Location/s: Cambridge, Croydon, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Reading, Sheffield, Southampton; UK
Overview of the Role
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. Your primary role will be as a senior leader for major road projects, with a key focus on Design and Build (D&B) schemes across the UK, but on occasion internationally. You will play a key role in client engagement and initiating bids to secure future major project opportunities that will deliver our growth targets whilst meeting our clients’ goals.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
* Develop trusted relationships with our key and new contractor partners and their customers, such as 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 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 of delivering major highway projects in a D&B environment, possessing strong skills in design and construction techniques.
* Full awareness of Health & Safety legislation and its application to the design and construction process in the highways sector.
* Experience in project contractual, financial and programme management and development of collaborative working relationships across multi‑disciplinary teams.
* Ability to communicate targets and priorities to staff, clients and partners in a professional manner.
* Capability to deliver in the demanding D&B environment and handle potential conflicting client needs, including resolution of complex on‑site design/construction issues.
* Ability to meet tight schedules and targets while coaching, developing and mentoring team members. Flexible to travel to client sites or alternative offices as required.
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 with 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 (Manual of Contract Documents for Highways Work – MCHW).
UK Immigration
Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We are actively recruiting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and commit to an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute.
Benefits
Financial Wellbeing
* Employee pension contributions matched between 4.5% and 7%.
* Life assurance equal up to 4× basic salary, with an option to increase to 6× salary.
* Income protection scheme providing financial benefit and absence and return‑to‑work support due to long‑term illness or injury.
* Flexible benefits, including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing.
* A shared annual bonus scheme for discretionary pay.
Employee Ownership
* No external investors; culture of shared success.
* Employees have a stake and a voice in the business through performance bonuses.
* Career growth increases ownership stake.
* Opportunities to connect with senior leadership via formal channels.
* Direct pathway toward ownership for senior roles.
Health and Wellbeing
* Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
* Health cash plan to support everyday health costs and treatments.
* Access to Peppy, with free menopause support for UK colleagues.
* Comprehensive wellbeing program for colleagues and families.
* Option to flex salary to opt into a wide range of health benefits, extended to family.
Lifestyle
* Minimum of 33-35 days holiday each year, with ability to buy or sell leave.
* Holiday entitlement increases to a minimum of 35 days after 5 years of service.
* Employee saving schemes and discounts from high‑street retailers.
Enhanced Family and Carers Leave
* 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave.
* Shared parental leave matches maternity leave, up to 24 weeks at full pay.
* Up to five additional days leave for significant caring responsibilities, two paid.
Learning and Development
* Primary annual professional institution subscription.
* Broad opportunities to enhance technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training and self‑development options.
Networks, Communities and Social Outcomes
* Wide range of groups including Advanced Employee Networks supporting LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability and parents/carers.
* Opportunities to make a difference within communities through social outcomes.
Contract Type
Permanent
Work Pattern
Full Time
Market
Transport
Discipline
Highways
Job Ref
12181
Recruiter Contact
David McFall
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