Highways Design Manager - Principal / Associate Engineer
Location(s): Cambridge, Croydon, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Reading, Sheffield, Southampton; UK.
Recruiter contact: Madeleine Knight.
Overview
We are looking for a Design Manager with a track record of contributing to the successful delivery of complex multi‑disciplinary major infrastructure and highways projects. This senior leadership role focuses on Design and Build (D&B) schemes across the UK, occasionally internationally. You will lead project teams, engage clients, develop engagement strategies and secure future major project opportunities, aiming to deliver positive social outcomes through delivery excellence.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
* Develop trusted relationships with key and new contractor partners and their customers, including National Highways and Local Authorities.
* Lead acquisition and delivery of profitable projects in line with agreed strategies.
* Support the Project Director and Project Managers through leadership and strong governance.
* Deliver to budget, programme and quality in all cases.
* Develop a collaborative contractor‑led culture and delivery approach across project teams, supply chain and partners.
* Enhance client satisfaction.
* Undertake project reviews to foster learning and continuous improvement.
* Contribute to major project bids to secure our right to win, delivering customer needs and a viable commercial strategy.
* Work in collaboration with Account Leads and Client Directors to position for and capture major bid opportunities in the roads market.
* Work with the Market Portfolio Managers to maintain a high level of technical capability, including the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges and the Manual of Contract Documents for Highways Works.
* Coach and mentor Early Career Professionals.
Candidate Specification
* Seasoned highways professional with a successful track record delivering major highway projects in a D&B environment.
* Strong skills in design and construction techniques and full awareness of Health & Safety legislation.
* Experience in project contractual, financial and programme management and in developing collaborative working relationships across multi‑disciplinary teams.
* Effective communicator of targets and priorities to staff, clients and partners, using a variety of media.
* Ability to deliver in the demanding D&B environment and manage complex on‑site design/construction issues.
* Capability to meet tight schedules and targets while coaching and mentoring team members in their professional development.
* Flexibility to travel to client sites or alternative offices when required, possibly for extended periods.
Desirable Qualifications / Experience
* Degree in Civil Engineering or a related subject.
* Chartered with a professional institution such as ICE or CIHT, or equivalent.
* Experience delivering cost‑effective and innovative major highways projects at a level expected of a Project Director, Manager or Design/Technical Lead.
* Experience of D&B projects for National Highways.
* Experience overseeing large project teams.
* Demonstrable organisational skills and approach to work to manage inputs from various disciplines and professionals.
* Ability to develop strong professional relationships with clients and partners.
* Significant experience applying road design standards (Design Manual for Roads and Bridges – DMRB) and specifications (e.g., Manual of Contract Documents for Highways Work – MCHW).
Benefits
Health and wellbeing: Private medical insurance, health cash plan, Peppy support, comprehensive wellbeing program, flexible salary and health benefits.
Financial wellbeing: Pension contribution matching, life assurance, income protection, flexible benefits, annual bonus schemes.
Leave: Minimum 33‑35 days holiday, increased to 35 days after 5 years, family leave options.
Learning and development: Professional institution subscription, training, mentoring, self‑development.
Contract Details
Contract type: Permanent
Work pattern: Full Time
Market: Transport
Discipline: Highways
Job Ref: 12181
Recruiter Contact: Madeleine Knight
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