Senior Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager

Company: Kier (in collaboration with Jobs for Humanity)

Location: Woking, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Management / Construction Operations

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee the entire design phase for complex civil construction projects within the Natural Resources sector, focusing on wastewater treatment and resilience works.

• Drive the development and implementation of design management processes and procedures to ensure projects meet stringent quality, budget, and timeline objectives.

• Coordinate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and external consultants, to foster a collaborative and efficient design environment.

• Manage and control design changes, ensuring all project documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with relevant industry standards and building codes.

• Play a critical role in the successful delivery of infrastructure projects for Thames Water's Waste Asset Assurance Programme (WAAP), contributing to essential upgrades and resilience enhancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Design Manager," the core responsibilities and required skills firmly place this role within the operational oversight of construction projects, specifically focusing on the design phase. The emphasis on civil construction, wastewater treatment, and infrastructure assets indicates a strong connection to the construction operations and project management domains, rather than pure product design. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for on-site presence for critical project phases and collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the design development process for civils-based construction projects, ensuring alignment with project scope, objectives, and client requirements.

• Conduct thorough reviews and approvals of design drawings, technical specifications, method statements, and all other critical project documentation to ensure quality and compliance.

• Ensure strict adherence to all applicable design standards, building codes, regulatory requirements, and client-specific protocols throughout the design lifecycle.

• Develop, implement, and refine robust design management strategies, processes, and procedures to optimize efficiency and minimize risks.

• Proactively monitor design progress, identify potential issues, risks, and interdependencies, and implement timely mitigation strategies to keep projects on track.

• Manage the design change control process meticulously, ensuring all modifications are properly documented, assessed for impact, and approved by relevant parties.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with internal teams, external design consultants, and stakeholders to facilitate seamless communication and problem-solving.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design practices and standards within the Natural Resources business unit, sharing lessons learned and best practices.

• Support bid and tender processes by providing input on design strategies, methodologies, and resource requirements for new projects.

• Ensure all design documentation is accurately maintained and accessible for project teams, audits, and future reference.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for strong project management acumen within a design context, focusing on the execution and oversight of the design phase in a construction environment. The emphasis on compliance, risk management, and stakeholder coordination is paramount for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in design management, project management, or a similar leadership role within the civil engineering or construction industry.

• Demonstrated experience successfully managing the design phase of complex infrastructure projects, particularly in the water/wastewater sector, is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end design process for construction projects, including planning, execution, and control.

• Civil Engineering Fundamentals: Solid grasp of civil engineering principles, construction methodologies, and infrastructure asset development.

• Construction Management: Knowledge of construction site operations, project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.

• Design Software Proficiency: Expertise in industry-standard design and collaboration software, including AutoCAD, Revit, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms.

• Project Management: Strong capabilities in project planning, execution, monitoring, and control, with a focus on design-specific aspects.

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

• Technical Documentation: Proficiency in reviewing, creating, and managing technical drawings, specifications, reports, and other project documentation.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• BIM Management: Advanced knowledge and experience with BIM workflows, standards, and implementation strategies.

• Contract Management: Understanding of construction contracts and their implications on the design process.

• Health & Safety: Awareness of health and safety regulations and their integration into design processes.

• Water/Wastewater Sector Experience: Specific experience with wastewater treatment plants, sewage systems, and water infrastructure projects.

• Cost Management: Familiarity with design cost control and value engineering principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of technical design knowledge and robust project management capabilities essential for overseeing complex construction projects. Proficiency in BIM and specific experience in the water sector are strong advantages.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Process Optimization: Showcase examples of how you have improved design workflows, reduced design cycle times, or enhanced design quality through process innovation.

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Present case studies of significant civil construction projects where you managed the design phase, highlighting your specific contributions, challenges overcome, and project outcomes (e.g., on-time, within-budget delivery).

• System Implementation & Integration: Provide evidence of your experience in implementing or managing design systems, including BIM, and how you ensured seamless integration with other project platforms and stakeholder workflows.

• Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication: Include examples demonstrating your ability to effectively manage communication and collaboration with architects, engineers, clients, and other stakeholders, showcasing successful outcomes from coordinated efforts.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Automation: Include documentation illustrating your approach to designing and optimizing complex design workflows, with a focus on efficiency gains, risk mitigation, and standardization.

• Implementation & Best Practices: Demonstrate your ability to document and implement best practices for design management, including quality assurance, change control, and document management procedures.

• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Showcase examples of how you have established metrics to track design progress, quality, and efficiency, and how you have used this data for continuous improvement and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating tangible results in design management and process optimization is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their methodologies for workflow design, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement, backed by concrete project examples.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Managers in the UK with 5-10 years of experience, particularly within the construction and infrastructure sectors, the estimated salary range for this role in the Woking area is £60,000 - £80,000 per annum. This estimate considers the complexity of the role, the specific industry (water infrastructure), and the seniority level.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: As per the estimated range, reflecting experience and responsibilities.

• Pension Scheme: Generous employer contribution to a company pension plan.

• Life Assurance: Comprehensive life assurance cover.

• Health & Wellbeing: Access to health and wellbeing programs, potentially including private medical insurance, dental cover, and employee assistance programs.

• Generous Annual Leave: A significant allowance for paid time off, with potential for increases based on tenure.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continuous professional development, including support for professional body memberships.

• Flexible Working: Options for flexible working hours and a hybrid work model, accommodating part-time arrangements if desired.

• Car/Car Allowance: Potential for a company car or a car allowance, depending on travel requirements.

• Performance Bonuses: Eligibility for discretionary performance-related bonuses.

• Employee Discounts: Access to various employee discount schemes and benefits.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• The role offers flexibility, with potential for part-time hours if desired by the candidate.

• Hybrid working model requires a balance of home-based work and on-site presence at the Wisley site and/or Kier offices as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical UK construction industry standards for a Senior Design Manager role with 5-10 years of experience in a major metropolitan area. Kier is known to offer a comprehensive benefits package, which has been detailed based on common offerings for similar roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Engineering (specifically Water Infrastructure)

Company Size: Kier is a large, established UK-based infrastructure services company with a significant global presence. As a major player in the construction industry, it employs tens of thousands of individuals across various sectors. This scale offers stability and diverse career pathways.

Founded: Kier was founded in 1845, giving it a long and rich history in delivering major infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally. This heritage suggests a culture of enduring quality, reliability, and deep industry expertise.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Design Manager will be part of the Natural Resources business unit, specifically focusing on projects for Thames Water.

• This team likely comprises various engineering disciplines, project managers, site engineers, and other design professionals.

• The role involves significant cross-functional collaboration with project delivery teams, commercial teams, and client representatives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using project data, performance metrics, and technical analysis to inform design decisions and project strategies.

• Collaborative Design Process: A strong focus on teamwork, open communication, and integrated project delivery, encouraging input from all disciplines.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that values learning from experience, identifying areas for process enhancement, and implementing best practices to drive efficiency and quality.

• Safety First: An unwavering commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards, embedded in all operational and design processes.

Company Website: https://www.kier.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: Kier's long history and large scale suggest a structured, professional environment with a strong emphasis on safety and quality. The collaboration with Jobs for Humanity highlights a commitment to diversity and inclusion within their hiring practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level role within the design and construction operations function. It involves significant responsibility for project outcomes, team leadership, and strategic input into the design phase of major infrastructure projects. The role requires a blend of technical expertise, project management skills, and leadership capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager will report to a senior leader within the Natural Resources business unit, likely a Director of Design, Operations Director, or a Senior Project Director. They will, in turn, manage or coordinate a team of design professionals, engineers, and consultants involved in specific projects. Collaboration will be extensive with project managers and site-based teams.

Operations Impact: The Senior Design Manager's impact is directly tied to the successful planning and execution of the design phase for critical wastewater treatment and infrastructure upgrade projects. Effective design management ensures that projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and meet all technical and regulatory requirements. This directly influences the operational efficiency and resilience of Thames Water's assets, impacting public service delivery and environmental protection.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into roles such as Head of Design, Director of Engineering, or Program Director, managing larger programs or multiple projects.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of water infrastructure design or project management.

• Strategic Roles: Involvement in business development, bid management, and strategic planning for future projects within the Natural Resources sector.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior design engineers and managers, contributing to the development of future talent within Kier.

• Cross-Disciplinary Experience: Potential to gain broader experience across different infrastructure sectors within Kier.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within a large infrastructure company, with opportunities for both technical specialization and broader leadership development. The emphasis on impact underscores the critical nature of operations within the civil engineering sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates within a hybrid model, combining remote work with on-site presence. This suggests a modern approach to work, valuing flexibility while ensuring essential face-to-face collaboration and site engagement.

Office Location(s): The primary focus will be on the Wisley site in Surrey, with potential for other Kier offices as required. Woking itself is a significant commercial hub with good transport links, making it accessible.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid nature necessitates effective virtual collaboration tools and well-equipped on-site facilities for team meetings, design reviews, and stakeholder workshops.

• Technology Access: Expect access to robust IT infrastructure, design software (AutoCAD, Revit, BIM), project management platforms, and communication tools essential for managing complex projects remotely and on-site.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with project teams, engineers, and management during on-site visits or designated office days, fostering a strong team dynamic and facilitating crucial design discussions.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with flexibility offered.

• Part-time hours can be discussed if desired by the candidate.

• The hybrid arrangement requires balancing remote work with scheduled on-site presence for critical project milestones, site visits, and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role emphasizes the need for self-discipline, strong communication, and adaptability. Candidates should be comfortable working independently and collaborating effectively in both virtual and in-person settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth interview with the hiring manager (likely a Director of Design or Operations Director) to discuss technical expertise, project experience, and leadership style. Be prepared to discuss your approach to design management challenges.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a technical assessment or present a case study from your portfolio focusing on a complex design management scenario, problem-solving approach, and project outcomes.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: An opportunity to meet potential colleagues or key stakeholders from other departments (e.g., project management, site operations) to assess collaboration and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with a senior executive to discuss career aspirations and overall fit within Kier.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Design Process: Clearly articulate your methodology for managing the design lifecycle, from concept to construction documentation.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Present specific examples of design challenges you've encountered and how you successfully resolved them, emphasizing your analytical and decision-making skills.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., cost savings achieved through design optimization, reduction in design RFI's, or on-time delivery percentages).

• Focus on Collaboration: Illustrate how you've fostered effective collaboration among diverse design teams and stakeholders, leading to successful project outcomes.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience relevant to civil construction, infrastructure, and ideally, the water sector.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Coordination Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would manage conflicting design requirements from different engineering disciplines.

• Risk Mitigation: Be ready to outline your strategy for identifying and mitigating design risks in a project with tight deadlines.

• Change Management: Prepare to explain your process for managing design changes, assessing their impact, and communicating them effectively.

• BIM Integration: If applicable, be prepared to discuss your experience with BIM implementation and its benefits in project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to rigorously detail their design management processes and demonstrate tangible results through their portfolio. The interview process will likely focus on practical application of skills and leadership capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software:

  • AutoCAD: Essential for 2D drafting and design.
  • Revit: Crucial for 3D modeling, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and design coordination.
  • BIM Platforms (e.g., Navisworks, Autodesk BIM 360/ACC): For model aggregation, clash detection, and collaborative review.

• Project Management Software:

  • MS Project, Primavera P6: For project scheduling, resource planning, and progress tracking.
  • Aconex, Oracle Aconex: For construction document management and collaboration.

• Collaboration & Communication Tools:

  • Microsoft Teams/Slack: For real-time communication and team collaboration.
  • Zoom/Webex: For virtual meetings and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Excel: For data analysis, reporting, and basic financial tracking.

• BI Tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau - potentially used by the wider project team): For visualizing project data and performance metrics.

• Custom Reporting Tools: May be integrated within project management or BIM platforms.

CRM & Automation:

While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design interfaces with commercial and client management systems is beneficial.

• Document Management Systems: Centralized repositories for all project documentation.

• Potential for workflow automation tools: Within BIM or project management software to streamline review and approval processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design software, particularly Revit and BIM platforms, is non-negotiable. Experience with project management and document control systems is also highly valued for effective oversight.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety: A paramount commitment to the health and safety of all employees, stakeholders, and the public. This translates to rigorous safety protocols in design and construction.

• Integrity: Conducting business with honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all dealings.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collective problem-solving is encouraged.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards of quality and performance in all aspects of work, from design to project delivery.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to improve efficiency and outcomes.

• Customer Focus: Understanding and meeting the needs of clients (like Thames Water) to deliver successful and sustainable infrastructure solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with project managers, site engineers, commercial teams, and client representatives, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Open Dialogue: A culture that encourages constructive feedback, open discussion of challenges, and collaborative problem-solving sessions to ensure alignment across all project phases.

• Knowledge Sharing: Emphasis on sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams to drive continuous improvement and elevate the overall capability of the design function.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kier's values emphasize a robust commitment to safety, integrity, and collaborative excellence. Successful candidates will need to demonstrate alignment with these principles and exhibit strong teamwork and communication skills.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Stakeholder Management: Balancing the needs and expectations of multiple stakeholders (client, internal teams, consultants, regulatory bodies) can be challenging.

• Design Integration Risks: Ensuring seamless integration of designs across various disciplines (civils, mechanical, electrical, process) and managing potential clashes or inconsistencies.

• Tight Project Timelines: Delivering high-quality designs within demanding project schedules requires efficient planning, robust processes, and proactive risk management.

• Navigating Regulatory Environments: Staying abreast of and ensuring compliance with evolving building codes, environmental regulations, and client-specific standards.

• Implementing New Technologies: Effectively adopting and integrating new design tools and BIM methodologies into existing workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BIM Training: Opportunities to further specialize in advanced BIM applications, workflows, and management.

• Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining or enhancing project management qualifications (e.g., APM, PMP).

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Kier's internal leadership training and development programs for career progression.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Participation in relevant industry events to stay updated on best practices, new technologies, and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders or to mentor junior members of the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to project complexity and stakeholder management, offering substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development within the infrastructure sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design phase of a large-scale civil infrastructure project. What are the key stages and your critical responsibilities at each stage?"

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication between diverse design disciplines and external consultants to achieve project objectives?"

• "Walk us through a complex design challenge you faced in a previous role. How did you identify the issue, what steps did you take to resolve it, and what was the outcome?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Kier and our work in the Natural Resources sector, particularly with Thames Water?"

• "How do your personal values align with Kier's core values of Safety, Integrity, Collaboration, Excellence, and Innovation?"

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive and productive working culture."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the project background, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges encountered, the design solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize the design management processes you employed, such as risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, quality control, and change management.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Showcase your proficiency with design software (AutoCAD, Revit, BIM) and how you leveraged these tools to enhance design quality and collaboration.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Use examples to illustrate your leadership style, decision-making capabilities, and ability to motivate design teams.

• Practice Your Narrative: Be prepared to present your portfolio concisely and engagingly, answering questions clearly and confidently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their design management philosophy, provide concrete examples of problem-solving, and demonstrate a strong understanding of Kier's values and the specific demands of the water infrastructure sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on SmartRecruiters.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that highlights your most relevant projects in civil construction and infrastructure design management. Ensure it showcases your process optimization, stakeholder collaboration, and problem-solving skills with quantifiable results.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords related to design management, civil engineering, BIM, project coordination, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. Clearly list your experience with relevant software.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research Kier, its Natural Resources division, and its work with Thames Water. Practice answering strategy and behavioral questions, and be ready to present your portfolio effectively.

• Company Research: Understand Kier's commitment to diversity and inclusion, its long history, and its focus on safety and excellence in infrastructure delivery.

⚠️ 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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