Design Manager - PMCM CI&U

WSP in the UK & Ireland; United States; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Comprehensive health and wellbeing programs

Personal development and training opportunities

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a Design Manager to lead and manage design projects across multiple sectors. You will work alongside project directors ensuring compliance with UK regulations while demonstrating strong communication and project management skills. The role offers hybrid working arrangements, significant opportunities for personal development, and a commitment to inclusivity. Ideal candidates will hold a relevant degree and be chartered or close to achieving chartered status.

Qualifications

• Degree in relevant engineering, design, or management discipline.
• Chartered (or approaching) Membership of a relevant professional body.
• Experience of working in major projects with proven project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage design projects across various sectors.
• Ensure compliance with best practices and UK regulations.
• Oversee engineering design work and maintain project records.

Skills

Communication

Project management

Risk management

Change control

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in engineering, design, or management discipline

Chartered membership of a relevant professional body

Tools

RIBA

PRINCE2

NEC

Job description

Job Description

At WSP you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

What Is PMCM

Project, Commercial & Programme Management (PMCM) at WSP ensures successful project delivery through integrated management of scope, cost, schedule, and risk. Our team of over 400 professionals support clients from concept to completion, applying structured methodologies and digital tools to deliver resilient, efficient infrastructure.

This team’s current projects range from major highways, rail and light rail, urban infrastructure, civils, energy, flood, water, wind, carbon capture, nuclear, defence and large‑scale utilities projects. We are looking to strengthen our project delivery team in supporting all of these sectors with openings in project management at various levels across the UK.

Role Overview

As a Design Manager at WSP you will lead and manage design projects across numerous sectors. Working alongside the Project Director and Project Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing engineering design work and ensuring compliance with best practices and UK regulations.

With WSP you have the exceptional opportunity to take the next step in your career, build on your experience and qualifications and achieve your ambitions. We offer excellent support in personal development and growth as part of our local teams and across the wider WSP business.

The Ideal Candidate Will Demonstrate

• Drive clear communication across internal teams and external stakeholders and ensuring actions are completed.
• Lead coordination and resolution of technical queries in context of cost and programme and proactively manage change control through clear understanding of scope and design responsibility.
• Strengthen project management processes, manage RFIs, technical transmittals and change control, and proactively mitigate risks and delays.
• Review design information, quotations, and technical documentation to ensure alignment with scope, budget, and client expectations.
• Maintain accurate project records, update delivery programmes, and promote efficiency, innovation, and buildability across all design stages.
• Oversee multiple work packages and support the Project Director and Project Manager with team and delivery oversight.
• Proficiency in risk, change, and commercial management, driving continuous improvement and innovation.
• Support in business and relationship development, within existing commissions and new bids.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in relevant engineering, design, or management discipline (such as project or construction management, engineering, science, building or quantity surveying).
• Chartered (or approaching) Membership of a relevant professional body.
• RIBA / MICE / MIET / APM / PMI / PRINCE2 / Six Sigma / NEC, or equivalent, certifications would be advantageous.
• Contract management experience and/or accreditations would be an advantage.
• Experience of working in major projects with proven project delivery (design or construction).
• Experience with major UK clients in a design consultancy environment.
• Ability to develop and manage customer and stakeholder relationships, through effective listening and influencing skills.
• Naturally curious, solution focused and responsive to client problems.

Benefits

Work‑life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex Your Time

To enhance work‑life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your Development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

Equal Opportunity

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.