Design Manager

Highfield Professional Solutions Ltd; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is seeking a Design Manager for a long-term programme at Devonport Dockyard. The role involves managing mechanical and electrical design delivery while ensuring compliance with quality assurance processes. Candidates should have a strong engineering background and be eligible for UK Security Clearance. This role offers a competitive rate of £500-£600 per day with on-site presence required.

Qualifications

• Strong engineering background with mechanical or electrical bias.
• Proven experience managing design delivery in complex projects.
• Eligible for UK Security Clearance due to sensitive work.

Responsibilities

• Manage design delivery in line with RIBA Plan of Works.
• Act as principal contact for all MEP design matters.
• Develop mitigation strategies for design risks.

Skills

Strong engineering background

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Job description

Overview

Design Manager to support a major long-term programme at Devonport Dockyard. This role will be central to the management, coordination, and assurance of mechanical and electrical design delivery within a complex, high-profile project.

Responsibilities

• Design Management: Work within the RIBA Plan of Works, BSRIA BG6 Design Framework for Building Services, and the Babcock Agility Process. Engage with Design Houses across multiple packages to ensure the timely delivery of stage deliverables in line with programme requirements. Identify risks and highlight programme implications where design information release is delayed. Actively contribute to Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) workshops, influencing Design House outputs to ensure buildability, commission-ability, and maintainability are embedded within solutions.
• MEP Interface: Act as the principal point of contact for all MEP design and delivery matters. Liaise directly with the client, design houses, subcontractors, supply chain, and senior leadership teams to ensure effective communication and coordination.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure MEP design and delivery activities fully comply with the client’s quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) processes. Engage with quality teams to guarantee adherence to all relevant procedures.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify potential design risks. Develop and implement effective mitigation strategies to protect project programme, cost, and quality outcomes.

Requirements

• Strong engineering background with mechanical or electrical bias (ideally with both disciplines).
• Proven experience managing design delivery in complex, large-scale engineering or infrastructure projects.
• Eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC) due to the sensitive nature of the work.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Contract Details

• Location: Devonport Dockyard (on-site presence required).
• Contract Type: Long-term assignment.
• Rate: £500-£600 per day.
• IR35 Status: Inside IR35.

This is a rare opportunity to join a nationally significant programme, taking a leadership role in design management on one of the UK's most complex engineering projects. Apply now to be considered for this long-term contract opportunity.