At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate civil engineering design activities on a major nuclear project.
- Company: Join a leading firm in the nuclear and heavy civils sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a highly regulated environment while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in civils design and managing multi-disciplinary teams required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Design Manager to lead and coordinate civil engineering design activities on a major nuclear and heavy civils project based in Whitehaven. The role sits at the heart of project delivery, ensuring that all permanent and temporary works designs are developed, integrated, assured, and delivered in line with nuclear regulatory requirements, framework obligations, and programme objectives.
The successful candidate must have proven experience working within civils design frameworks, managing multi-disciplinary design teams and interfacing effectively with construction, commercial, planning, and client stakeholders in a highly regulated nuclear environment.
Key Responsibilities- Design Management & Governance
- Lead the management of all civils and structural design activities from concept through detailed design to construction support and handover.
- Implement and maintain the project Design Management Plan in line with nuclear standards, client requirements, and framework procedures.
- Ensure design deliverables comply with relevant standards, codes, specifications, and nuclear regulatory expectations.
- Manage design change control, ensuring impacts on safety, cost, programme, and constructability are fully assessed and controlled.
- Civils Design Framework Delivery
- Operate effectively within an established civils design framework, ensuring compliance with framework governance, approvals, and reporting requirements.
- Coordinate multiple design consultants and specialist designers under framework agreements.
- Ensure framework KPIs, deliverables, and assurance processes are met.
- Support early contractor involvement (ECI) and design optimisation activities.
- Multi-Disciplinary Coordination
- Chair and lead design team meetings, technical reviews, and design risk workshops.
- Coordinate interfaces between civils, structural, geotechnical, temporary works, utilities, and construction teams.
- Ensure design is fully integrated with construction methodology, temporary works, and logistics strategies.
- Nuclear Safety, Assurance & CDM
- Ensure design supports nuclear safety cases and hazard mitigation requirements.
- Act as, or support, the Principal Designer function under CDM Regulations where required.
- Ensure health, safety, and buildability risks are eliminated or reduced through design.
- Support internal and external audits, assurance reviews, and regulatory scrutiny.
- Stakeholder & Client Interface
- Act as the primary design interface with the client, regulators, and key stakeholders.
- Provide clear, professional advice on design status, risks, and opportunities.
- Support programme, commercial, and risk teams with design-related inputs.
- Essential
- Proven experience as a Design Manager on major civils or infrastructure projects.
- Demonstrable experience working within civils design frameworks.
- Experience delivering design in highly regulated environments (nuclear, energy, defence, or similar).
- Strong knowledge of civils and structural engineering design processes.
- Experience managing multi-disciplinary design teams and external consultants.
- Strong understanding of CDM Regulations and design risk management.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Eligible for UK security clearance.
- Desirable
- Previous experience on nuclear-licensed sites or nuclear infrastructure programmes.
- Experience with NEC and/or Design & Build contracts.
- Temporary Works design coordination experience.
- Familiarity with nuclear design assurance and safety case processes.
- Essential
- Degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
- Chartered Engineer or working towards chartership (ICE or equivalent).
- Desirable
- SMSTS.
- Temporary Works Coordinator / Supervisor training.
- APM or equivalent project management qualification.
- Technically strong, organised, and detail-focused.
- Confident leading design discussions at senior level.
- Proactive, solutions-focused, and able to challenge constructively.
- Comfortable working in complex, safety-critical project environments.
Design Manager in Whitehaven employer: Carmichael UK
As a leading employer in the nuclear and heavy civils sector, we offer a dynamic work environment in Whitehaven that prioritises safety, innovation, and collaboration. Our culture fosters professional growth through continuous learning opportunities and engagement with multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring that our Design Managers are at the forefront of cutting-edge projects. With a commitment to excellence and adherence to stringent regulatory standards, we provide a rewarding career path for those looking to make a significant impact in a highly regulated industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager in Whitehaven
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the civil engineering and nuclear sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of civils design frameworks and nuclear regulations. Practice common interview questions and think about how your experience aligns with the role. Confidence is key, so show them you’re the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your applications through our website. A quick email or call can show your enthusiasm and keep you on their radar. It’s all about making that personal connection!
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills! In your discussions, highlight your experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and coordinating complex projects. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated challenges in regulated environments.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager in Whitehaven
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in civils design frameworks and managing multi-disciplinary teams. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've worked on that relate to nuclear environments and how you’ve tackled challenges in design management.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Provide examples of how you've successfully managed design activities and coordinated with various stakeholders. We love seeing real-life applications of your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carmichael UK
✨Know Your Design Frameworks
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of civils design frameworks before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed design activities in previous roles, especially in regulated environments like nuclear projects.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams and interfacing with various stakeholders. Think about specific situations where your communication skills made a difference in project outcomes.
✨Understand Nuclear Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the nuclear regulatory requirements relevant to the role. Being able to articulate how you’ve ensured compliance in past projects will demonstrate your readiness for this position.
✨Be Ready for Technical Discussions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions during the interview. Prepare to explain your approach to design risk management and how you’ve led design team meetings or workshops in the past.
