Structural Design Manager

KBS Maritime; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday purchase scheme

Early finish on a Friday

Discretionary company bonus scheme

Enhanced pension scheme – employee 4%/

Plus company 6%/10%

Life assurance x4

Cycle to work scheme

Group income protection

Flexible parental benefits

Free parking onsite

Dockyard discounts

Job summary

KBS Maritime is seeking a Structural Design Manager for HMNB Portsmouth to deliver complex projects from inception through to completion, across the full RIBA design stages. You will lead structural solutions, mentor engineers, and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams to ensure safe, compliant, and innovative outcomes.

You will engage with clients and stakeholders, champion sustainable design, and ensure delivery on schedule and within budget, while supporting the company’s ethos and Her

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Structural Engineering or similar.
• Demonstrable work experience in the structural engineering industry or transferable projects.
• Ideally working towards Incorporated or Chartered status with a relevant engineering body.

Responsibilities

• Deliver projects from inception to completion across RIBA stages 1-6.
• Own delivery of complex, medium-scale structural design from concept to finish.
• Mentor and support developing engineers and build team capability.
• Lead development and delivery of structural design solutions meeting client requirements.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary internal and external design teams to meet programme.
• Provide trusted technical advice to clients and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee structural surveys, assessments and repair specifications ensuring compliance.
• Champion sustainable design, supporting Net Zero targets and innovation.
• Review design deliverables, supplier submissions, risk assessments, and handover docs.
• Chair design reviews with project management and procurement to ensure delivery.

Skills

English proficiency

Client liaison

Independent working

Problem solving

Structural design knowledge

Education

Degree in Structural Engineering

Chartered/ Incorporated (preferred)

Job description

Service Area: Asset Management, Design Management

Hours of Work: 37 per week

Contract Type: Permanent

What you will be doing:

As the Structural Design Manager, you will be responsible for delivery of projects from inception to completion, managing the project’s development through the RIBA design and delivery stages 1-6. Reporting directly to the Principal Structural Design Manager and working alongside talented in-house specialists and external multi-disciplinary design partners to deliver innovative engineering solutions.

• Take ownership of the successful delivery of complex, medium-scale projects, guiding structural design solutions from initial concept through to completion.
• Build strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including Project Managers, engineers across multiple disciplines, clients, end users, and maintenance teams, ensuring collaborative and efficient project delivery.
• Thrive in a role that offers autonomy and responsibility, managing your own priorities effectively while also mentoring and supporting developing engineers, helping to build capability and excellence across the wider team.
• Lead the development and delivery of structural design solutions, translating client requirements into detailed, compliant, and innovative engineering outcomes.
• Manage and coordinate multi-disciplinary internal and external design teams, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and to programme.
• Act as a trusted technical adviser to clients and stakeholders, providing expert guidance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee structural surveys, assessments, and repair specifications, ensuring designs meet relevant legislation, standards, and client objectives.
• Champion sustainable design principles, supporting environmental ambitions including Net Zero Carbon targets and driving continuous innovation.
• Review and assure the quality of design deliverables, supplier submissions, risk assessments, and project handover documentation.
• Chair design reviews and collaborate with project management and procurement teams to ensure successful project delivery and compliance with client requirements.

What you will bring:

• Familiarity with multiple structural projects such as new structures, repairs to existing structures, refurbishments, etc.
• Experience with multiple construction materials such as concrete, masonry, steel etc.
• Exposure with Listed Buildings and repairs to listed structures.
• Understanding and knowledge of the full engineering lifecycle from inception to in-service and the RIBA Plan of Work.
• Excellent oral and written English.
• Knowledge of Building Regulations, British standards and Eurocodes.
• Knowledge of all engineering, procurement, and construction aspects of delivering projects.
• Ability to work directly with the client without direct management supervision and instruction.
• Logical thinking and working in an ordered fashion.

About you:

• You will hold a degree or equivalent in Structural Engineering or similar
• Demonstrable work experience in a relevant industry or on transferable projects
• Ideally working towards Incorporated or Charted status with a relevant engineering body

You’ll get:

• Holiday purchase scheme, following successful completion of probation period
• Early finish on a Friday
• Discretionary company bonus scheme
• Enhanced pension scheme – employee contribution 4% and company contribution 6%, or you can increase your contribution to 6% and company contribution will increase to 10%
• Life assurance x 4 (subject to scheme T&C’s)
• Access to our internal benefits and discounts programme for all colleagues
• Cycle to work scheme
• Group income protection
• Flexible parental benefits (if applicable)
• Free parking onsite
• Access to our Internal employee assistance network, giving you the opportunity to reach the heights of success within your new position.
• Kudos reward opportunities (internal achievements scheme)
• Discount off entry into the Historic Dockyard

Background checks & security

Please note that due to the nature of the site we are based on and the work carried out, once offered we carry out a number of pre-employment checks which include UKSV clearance applications – you will need to be eligible for this and willing to go through the process. For more information, please speak with the Talent & Recruitment team.

About us:

At KBS Maritime, we're not just another company – we're an exciting and dynamic joint venture between industry leaders BAE Systems and KBR. Our team is dedicated to providing Asset Management, Infrastructure Management, Energy Solutions and Alongside Services at His Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth (HMNBP), the beating heart of the Royal Navy.

With almost two-thirds of the Royal Navy's surface ships stationed at HMNBP, working with KBS Maritime means being at the forefront of innovation and progress. We operate in a unique and fascinating environment, with a mix of historic dockyards and cutting-edge infrastructure that's unlike any other.

By delivering state of the art solutions to the Royal Navy, KBS Maritime offers the chance to work on projects that make a real difference to the safety, security, and sustainability of the UK's National Defence and Security. But it's not just about the work – at KBS Maritime, we believe in the value of our people. We have the ethos of a small business, which means we value and empower our team members to succeed.

KBS Maritime is committed to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of every social or cultural background, age, gender, ability, sexual orientation, and belief.

We will make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to accommodate any disability. In the first instance, if you require this job advert in an alternative format, or require any assistance, please contact [e-mail]