Design Manager – Major Projects

Ramboll; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Matched pension contributions

Private medical cover and life assurance

Flexible work environment

Job summary

A leading engineering and consultancy firm in the UK is seeking a Design Manager for major infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Civil Engineering and significant experience in managing complex projects, ensuring quality and compliance with regulations. Responsibilities include leading the design process, managing stakeholder relationships, and supporting business development. The role offers a commitment to professional development, flexible working, and a supportive culture. The company values diversity and inclusivity, inviting applicants from all backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Proven track record delivering large-scale, complex construction and/or design-led infrastructure projects.
• Experience managing and directing large project teams (often 100+ people), both insourced and outsourced.
• Demonstrable experience delivering to demanding schedules, targets and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver major, complex infrastructure projects from inception to completion.
• Manage design process and coordinate large multi-disciplinary teams.
• Act as client’s senior representative, managing relationships with key stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Project team management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Professional accreditation (e.g., Chartered Engineer)

Job description

We are seeking experienced Design Managers – Major Projects to lead the successful delivery of complex, high‑value infrastructure schemes across the UK (and occasionally internationally). This role is ideally suited to a senior construction or engineering professional with Development Consent Order (DCO) experience and a strong background in regulated or nationally significant infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver major, complex infrastructure projects from inception to completion, including DCO-led schemes where applicable
• Manage the design process, including the interface coordination of large multi‑disciplinary teams, including internal resources, consultants, contractors and supply chain partners
• Set communication guidelines across disciplines to ensure progress and quality in design solutions, including the use of best practices to create solutions to satisfy client’s needs and requirements
• Lead technical discussions with clients
• Act as the client’s senior representative, managing relationships with clients, regulators, statutory bodies and key stakeholders
• Champion health, safety, environmental, sustainability and customer outcomes, embedding best practice across projects
• Undertake project and programme reviews to drive continuous improvement and lessons learned
• Support and lead business development activities, including client engagement, bid leadership and preparation of winning proposals
• Contribute to the professional development of the wider team and the strategic growth of the business

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field; Master’s degree preferred
• Professional accreditation (e.g., Chartered Engineer) is required.
• Proven track record delivering large‑scale, complex construction and/or design‑led infrastructure projects.
• Experience managing and directing large project teams (often 100+ people), both insourced and outsourced.
• Experience in one or more of the following sectors is highly desirable:
• Water & Wastewater Engineering
• Civil Engineering / Energy Infrastructure
• Highways & Transportation
• Aviation
• Rail
• Demonstrable experience delivering to demanding schedules, targets and quality standards

Personal Attributes

• Leader with the ability to motivate and develop project teams.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a proactive approach.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels in both matrix and non‑matrix environments.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Commitment to Ramboll’s values and sustainability goals.
• Able to bring energy, positivity, and constructive challenge.

What we can offer you

• Commitment to your development
• Leaders guided by our Leadership Principles
• A culture that welcomes you as the unique person you are
• Inspiration from colleagues, clients, and projects
• The long‑term thinking of a foundation‑owned company
• Flexible work environment
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Matched pension contributions
• Private medical cover and life assurance

Ready to join us?

Please submit your application with your up‑to‑date CV. We invite diversity in all its forms and encourage applicants from all groups to apply. We recognise that some candidates only apply when they tick every box. However, passion and potential often outweigh a perfect resume and Ramboll’s supportive learning culture can help you grow. So if this role resonates with you but you don’t meet all the requirements, we encourage you to apply. You might be the perfect fit for this opportunity or another within our team.

Work at the heart of sustainable change with Ramboll

Ramboll is a global architecture, engineering, and consultancy company. As a foundation‑owned people company, founded in Denmark, we believe that the purpose of sustainable change is to create a thriving world for both nature and people. So, that’s where we start – and how we work. Our history is rooted in a clear vision of how a responsible company should act and being open and curious is a cornerstone of our culture. Ramboll employs more than 18,000 people globally across 35 countries. Ramboll experts deliver innovative solutions across Buildings, Transport, Water, Environment & Health, Energy, Management Consulting, and Architecture & Landscape. Combining local experience with global knowledge, we help shape the societies of tomorrow.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. At Ramboll, we believe that diversity is a strength and that different experiences and perspectives are essential to creating truly sustainable societies. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive work environment where everyone is able to flourish and reach their potential. We also know how important it is to achieve the right balance of where, when, and how much you work. At Ramboll, we offer flexibility as part of our positive and inclusive approach to work. We invite applications from candidates of all backgrounds and characteristics. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it more comfortable for you. You can contact us at [e-mail] with such requests.