Design Manager

Aldwych Consulting Ltd; Chichester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established civil engineering contractor is seeking a Design Manager to lead and coordinate the design process on significant infrastructure projects in Hampshire. The role involves ensuring designs meet client requirements, managing a team, and implementing BIM standards. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree and experience leading multi-discipline teams, alongside strong knowledge of civil engineering practices. This is an excellent opportunity for professional growth in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading multi-discipline design teams and managing consultants.
• Strong knowledge of civil engineering codes, standards, and construction methods.
• Familiarity with NEC.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor the internal design team and external consultants.
• Coordinate multi-discipline design activities to ensure integration and consistency.
• Review and approve designs, drawings, and calculations to ensure compliance.
• Act as the primary technical interface with clients, consultants, and subcontractors.
• Implement BIM workflows and standards across the design process.
• Support the commercial team with design-related cost estimates and risk assessments.

Skills

Leadership and team management

Technical problem-solving and decision-making

Strong communication and stakeholder management

Design coordination and integration

Attention to detail and quality-driven mindset

Commercial awareness and risk management

Time management and programme focus

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Revit

BIM

Job description

Are you a Design Manager looking for the opportunity to work on a nationally significant infrastructure project in Hampshire?

The company is a well-established civil engineering contractor recognised for delivering complex infrastructure projects safely, efficiently, and to the highest technical standards. With a strong track record across highways, earthworks, drainage, utilities, structures, and general civil engineering, the business is known for its reliable delivery and practical, solutions-driven approach. Its culture is built around teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement, with safety as a non-negotiable priority on all sites.

Clients value the company for its collaborative working style, its commitment to quality workmanship, and its ability to operate successfully in challenging site environments. You will be joining a contractor with a strong reputation, a stable pipeline of infrastructure work, and a clear dedication to developing its people and promoting from within.

The Design Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating the design process on civil engineering projects, ensuring that designs are accurate, constructible, and compliant with technical, regulatory, and client requirements. The role provides technical leadership, manages the design team and consultants, and supports the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective solutions that align with the contractor's construction strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership & Coordination

• Lead, manage, and mentor the internal design team and external consultants.
• Coordinate multi-discipline design activities (structural, civil, and geotechnical) to ensure integration and consistency.
• Ensure designs are constructible, safe, and meet project requirements and standards.
• Maintain alignment with project programme, cost, and quality objectives.

Technical Assurance & Quality Control

• Review and approve designs, drawings, and calculations to ensure compliance with technical specifications and codes.
• Implement robust design review processes, including internal and client-led reviews.
• Ensure all design outputs meet the contractor's quality standards and industry best practices.
• Identify and mitigate design risks early to avoid programme or cost impacts.

Stakeholder & Client Management

• Act as the primary technical interface with clients, consultants, and subcontractors regarding design matters.
• Attend design coordination meetings and provide clear guidance on design intent and construction requirements.
• Respond to RFIs, technical queries, and design change requests in a timely manner.

BIM & Digital Design Management

• Implement BIM workflows and standards across the design process.
• Coordinate 3D models and digital deliverables to support clash detection, programme integration, and construction planning.
• Ensure the design team uses digital tools efficiently to improve productivity and accuracy.

Commercial & Contract Support

• Support the commercial team with design-related cost estimates, variations, and risk assessments.
• Identify opportunities to optimise design for cost savings, constructability, and programme efficiency.
• Ensure design documentation supports contractual obligations and handover requirements.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related discipline.
• Proven experience leading multi-discipline design teams and managing consultants.
• Strong knowledge of civil engineering codes, standards, and construction methods.
• Experience with BIM, CAD, and project design software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, etc.).
• Familiarity with NEC.

Key Skills

• Leadership and team management
• Technical problem-solving and decision-making
• Strong communication and stakeholder management
• Design coordination and integration
• Attention to detail and quality-driven mindset
• Commercial awareness and risk management
• Time management and programme focus

This is a great opportunity that will not be around for very long!

Aldwych Consulting values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.