Design Manager

AmcoGiffen; Warrington; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in rail and civil engineering seeks an experienced Design Manager to support major infrastructure projects. The role involves managing design processes, teams, and ensuring compliance with Network Rail standards while delivering impactful developments in the North West. Excellent career advancement opportunities available.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Contributory pension scheme

Life insurance and health benefits

Up to 3 volunteer days annually

Opportunities for personal and professional development

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Design Manager in multi-disciplinary rail or civil engineering.
• Strong understanding of Network Rail’s design standards.
• Experience managing design teams and external consultants.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the design process from receipt of remits through to project completion.
• Manage design programmes and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Review design documents and ensure compliance with standards.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Technical Proposal Review

Compliance with Network Rail Standards

Education

Degree, HNC, or HND in Civil Engineering

Job description

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Are you an experienced Design Manager seeking to advance your career within a dynamic rail and civil engineering environment? Join our regional team in Warrington to support the delivery of major infrastructure projects across the North West and Central Network Rail routes. This role offers excellent career development prospects, including a pathway toward achieving CEM (Contractors Engineering Manager) competence.

About the Business Unit

Our busy and fast-paced business unit manages a diverse range of infrastructure projects and framework contracts, including bridges, embankments, stations, tunnels, structural steel installations, and moving structures. We deliver a varied portfolio of maintenance across both civil and buildings infrastructure.

Role Overview

As Design Manager, you will support the delivery of the BAM/CAM frameworks, overseeing the design process from receipt of remits from Network Rail through to project completion. You will manage both internal design teams and external design consultants, ensuring designs are delivered on time, within scope, and to required standards. Your responsibilities will include reviewing design documents, managing programmes, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with Network Rail standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the CEM in project delivery, deputising as required.
• Manage the design programme, tracking progress and ensuring timely delivery.
• Raise and resolve technical queries related to design and BIM.
• Review and establish design scope and responsibilities based on remit documentation.
• Monitor and control design changes, ensuring they are managed in line with procedures and communicated effectively.
• Check and certify design outputs, ensuring decisions are well-documented.
• Identify site survey requirements and instruct supply chain accordingly.
• Prepare and issue design briefs to consultants, managing the selection process and reviewing proposals.
• Act as the primary interface between design consultants, project teams, and clients to facilitate smooth communication.
• Challenge design proposals, residual risks, and assumptions, ensuring project risks are managed effectively.
• Support site visits and ensure designs are suitable for construction in compliance with Network Rail standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and ensure project documentation is accurate and current.

Candidate Profile

• Degree, HNC, or HND in Civil Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience as a Design Manager within multi-disciplinary rail or civil engineering projects.
• Strong understanding of Network Rail’s design standards, especially for civils.
• Experience managing design teams and external consultants.
• Ability to review technical proposals, manage design programmes, and coordinate site visits.
• Flexibility to travel within the North West & Central regions as required.
• CRE (Contractors Responsible Engineer) or similar rail asset management experience.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience).
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (increasing with service).
• Up to 3 volunteer days annually.
• Contributory pension scheme, life insurance, and health benefits.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development, with pathways toward CEM qualification.
• Supportive, safety-focused working environment with employee forums and engagement platforms.

If you are a proactive and detail-oriented Design Manager with a civil and rail background eager to work on impactful infrastructure projects in the North West, we invite you to apply. Help us deliver vital projects that enhance the UK rail network!