An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Subject Matter Expert/Design Manager (Airfield Systems) to join a major UK airport, supporting the delivery of a multi-billion-pound capital investment programme focused on enhancing critical airport infrastructure and operational efficiency. This role sits within a dynamic construction and project delivery environment and will play a pivotal role in leading the design of large-scale, strategically important airfield systems projects (typically £100m-£150m). The Role As the Subject Matter Expert/Design Manager, you will lead design management activities from project inception through to construction, commissioning and handover, ensuring solutions are safe, compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with operational requirements. You'll manage a small team of Design Management professionals and act as a key interface between internal stakeholders, engineering teams, and external design consultants and contractors. Key Responsibilities Lead design management across the full project lifecycle, including associated smaller projects where required Develop project scope, support business cases, and produce detailed design briefs Manage and coordinate external design consultants and Design & Build contractors Drive safe, efficient, and value-led design solutions aligned to engineering standards Ensure all design outputs meet quality, technical, regulatory, and programme requirements Monitor and coordinate design changes throughout construction and handover stages Define asset information requirements in collaboration with internal stakeholders Support statutory duties in line with CDM regulations (Principal Designer responsibilities where applicable) Contribute to contractor and consultant selection processes, including technical evaluations Support continuous improvement of design management and project delivery processes Work closely with stakeholders, balancing operational impact with project delivery needs Collaborate with construction teams to ensure design alignment, safety, and quality on-site Lead the review of as-built information to ensure successful project close-out and handover Ensure compliance with all legal, statutory, planning, and regulatory obligations Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a small team About You Degree-qualified (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or a relevant construction/engineering discipline Chartered Engineer (or working towards / highly desirable) Significant experience (typically ~10 years) in engineering design or design management on large, complex infrastructure projects (£100m) Strong expertise in airfield systems, particularly Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL), navigation and landing systems (ILS/RNP/GNSS etc), surface movement radar as well as civils works related to drainage and monitoring systems etc Proven experience leading design management teams (typically 3 years managing small teams) In-depth knowledge of electrical design, installation, commissioning, and regulatory requirements within an airfield environment Strong understanding of project lifecycle, including commissioning and handover processes Solid knowledge of health, safety, environmental, and quality management within construction Experience coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams Familiarity with NEC contracts (desirable), including PM instructions and contractor claims Strong problem-solving skills, resilience, and ability to manage ambiguity Proficient in MS Office and project tools (e.g., MS Project) CSCS card required Environment & Stakeholder Landscape Part of a Construction function delivering a ~£1bn capital investment programme over 5 years Projects typically up to ~£50m within this role's direct remit Extensive stakeholder engagement, including senior airport leadership, airlines, and key suppliers Close collaboration with Engineering, EHS, Procurement, and Construction teams Contract Details Contract role (Inside IR35) Hybrid working: 3 days on-site / 2 days remote Long-term opportunity within a major infrastructure programme