Design Manager

JR United Kingdom; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor is seeking a Design Manager in Glasgow. The role involves overseeing technical engineering design delivery on a significant defense infrastructure program. Candidates should have extensive experience in managing technical design within complex environments, particularly in compliance with safety regulations. This position offers a hybrid working model, with 3 days on site and 2 days working from home.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12–15 years' experience managing technical design in complex infrastructure programmes.
• Experience in high-hazard or regulated environments is preferred.
• Chartered status with a relevant engineering body is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery of technical engineering design across a major infrastructure programme.
• Manage a team of engineers across different disciplines.
• Lead design reviews and manage design changes.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

BIM environments

CDM regulations

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in relevant engineering discipline

Job description

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Lead multi-discipline design delivery on one of the UK's most complex and secure Defense infrastructure programmes.

Our Client has a requirement for a Design Manager, who will be required to work on a contract basis in Glasgow (hybrid – 3 days on site, 2 days WFH).

Role Purpose:

Oversee the delivery of technical engineering design across a major capital infrastructure programme.

Support the Engineering Manager by managing and coordinating multi-discipline design teams.

Lead and drive design scope delivery, ensuring alignment with programme requirements.

Job Role Responsibilities:

Manage a team of engineers across civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical disciplines.

Lead design reviews, coordination meetings, and engagement with consultants and contractors.

Oversee and manage design changes, technical documentation, and substantiation deliverables.

Provide technical input to ensure compliance with design, safety, and quality requirements.

Liaise with key internal and external stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

Drive the application of engineering standards, ensuring robust justifications for design decisions.

Support Independent Technical and Peer Review processes.

Deputise for the Engineering Manager as needed, contributing to leadership of the wider team.

Experience / Skills / Knowledge / Qualifications:

Degree-qualified in a relevant engineering discipline (or equivalent experience).

Minimum 12–15 years' experience managing technical design in complex infrastructure programmes.

Strong experience delivering within BIM environments.

Proven understanding of CDM regulations and safety-led design practices.

Demonstrated experience working across the full design lifecycle.

Experience in high-hazard or regulated infrastructure environments (e.g. defence, nuclear, heavy civils) is preferred.

Chartered status with a relevant engineering body is desirable.

Must hold, or be eligible to obtain, SC clearance.

Long-term programme with immediate start available.

Excellent opportunity to influence and lead design delivery on a nationally significant scheme.

Hybrid working model: 3 days in Glasgow office, 2 days WFH.

Collaborative and technically diverse team environment.

Company information

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for a Design Manager looking for new employment.

As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.