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- Tasks: Lead design management for innovative construction projects at Gatwick Airport.
- Company: Join London Gatwick, a transformative hub and one of the UK's busiest airports.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, discounts, and professional training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of aviation with a focus on innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or related field; leadership experience in complex infrastructure is essential.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are core values; we support your growth and well-being.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
London Gatwick is on a journey of transformation—and we’re looking for a Lead Design Manager to help shape the infrastructure of one of the UK’s busiest and most innovative airports. This is a rare opportunity to take a pivotal role in leading the design management function across Gatwick's Capital Investment Programme, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective, and forward-thinking engineering solutions.
What is the role?
- Lead and oversee all design management activities across Gatwick's construction projects.
- Set and embed design management procedures that drive consistency, clarity, and quality across the project lifecycle.
- Lead and mentor a team of design specialists, fostering a high-performance culture and identifying future talent.
- Assure key project stages, validating technical proposals and ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
- Monitor and evaluate external design consultants to drive continuous improvement in delivery quality and efficiency.
- Ensure all designs meet cost benchmarks and challenge conventional approaches where innovation can add value.
- Champion industry best practice to streamline processes and minimise rework.
- Promote health, safety, and environmental excellence in all design related activities, including the fulfilment of Principal Designer duties.
- Manage the graduate engineering programme and maintain engagement with professional institutions.
- Support safety tours, inspections, and reporting across capital programmes.
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation across design processes.
What are we looking for?
- Degree-level qualification (or equivalent) in engineering, construction, or a related field.
- Chartered status with a recognised engineering institution (highly desirable).
- A strong background in engineering design or design management within complex infrastructure programmes (typically of £50m+ value).
- Proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams and oversight of external design consultants.
- Strong grasp of design risk management; IOSH-accredited Principal Designer certification is advantageous.
- Demonstrable knowledge of quality management, capital project delivery, and business process optimisation.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- Project management qualifications (e.g. APMP, Prince2 Practitioner) are a plus.
- Previous experience in operational environments (such as aviation) is desirable.
- A track record of delivering results in high-pressure, fast-paced settings.
What do I get?
Our employees tell us that working here is something special, and no day is like another, where our teams do something every day that other airports only dream of. Along with a competitive salary, our employees enjoy a range of personal, health and financial benefits, including:
- Welcome Bonus
- Performance-based bonus scheme
- High street shops and restaurant discounts
- Life and disability insurance
- Professional training to develop
- Professional subscriptions
- Discounted travel
What it’s like to work at London Gatwick?
Our people are our biggest asset. We want people to thrive and have the best experience while working with us. We know we are all at our best when we feel comfortable and included. We are an organisation that places diversity, equity and inclusion at its heart. We aim to create a place where everyone belongs and has a voice, and we recognise we all play an important role in our success.
To find out more about what it’s like to work at Gatwick, visit our careers site Careers | Grow your career with Gatwick Airport LGW. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made as part of the application process, please contact us directly. Click apply to start your career with Gatwick.
Lead Design Manager employer: Gatwick Airport Limited
Contact Detail:
Gatwick Airport Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Gatwick's current and upcoming construction projects. Understanding the specific challenges and innovations they are pursuing will help you tailor your discussions during interviews, showcasing your knowledge and enthusiasm for their vision.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the aviation and infrastructure sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who may have insights into Gatwick's culture and expectations, which can give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing multidisciplinary teams. Be ready to provide examples of how you've fostered a high-performance culture and mentored talent, as these are key aspects of the Lead Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry best practices in design management and engineering solutions. Being able to speak about innovative approaches and continuous improvement strategies will demonstrate your commitment to excellence and align with Gatwick's goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in engineering design and management, particularly within complex infrastructure programmes. Emphasise your leadership skills and any experience with multidisciplinary teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities of the Lead Design Manager role. Mention your understanding of design management procedures and how you can contribute to Gatwick's Capital Investment Programme.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your degree-level qualifications and any chartered status you hold. If you have project management qualifications like APMP or Prince2, make sure to highlight these as they are advantageous for the role.
Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in previous roles. This is crucial for the position, so showcasing your communication skills will strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gatwick Airport Limited
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Design Manager, you'll be expected to lead and mentor a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Knowledge
Make sure you have a solid understanding of engineering design principles and risk management. Be ready to talk about specific projects where you've implemented innovative solutions or improved processes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Strong communication skills are crucial for this role. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively engaged with stakeholders in previous roles, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and managing expectations.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The role requires a focus on driving continuous improvement and innovation. Be ready to share examples of how you've championed best practices in design management and contributed to enhancing project delivery quality.
