Assistant Design & Engineering Manager

Associated British Ports; Southampton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension from day one

Private healthcare

Employee Assistance Program

Staff discounts

Job summary

Associated British Ports (ABP) is seeking an Assistant Design & Engineering Manager to oversee the technical delivery of major capital projects across our UK portfolio. Reporting into the Group Engineering & Design Lead, you will coordinate the design and engineering workstreams across several projects, working with regional teams to adapt solutions to local operating environments.

This role sits at ABP Southampton during a significant multi‑year RoRo port expansion, involving extensive design

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering.
• Experience delivering civil infrastructure projects.
• Ability to manage multiple design workstreams with attention to safety and quality.
• Experience with client-side environments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support the technical development and delivery of major capital projects.
• Coordinate design and constructability reviews with internal teams and external consultants.
• Review outputs for safety, quality and compliance.
• Support tendering activities and contract awards.
• Identify and manage technical risks and opportunities.

Skills

Civil infrastructure delivery

Project coordination

Independent work

Quality and safety

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Common Data Environments (CDE)

Job description

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We’re the UK’s largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK’s seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year.

It’s a story we’re proud of but it doesn’t end there.We’re transforming our business and embracing the future.

We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.

Why should you work for ABP?

• Have the chance to make a difference in a business critical to UK trade.
• Work within an exciting, innovative, growing business.
• You can thrive in an inclusive environment where every individual can be themselves and feel respected.
• Receive a competitive salary and benefits package.
• Get support for training, personal development, and further education.
• Benefit from support and engagement through dedicated management and leadership.

We are seeking an Assistant Design & Engineering Manager to support the technical delivery of Major Capital Projects across our UK portfolio. Reporting into the Group Engineering & Design Lead, you will support and manage the design and engineering workstream across several major projects, working closely with regional teams to adapt solutions to local operating environments.

You will join at a pivotal moment for ABP Southampton, where a major multi‑year RoRo port expansion is progressing through a Development Consent Order. This is a significant, several‑year programme, involving extensive design studies, environmental assessments and development work.

Accountabilities

• Support the technical development and delivery of major capital projects.
• Manage and support scope definition and delivery of technical work packages.
• Coordinate and contribute to design and constructability reviews.
• Review consultant and contractor outputs for safety, quality and compliance.
• Support tendering activities and contract awards.
• Identify and manage technical risks and opportunities.
• Support in monitoring consultant and contractor performance.
• Coordinate stakeholders and manage technical requirements.
• Report on progress, risks and key decisions.

About You

• Experience supporting the technical delivery of civil infrastructure projects, with an ideal minimum of 3–5 years’ experience.
• Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• Engineering design experience in a consultancy or contracting environment.
• Knowledge of drawing and standards production and good understanding of design processes.
• Experience in client‑side environments, or close collaboration with client teams, would be advantageous.
• Ability to challenge constructively and bring solutions to engineering challenges.
• Experience with Common Data Environments and quality systems

The role comes with a competitive salary, a contributory pension from day one (Starting at 3% with a 5% company match up to 18%), private healthcare, access to our Employee Assistance Program, a wide range of discounts/cash back with high street and online retailers. We offer an inclusive work environment with a very training strong academy that offers ongoing opportunities to develop your skills.

Additional Information:

When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.

Please note that ABP undertake random screening for substance abuse and operate a zero-tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.