At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative physical security design projects and ensure engineering excellence.
- Company: Join Ethos, a forward-thinking consultancy in data centre and energy infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, 25 days holiday, and health perks.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in security design while developing your technical skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and experience in integrated security systems required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Physical Security Technical Design Manager is the technical authority for Physical Security Engineering within the Smart Buildings team. The role is responsible for establishing and maintaining engineering excellence across all physical security projects by ensuring every design produced by the team meets the highest standards of technical accuracy, compliance, coordination and operational performance. Working across multiple projects simultaneously, the Technical Design Manager provides technical leadership throughout the entire project lifecycle, overseeing security strategies, engineering methodologies, design standards, technical reviews and quality assurance processes. They are responsible for ensuring consistency across all deliverables while driving continual improvement in design quality, technical capability and innovation. As the recognised Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Physical Security, the role requires exceptional knowledge of integrated security systems, international design standards, critical infrastructure security principles and emerging technologies. The successful candidate will mentor engineering teams, support complex client engagements, develop internal technical standards and ensure all security designs reflect current industry’s best practice and operational requirements.
Responsibilities
- Technical leadership
- Act as the technical authority for all Physical Security Engineering projects across the business.
- Provide technical leadership throughout the design lifecycle from concept through detailed design, construction support and project close-out.
- Establish and maintain engineering design standards, technical guidance documents, templates and best practice methodologies.
- Define and continuously improve the technical design processes used across the Physical Security discipline.
- Lead the development of innovative engineering solutions for complex and mission‑critical facilities.
- Technical Assurance & Governance
- Oversee the technical accuracy, completeness and consistency of every physical security design produced by the team.
- Chair technical design reviews, peer reviews and QA/QC reviews across all projects.
- Ensure all designs comply with relevant legislation, European & British Standards, International Standards and client‑specific design requirements.
- Provide final technical approval for security design documentation prior to client issue.
- Identify technical risks and ensure appropriate engineering solutions are implemented.
- Develop and maintain technical review checklists, design assurance procedures and governance frameworks.
- Engineering Design
- Lead the development of integrated physical security solutions including: CCTV, Access Control, Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS), Intrusion Detection Systems, Intercom, Security Management Systems (SMS/PSIM), Security Networks.
- Review and validate security strategies, system architectures, calculations, specifications, schedules, schematics and detailed design drawings.
- Ensure coordinated multidisciplinary design integration with ICT, Electrical, Mechanical, Architectural, Civil and Structural engineering teams.
- Lead engineering workshops with clients, operators, contractors and specialist vendors to develop technically robust security solutions.
- Review specialist supplier proposals and technical submissions to ensure compliance with project requirements.
- Standards & Technical Development
- Maintain expert knowledge of emerging security technologies, international standards and evolving industry best practice.
- Monitor changes to legislation, regulations and standards affecting physical security design.
- Develop internal engineering standards aligned with recognised industry frameworks.
- Drive standardisation across design documentation, specifications and technical deliverables.
- Represent the business on industry working groups, technical committees and professional forums where appropriate.
- Team Development
- Mentor and develop Senior Engineers, Design Engineers and Graduate Engineers.
- Provide technical coaching and guidance across the engineering team.
- Support competency development and technical training programmes.
- Promote a culture of engineering excellence, innovation and continual learning.
- Assist with technical recruitment and capability development.
- Project Support
- Provide technical support to project teams throughout design, procurement and construction.
- Support client presentations, technical workshops and engineering reviews.
- Resolve complex technical issues during design and construction.
- Support commissioning strategies, witness testing and system acceptance where required.
- Assist commercial teams with technical input into proposals and bids.
About You
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
- Extensive experience designing integrated physical security systems for mission‑critical facilities, hyperscale data centres or critical infrastructure.
- Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering projects within a consultancy environment.
- Strong experience delivering RIBA Stage 2–5 (or equivalent) design packages and leading technical assurance activities.
Technical Expertise
- Strong knowledge of integrated CCTV, Access Control, IDS, PIDS, Intercom and SMS/PSIM systems.
- Security network architecture and structured cabling.
- Video analytics, biometrics and security integration platforms.
- Defence in Depth, layered security, TVRA, security zoning and operational concepts.
- Critical infrastructure protection and high‑security facilities.
Excellent understanding of key industry standards, including:
- EN 62676
- EN 60839 Series
- EN 50131
- EN 50600
- ISO 27001
- NIS2
- NPSA guidance
- Relevant IEC, BS and EN standards.
Skills
- Expert design review and technical assurance capability.
- Strong multidisciplinary coordination and stakeholder management.
- Excellent specification writing and technical reporting skills.
- Good understanding of BIM, Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam and IP networking.
- Strong communication, mentoring and leadership skills.
Desirable
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards chartership.
- ASIS PSP, CPP or equivalent certification.
- Membership of IET, ASIS, Security Institute, BICSI or similar.
- Experience developing engineering standards or contributing to industry guidance.
- Experience in hyperscale data centres, defence, healthcare or critical infrastructure projects.
- Knowledge of Digital Engineering, BIM, Digital Twins and Smart Buildings.
Why Join us?
At Ethos, we’re dedicated to fostering an environment that encourages both technical excellence and personal wellbeing. We offer:
- Flexible Fridays and a 9-day fortnight working schedule — enjoy every second Friday off to maintain work–life balance.
- A culture that values flexibility, learning, and teamwork, with clear progression pathways and support toward professional accreditation.
- Opportunities to work alongside some of the most experienced engineers in the industry, within a forward‑thinking, technology‑driven consultancy.
Benefits:
- Flexible working times
- 25 Days holidays
- Pension Scheme
- Working travel out‑of‑pocket expenses
- Travel tax scheme or bike‑to‑work scheme
- Regular training/mentoring / further college support
- Support for Chartership
- Subsidised Health Insurance Allowance
- A Professional Subscription Fee paid by the company
- Paid Statutory Leaves
- Healthcare check‑ups and flu vaccinations
- Gym / Fitness membership
- Heavily subsidised social committee (5 a side, golf society, climbing club and regular social events)
Company Description:
Ethos is a team of collaborative and creative consultant engineers & professionals, leading data centre and energy infrastructure projects globally.
Our Charter:
- We believe in strong human relationships
- We believe clear leadership lights the path
- We believe sustainability is non‑negotiable
- We believe a can‑do mindset can move mountains
- We believe in a relentless focus on delivery
Our Tagline: Performance Made Possible
Physical Security Technical Design Manager in Birmingham employer: Ethos Engineering
Ethos Engineering is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in the fast-paced environment of data centre projects. With flexible working options and a strong commitment to professional development, employees are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to mission-critical projects. Located in Birmingham, the company fosters a supportive atmosphere where experienced engineers can mentor the next generation, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
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We think this is how you could land Physical Security Technical Design Manager in Birmingham
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We think you need these skills to ace Physical Security Technical Design Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Certifications:When applying for a full-time position in security services, make sure to showcase any relevant certifications you have, like SIA or other security industry qualifications. This adds credibility and shows that you're serious about your career in this field.
Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail:In security roles, attention to detail is crucial. Use your CV and cover letter to provide examples of how you’ve noticed and addressed security vulnerabilities or hazards in past jobs. This will help us see your proactive approach to ensuring safety.
Tailor Your Experience:Don’t just list duties from previous jobs; instead, frame your experiences in a way that relates directly to the role at Ethos Engineering. Whether that's managing a team, conducting risk assessments, or successfully maintaining safety protocols, make this relevant to what we do.
Share Your Availability and Flexibility:Full-time roles often require a degree of flexibility. Make sure to clearly state your availability in your application, especially if you can work various shifts. This shows us your readiness to adapt to the needs of the role at Ethos Engineering.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ethos Engineering
✨Know Your Security Protocols
In the security services field, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the latest security protocols and technologies. Brush up on things like surveillance systems, access control, and emergency response procedures. You'll likely face technical questions, so having a couple of solid scenarios or case studies ready can really impress your interviewers at Ethos Engineering.
✨Demonstrate Situational Awareness
Prepare to showcase your situational awareness skills. You might be put in hypothetical scenarios where you need to assess potential risks or respond to incidents. Practising how you’d handle these situations ahead of time can give you the confidence to articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Emphasise Teamwork & Communication
Since security services often rely on effective teamwork and clear communication, be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any instances where you’ve had to relay critical information or work closely with other services – this is key for a role at Ethos Engineering.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
You can expect a variety of behavioural interview questions focusing on your past experiences and how you've handled challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Sharing specific examples from previous security roles or related jobs will help demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and reliability to the team at Ethos Engineering.
