Senior Design Manager (Mechanical)
Senior Design Manager (Mechanical)

Senior Design Manager (Mechanical)

Portsmouth Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead mechanical design projects from concept to completion, ensuring compliance with client and environmental standards.
  • Company: Join KBS Maritime, a dynamic joint venture at the heart of the Royal Navy's operations.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, and flexible parental benefits.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on national defence while working in a unique, innovative environment.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Engineering with 10+ years experience; chartership preferred.
  • Other info: Applications close on 22nd August 2025; interviews start on 1st September 2025.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Job Title: Senior Design Manager (Mechanical) Location: Portsmouth (HM Naval Base) Service Area: Asset Management Hours of Work: 37 hours per week What You’ll be doing: Reporting to the Principal Mechanical Design Manager, you will be responsible for developing the client’s strategic requirement into a detailed statement of requirements addressing performance, dependencies, risks, test and commissioning, applicable standards/regulations, and acceptance criteria. Working collaboratively with the Project Manager, other engineering disciplines, Client, and end user and maintainer stakeholders, you will be responsible managing the design process from inception, through the development of the RIBA stages and in to service. You will consider the feasibility and appropriateness of designs in practice, ensuring the design meets the client strategic and environmental objectives, as well as all relevant legislation and regulations. You’ll Have: We are looking for a senior mechanical engineer with a degree in Engineering and 10 plus years of experience in a relevant industry. The ideal candidate should either hold or be working towards chartership. Your background should include exposure to a wide range of medium to large mechanical projects. You should be familiar with the entire project lifecycle from inception to in service. We welcome applications especially from those who have experience delivering saltwater system projects such as the replacement or refurbishment of large pumps, penstocks and dock infrastructure. About you: In this role, you will need strong communication and negotiation skills to effectively monitor and influence various aspects of your projects. Your ability to build relationships and collaborate with others will contribute to the overall quality and success of each project. You will be confident at conveying complex concepts in a clear manner to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. You will be able to mentor and support other less experienced engineers. You’ll get: * A competitive salary * 25 days holiday plus bank holidays * Enhanced pension scheme * Life assurance * Access to our internal benefits and discounts programme for all colleagues * Cycle to work scheme * Group income protection * Flexible parental benefits (if applicable) * Access to our Internal employee assistance network, giving you the opportunity to reach the heights of success within your new position. * Continued professional career development * Kudos reward opportunities (internal achievements scheme) * Occupational Health & Wellbeing Service * 50% off entry into the Historic Dockyard. Application process: Applications are urged to apply prior to the advertising closing date of Friday 22nd August 2025 with a view of interviews scheduled to commence week commencing Monday 1st September 2025. For all queries, please contact the Recruitment Team in the first instance who will advise accordingly. About Us: At KBS Maritime, we\’re not just another company – we\’re an exciting and dynamic joint venture between industry leaders BAE Systems and KBR. Our team is dedicated to providing Asset Management, Infrastructure Management, Energy Solutions and Alongside Services at His Majesty\’s Naval Base Portsmouth (HMNBP), the beating heart of the Royal Navy. With almost two-thirds of the Royal Navy\’s surface ships stationed at HMNBP, working with KBS Maritime means being at the forefront of innovation and progress. We operate in a unique and fascinating environment; with a mix of historic dockyard and cutting-edge infrastructure that\’s unlike any other. By delivering state of the art solutions to the Royal Navy, KBS Maritime offers the chance to work on projects that make a real difference to the safety, security, and sustainability of the UK\’s National Defence and Security. But it\’s not just about the work – at KBS Maritime, we believe in the value of our people. We have the ethos of a small business, which means we value and empower our team members to succeed

Senior Design Manager (Mechanical) employer: KBS Maritime Ltd

KBS Maritime is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at His Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth, where innovation meets history. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits, and a supportive work culture, we empower our team members to thrive while contributing to vital projects that enhance the UK's National Defence. Join us to be part of a dynamic joint venture that values your expertise and fosters meaningful career growth.
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Contact Detail:

KBS Maritime Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Design Manager (Mechanical)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific projects KBS Maritime has undertaken, especially those related to saltwater systems. Understanding their past work will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of KBS Maritime on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience in managing the design process through various RIBA stages. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to meet client requirements and navigate project challenges.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your communication and mentoring skills by preparing anecdotes that illustrate how you've successfully collaborated with diverse teams and supported junior engineers in previous roles.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Manager (Mechanical)

Mechanical Engineering
Project Lifecycle Management
Design Process Management
RIBA Stages Knowledge
Strategic Requirement Development
Risk Assessment
Performance Analysis
Environmental Compliance
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills
Mentoring and Coaching
Technical Documentation
Problem-Solving Skills
Collaboration and Teamwork

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in mechanical engineering, particularly focusing on medium to large projects. Emphasise any work related to saltwater systems, pumps, and dock infrastructure, as this aligns with the job requirements.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your skills and experiences meet the specific needs of the Senior Design Manager role. Mention your ability to manage design processes and collaborate with various stakeholders, showcasing your strong communication and negotiation skills.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your educational background, including your degree in Engineering and any progress towards chartership. This is crucial for demonstrating your qualifications for the position.

Showcase Project Lifecycle Experience: Detail your familiarity with the entire project lifecycle from inception to service. Provide examples of past projects where you successfully managed design processes and met client objectives, which will strengthen your application.

How to prepare for a job interview at KBS Maritime Ltd

✨Understand the Project Lifecycle

Make sure you can discuss the entire project lifecycle, from inception to in service. Be prepared to share examples of how you've managed projects through various RIBA stages and how you ensured compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

Since strong communication is key for this role, practice conveying complex engineering concepts clearly. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, and be ready to discuss these during your interview.

✨Highlight Your Mentoring Experience

As a senior engineer, you'll likely be expected to mentor less experienced colleagues. Prepare to talk about your mentoring style and any specific instances where you've helped others grow in their roles.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Saltwater Systems

If you have experience with saltwater system projects, such as pumps or dock infrastructure, make sure to highlight this. If not, do some research on these systems so you can speak knowledgeably about them and demonstrate your interest in the specific requirements of the role.

Senior Design Manager (Mechanical)
KBS Maritime Ltd
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K
  • Senior Design Manager (Mechanical)

    Portsmouth
    Full-Time
    48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-08-19

  • K

    KBS Maritime Ltd

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