London Gatwick is on a journey of transformation—and we're looking for a Lead Design Manager to help shape the infrastructure of one of the UK's busiest and most innovative airports. This is a rare opportunity to take a pivotal role in leading the design management function across Gatwick's Capital Investment Programme, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective, and forward-thinking engineering solutions.
Lead and oversee all design management activities across Gatwick's construction projects.
Set and embed design management procedures that drive consistency, clarity, and quality across the project lifecycle.
Lead and mentor a team of design specialists, fostering a high-performance culture and identifying future talent.
Assure key project stages, validating technical proposals and ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
Monitor and evaluate external design consultants to drive continuous improvement in delivery quality and efficiency.
Promote health, safety, and environmental excellence in all design related activities, including the fulfilment of Principal Designer duties.
Support safety tours, inspections, and reporting across capital programmes.
Drive continuous improvement and innovation across design processes.
Degree-level qualification (or equivalent) in engineering, construction, or a related field.
A strong background in engineering design or design management within complex infrastructure programmes (typically of £50m+ value).
Proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams and oversight of external design consultants.
Strong grasp of design risk management; Demonstrable knowledge of quality management, capital project delivery, and business process optimisation.
Project management qualifications (e.g. Along with a competitive salary, our employees enjoy a range of personal, health and financial benefits, including:
Welcome Bonus
Performance-based bonus scheme
High street shops and restaurant discounts
Healthcare scheme
Life and disability insurance
Professional training to develop
Discounted travel
Our people are our biggest asset. We are an organisation that places diversity, equity and inclusion at its heart. To find out more about what it's like to work at Gatwick, visit our careers site Careers | Grow your career with Gatwick Airport LGW