructure and defense sectors. The emphasis on security clearance also positions candidates for roles within sensitive government projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth, which is a working naval base and industrial site. This implies a dynamic, operational, and potentially demanding work environment.

Office Location(s): Plymouth, England – specifically at Devonport Royal Dockyard.

Workspace Context:

• On-site Operations: The role is inherently on-site, requiring a physical presence at the project location to oversee design activities, collaborate with delivery teams, and conduct site inspections.

• Collaborative Hub: While on-site, there will be dedicated office spaces for design teams to collaborate, review plans, and manage project documentation.

• Integrated Technology: Expect access to project management software, CAD/BIM platforms, and communication tools essential for managing design within a complex project.

• Cross-functional Integration: The workspace will facilitate close interaction with project managers, construction engineers, site supervisors, and potentially client representatives.

Work Schedule:

• The standard working hours are 42.5 per week, with an acknowledgement that some flexibility may be possible. This suggests a commitment to project deadlines that may occasionally require extended hours, balanced by an understanding of employee well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "work environment" is heavily defined by the location: Devonport Royal Dockyard. This is not a typical office setting; it's an active, secure industrial and naval site. Candidates must be comfortable with this environment, which includes stringent security protocols, potential for shift work or irregular hours depending on project phases, and a focus on operational efficiency and safety.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and any submitted application materials to assess against the core requirements, particularly experience level and qualifications.

• First Interview (Hiring Manager/JV Lead): Focus on your leadership experience, technical expertise in design management, project management approach, and understanding of joint venture dynamics. Expect questions about your experience with Temporary Works and Digital Engineering.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: You may be presented with a design-related challenge or a complex scenario relevant to the project. You will be asked to outline your approach, strategy, and how you would manage the design process, resources, and risks. This is where your portfolio can be invaluable.

• Security Vetting Briefing: Discussion about the BPSS and SC security clearance requirements, including eligibility criteria (residency, passport nationality). This is a critical step and may involve detailed questionnaires.

• Final Interview (Senior Leadership): A broader discussion about your strategic vision, leadership philosophy, and cultural fit within the KierBAM Joint Venture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project example, use metrics to demonstrate impact. For instance, "Reduced design lead time by 15% through implementing a new BIM workflow" or "Successfully managed a design budget of £X million, delivering within Y% variance."

• Focus on Leadership: Highlight your role in leading teams, making critical decisions, and resolving complex design challenges. Show, don't just tell, how you managed and mentored your teams.

• Showcase Process Improvement: Detail specific examples of how you've optimized design processes, implemented new technologies (like Digital Engineering), or improved quality control.

• Address Security Context: If you have experience in secure environments, highlight this. Even if not directly applicable, demonstrating an understanding of the importance of security, compliance, and robust documentation is key.

• Tailor Examples: Select portfolio pieces that best align with the responsibilities of this role, particularly those involving temporary works, complex infrastructure, or joint venture projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Problems: Be ready to discuss how you would handle a design conflict between disciplines, a critical design change request late in the project, or a resource shortage impacting a key deliverable.

• Strategic Thinking: Prepare to articulate your strategy for managing a large, multidisciplinary design team, ensuring alignment with overall project goals, and maintaining stakeholder confidence.

• Process Articulation: Be able to clearly explain your approach to developing and managing design schedules, risk registers, quality plans, and communication protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The security clearance aspect is paramount. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria. The interview process will heavily scrutinize their ability to lead complex technical projects under strict conditions, and their portfolio should reflect this capability. Be prepared for a rigorous vetting process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software is essential. Examples include Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, Bentley Systems products (e.g., MicroStation).

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

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools for document management and team collaboration, such as SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, or specific JV collaboration suites.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Design Data Analysis: Ability to analyze design data from BIM models and project management tools to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for optimization.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating or utilizing dashboards for tracking design progress, resource utilization, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Financial Tracking Tools: Familiarity with systems for tracking design budgets, expenditures, and forecasting.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Control Systems: Robust systems for managing design documentation, revisions, approvals, and distribution (e.g., Aconex, Procore Document Management).

• Workflow Automation Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with automating routine design review or approval processes can be advantageous.

• Integration Tools: Understanding of how different design, project management, and operational systems integrate to ensure data flow and consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Digital Engineering" aspect is key. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and strategic approach to leveraging BIM, data analytics, and other digital tools to enhance design processes, collaboration, and project outcomes. Familiarity with systems used in large-scale infrastructure and defense projects would be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: An unwavering commitment to health and safety in all design and operational activities.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a spirit of partnership within the JV, with the project team, and with stakeholders.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, embracing digital technologies, and constantly seeking ways to enhance processes and outcomes.

• Quality & Excellence: A dedication to delivering high-quality design and engineering solutions that meet or exceed project requirements.

• Inclusivity: A commitment to diversity and ensuring all team members feel valued and respected, as promoted by Jobs for Humanity and Kier.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Team Approach: Working as part of a unified KierBAM Joint Venture team, breaking down silos between design, construction, and management.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open, honest, and frequent communication channels with all project stakeholders.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Encouraging a feedback-rich environment where team members can share insights and contribute to process improvements.

• Problem-Solving Focus: A collaborative approach to identifying and resolving challenges, drawing on the expertise of diverse team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be a blend of the established corporate values of Kier and BAM Nuttall, overlaid with the specific demands of a large-scale, security-sensitive joint venture project. The emphasis on inclusivity from "Jobs for Humanity" suggests a focus on creating a supportive and equitable environment for all employees.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Security Clearance Requirements: Meeting and maintaining BPSS and SC security clearances, which involves strict eligibility criteria and a lengthy vetting process.

• Complex Project Environment: Navigating the operational complexities of a Royal Navy dockyard, including site access, security protocols, and unique construction constraints.

• Joint Venture Dynamics: Managing the integration of processes, teams, and expectations from two major contracting organizations (Kier and BAM Nuttall).

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Ensuring seamless communication and alignment across diverse engineering and design disciplines, each with its own specializations and priorities.

• Balancing Innovation and Tradition: Implementing modern digital engineering practices while adhering to established industry standards and client requirements in a traditional sector.

• Resource Management: Effectively allocating and managing design resources, budgets, and personnel to meet demanding project timelines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Gaining experience managing design for critical national infrastructure projects, enhancing project management skills.

• Digital Transformation Leadership: Leading the adoption and integration of advanced digital engineering tools and methodologies within a large-scale project.

• Security-Sensitive Project Expertise: Developing specialized knowledge and experience in managing projects within highly secure environments.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills in a high-stakes environment.

• Industry Certifications: Potential support for obtaining or maintaining relevant professional certifications (e.g., RICS, ICE qualifications, APM).

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is the security clearance, which is non-negotiable. Beyond that, candidates will face the typical complexities of large infrastructure projects, amplified by the unique context of a joint venture operating on a secure military site. The growth opportunities are significant for those who can successfully navigate these challenges.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a multidisciplinary design team on a complex infrastructure project, particularly within a joint venture context."

• "How do you ensure design compliance with contractual, regulatory, and quality standards in a high-security environment?"

• "Walk us through your strategy for integrating Digital Engineering practices into a traditional construction design workflow."

• "Explain your process for developing and managing Temporary Works strategies, including risk assessment and mitigation."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Kier and BAM Nuttall, and how do you see them working together effectively in the KierBAM JV?"

• "How do you foster a culture of safety and inclusivity within your design teams, especially given the project's location and requirements?"

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities from different stakeholders. How did you resolve it?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the challenge, your role and actions, the solutions implemented (especially process improvements or digital tools used), and the quantifiable results.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your strategic decision-making, team management, and problem-solving abilities. Use "I" for your actions and "we" for team achievements.

• Demonstrate Technical Acumen: Be ready to discuss technical details related to design management, temporary works, or digital engineering where relevant to your examples.

• Address Security: If you have previous experience in secure environments, be prepared to discuss it at a high level, focusing on your understanding of protocols and compliance.

• Conciseness is Key: Focus on the most impactful projects and achievements that directly relate to the requirements of the Senior Design Manager role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared for in-depth questions about your leadership style, technical expertise, and ability to navigate complex project environments. The security clearance aspect will be a recurring theme. Demonstrating an understanding of the joint venture structure and the unique demands of working on a naval dockyard is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on smartrecruiters.com.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that showcases your most relevant design management and engineering leadership projects. Focus on quantifiable achievements, process improvements, and examples of managing multidisciplinary teams in complex environments.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your CV to highlight your 10+ years of post-qualification experience, academic qualifications, and specific skills in design management, engineering leadership, temporary works, and digital engineering. Explicitly mention any experience with joint ventures or in secure environments.

• Security Clearance Eligibility: Carefully review the eligibility criteria for BPSS and SC security clearance regarding passport nationality and residency history. Be prepared to confirm your eligibility during the application or interview process.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kier, BAM Nuttall, and the KierBAM Joint Venture. Understand their values, project history, and commitment to safety and diversity. Research Devonport Royal Dockyard's significance.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your leadership, problem-solving, and technical expertise. Practice articulating your portfolio case studies effectively.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding security clearance eligibility and specific benefits, should be verified directly with the hiring organization or during the interview process before making application decisions.