Assistant Design Manager - Freelance in Milton Keynes

About The Role

EKFB is a joint venture that brings together international, market leading expertise from four leading civil engineering and construction companies: Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall. All four partners have specialist expertise in the design, construction, operation, financing and maintenance of railway networks, including the construction of one of Europe’s latest high‑speed rail projects.

We are looking for an Assistant Design Manager on a freelance basis to join our team based in Calvert.

You will be involved in readiness review meetings, DDRs and IDRs within your area of responsibility, coordinate delivery of relevant typical section and standard detail drawings and design supporting documentation.

You will also have day‑to‑day management and coordination of design, including completion of verification (checking), technical review, and interdisciplinary checking and review.

This position will manage and co‑ordinate reviews or checks of the design required by third parties such as Cat 3 design checkers and liaise with the construction team to ensure designs are buildable and align with the construction programme.

You will coordinate all design and assurance deliverables with interfacing organisations, and manage and prepare responses to relevant commercial communications (TQs, EWs, EIs, CEs etc.) on CEMAR, arrange Risk Reduction meetings and produce actions/responses.

You will review technical and assurance deliverables prior to acceptance by the Delivery Design Director and support the link and coordination with designers/construction delivery team for the management of permanent work design.

This position will also maintain close liaison and collaboration with the HS2 technical team as required, oversee technical registers such as assumptions and departures, review and monitor the maintenance of the technical elements of the MIDP, and attend and support the Client, Designer and EKFB meetings.

About Us

EKFB is proud to have been appointed by HS2 to deliver civil engineering works across an 80 km section of the new high‑speed rail link between the Chiltern Tunnel and Long Itchington Wood. Our scope of work includes 15 viaducts, 5 km of green tunnels, 22 km of road diversions, 67 overbridges and around 30 million cubic metres of excavation.

EKFB is committed to improving lives, communities and the engineering and construction industry by providing sustained employment opportunities and being a good neighbour, protecting the environment, and the places we work.

If you would like to be part of our collaborative, enthusiastic and forward‑thinking culture, please apply today.

In return, we’re offering a competitive salary & benefits.

EKFB brings together international, market‑leading technical expertise. We have an industry‑leading track record of delivering major infrastructure projects, including Crossrail, the Millau Viaduct, Mersey Gateway and the Bretagne‑Pays de la Loire High Speed Rail link.

We are committed to, and strongly believe in, inclusiveness and equality of opportunity. Everyone who works with EKFB has something to contribute; this is why we welcome applications from different backgrounds, experiences and abilities. Our aim is to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can be themselves. Please contact us if there is any additional support you might require in making an application.

Please note your CV may be shared with joint venture partners on this project.

Pre‑employment checks

We’ll undertake the relevant standard employment checks if you’re successful in the selection process. This includes taking up your references, checking your ID, driving licence (if appropriate) and your right to work in the UK. Some roles may also be subject to further pre‑employment checks.

NB. BPSS security clearance will be required (to be undertaken as part of the onboarding process).

About You

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management.
• Experience in major civil engineering works.
• Previous experience working in a similar role.
• Experience in MS Office Suite.
• Ability to coordinate and manage own workload, supporting project delivery.
• Good communication skills, able to build positive working relationships internally and with the supply chain.
• Preferably understanding of the HS2 Act (or similar) requirements.