Design Manager (Roads)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Southampton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Personal development opportunities

Thrive programme and health benefits

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is hiring a Design Manager to lead multi-disciplinary engineering projects within the SDF Roads team. The role involves managing design teams, ensuring project quality, and maintaining client relationships. Candidates should have a relevant degree and possess excellent communication skills. The position offers a hybrid working model, promoting work-life balance along with comprehensive health and wellbeing benefits, training opportunities, and a culture of inclusivity.

Qualifications

• University degree in civil engineering, construction, design or related.
• Chartered or Incorporated Status (MICE, MCIHT) is preferred.
• Experience in large, complex multi-disciplinary projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of moderately complex engineering projects.
• Manage and coordinate design teams effectively.
• Identify and manage design risks.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Team collaboration

Project delivery management

Education

University degree relevant to civil engineering or related discipline

Job description

Job Description

As a Design Manager in the SDF (Service Delivery Framework) Roads team you’ll be working alongside a host of talented people ranging from early career professionals to established engineers and project managers working across the Roads business to improve the local and strategic networks, based in our London & South East region (located in either of our: Cambridge, London (Westferry Circus), Basingstoke, Guildford or Southampton offices).

About the Role

The National Highways Scheme Delivery Framework (SDF) is a multi‑billion‑pound procurement strategy used to maintain, renew, and improve England’s Strategic Road Network (SRN). It enables regional, collaborative, and performance‑based contracts for works such as pavement, civil engineering, and technology to enhance safety and efficiency.

Being part of this framework team, you will lead the technical delivery of moderately complex projects, be accountable for the quality management of the deliverables, and ensure compliance with WSP’s procedures and client requirements. The role requires excellent to expert knowledge of multi‑disciplinary project delivery and management of technical design teams.

Responsibilities

• Taking ownership for the successful delivery of multi‑disciplinary engineering projects on the framework.
• Managing and coordinating design teams and effectively communicating with all parties.
• Identifying and managing design risks.
• Planning and monitoring the performance of projects throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensuring all deliverables and milestones are achieved to cost/quality/time targets.
• Providing a Check/Review role for technical work to meet WSPs quality management requirements.
• Acting as a role model, line manager and mentor for other staff within the Roads team.
• Championing excellent health and safety practice, including safety in design, site visit safety and compliance with CDM regulations.
• Responding to client directions in a professional and customer‑focused manner and developing and maintaining relationships with clients, peers and others who are influential in providing future business.

Qualifications

• A university degree relevant to civil engineering, construction, design or a related discipline.
• Chartered or Incorporated Status (MICE, MCIHT or equivalent) or equivalent demonstrable experience is preferable but not essential.
• Experience of large, technically complex multi‑disciplinary airfield civil engineering projects.
• Understanding of both the needs of the client and the business when delivering a major project with a focus on achieving margin and contract compliance.
• Knowledge and understanding of construction contracts (i.e. NEC) and processes is preferable but not essential.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Enjoy working in a team environment, sharing ideas and collaborating with colleagues and be able to demonstrate a time when you’ve managed to do this successfully to solve complex problems.

Benefits

Work‑life balance: Hybrid working policy offers flexibility to work from home two days a week and collaborate in modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences, encourage authenticity, and support an inclusive culture.

Health & Wellbeing: Thrive programme, Virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, and a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time: “WSP My Hour” allows you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with flexibility to make up the time earlier or later. Part‑time and flexible working arrangements, additional leave purchase, and bank holiday entitlement options are also available.

Your Development: Training, mentoring, and chartership opportunities are provided to support your growth.

EEO Statement

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.