At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
Your impact
At Jacobs, we don't just design infrastructure — we shape environments that protect, empower, and inspire. As we expand our Cities & Places team, we're looking for experienced Senior Design Managers to lead the delivery of complex, high-impact projects across the Defence and Buildings sectors.
This is more than a technical role. It's an opportunity to influence how critical infrastructure is conceived, coordinated, and delivered — from secure command centres and logistics hubs to advanced research and manufacturing facilities. These are spaces where defence personnel operate, innovate, and safeguard national interests, and your leadership will be central to their success.
As a Design Manager, you'll guide multi-disciplinary teams to produce coordinated, high-quality designs that meet demanding project goals. You'll be the bridge between client vision and technical execution, ensuring that every solution is not only compliant and secure, but also innovative and future-ready.
Your impact will be felt across every stage of the project lifecycle — from early engagement with clients to understand their needs, through to delivery assurance and contractor coordination. You'll foster collaboration, resolve competing priorities, and drive a culture of excellence and accountability.
By joining Jacobs, you'll be part of a team that's trusted to deliver some of the UK's most strategic infrastructure. You'll help shape resilient, functional, and forward-thinking environments that support national defence, protect communities, and enable innovation.
What the Role Involves
Multi-disciplinary Design Leadership You'll lead the coordination and integration of design teams across civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and specialist disciplines to deliver secure facilities that meet stringent defence standards.
Client Engagement Working closely with government agencies, armed forces, and defence contractors, you'll ensure that design solutions align with operational needs, security protocols, and long-term strategic goals.
Technical Assurance You'll provide oversight and assurance throughout the design phase, ensuring compliance with defence regulations, safety standards, and environmental requirements.
Programme Delivery Managing timelines, budgets, and risk, you'll help deliver projects that range from secure command centres and logistics hubs to advanced manufacturing and research facilities.
Innovation and Resilience Jacobs is known for pushing boundaries — you'll be part of a team that integrates cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices, and digital solutions into defence infrastructure.
Here's what you'll need
Chartered status (or actively working towards) with a recognised architectural or engineering professional body
Proven design management experience across multi-disciplinary projects
Direct experience in Defence sector projects, including DIO and USVF programmes
Strong ability to lead teams and operate autonomously in complex environments
Sound working knowledge of BIM for project delivery
Proficient in tools such as Revizto, Navisworks, Revit, AutoCAD, MS Office, MS Project / P6, and information management platforms
Experience in managing commercial, contractual, and scheduling aspects of project delivery
Strong technical coordination and delivery assurance capabilities
* Please note due to Defense project compliance requirements (SV / SC) successful candidates must have single- British Citizenship. Current valid clearance will be an advantage.
At Jacobs, you'll find more than just a job. You'll discover
A global network of expertise and opportunity
A culture founded on safety, integrity, inclusion, and belonging
Flexible working arrangements that support your well-being and potential
Opportunities to make a real-world impact through our global giving and volunteering programs
Up to 10% pension
24 days (+10 days bought) holidays
Free medical and income protection insurance and many more
Ready for a change ?
Apply Below Now to Start Your Journey with Jacobs
DA1
Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.
With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we've gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You'll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you'll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs.
We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we're more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging. Find out more about our Jacobs Employee Networks here.
Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds. For greater online accessibility please visit to view and access our roles.
As a disability confident employer, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.
We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.
Your application experience is important to us, and we're keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.