At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead structural design projects and manage multi-discipline teams at a historic naval base.
- Company: Join KBS Maritime, a dynamic joint venture with BAE Systems and KBR.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, flexible benefits, and professional development.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national defence while working in a unique and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Structural or Civil Engineering with significant experience; chartership preferred.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 57000 £ per year.
Location: HM Naval Base, Portsmouth
Service Area: Asset Management
Hours of Work: 37 hours per week
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000
What You’ll be doing: Reporting to the Principal Structural Design Manager, you’ll have vital responsibility for developing the client’s outline strategic project requirement into a detailed Project Brief Requirements, developing the project delivery strategy and layering additional requirements and documentation to address project performance, constraints, risks, applicable standards/regulations, and acceptance criteria. Working closely with the Project Manager, you’ll also be responsible for building, developing, and managing multi-discipline internal and external design teams. By extension, you’ll manage the design process through the development of the RIBA Plan of Work, considering the feasibility and appropriateness of designs in practice and ensuring the design process meets the relevant legislation and regulations. Operationally, you’ll also ensure designs align to client’s strategic and environmental objectives, being familiar and versed in environmentally considerate design, energy and carbon saving design approaches and awareness of technology. Lastly to note, you’ll confidently support and advise the client regarding the technical requirements.
You’ll Have:
- A degree in Structural Engineering or Civil Engineering and significant experience in relation to the seniority of the post.
- Hold or be working towards chartership in their relevant area of expertise.
- Your background should include exposure to a wide range of project typologies, which may include new structures, repairs, refurbishments, work on heritage and listed structures.
- You should be familiar with the entire project lifecycle (RIBA Stage 1-7) and possess in-depth knowledge of engineering, procurement, and construction aspects related to project delivery.
- Knowledge of the RIBA Plan of Work, Building Regulations, British standards and Eurocodes is equally essential.
About you: In this role, you will need:
- Strong communication and negotiation skills to effectively monitor and influence various aspects of the project.
- Key attributes such as listening and being concise will be essential.
- Ability to build relationships and collaborate with others will contribute to the overall quality and success of the project.
- You will ensure successful outcomes at every stage of the project, by being persuasive and clear in your interactions.
- To be adept at conveying complex concepts and work streams in a clear manner with consideration to the target audience.
- To be able to confidently deliver mentorship and support other engineers, particularly those less experienced.
You’ll get:
- A competitive salary
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Holiday purchase scheme, following successful completion of probation period
- Early finish on a Friday
- Discretionary company bonus scheme
- Enhanced pension scheme – employee contribution 4% and company contribution 6%, or the employee can increase their contribution to 6% and company contribution 8%
- Life assurance x 4 (subject to scheme T&C’s)
- Access to our internal benefits and discounts programme for all colleagues
- Cycle to work scheme
- Group income protection
- Flexible parental benefits (if applicable)
- Free parking onsite
- 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 Services
- 50% off entry into the Historic Dockyard
Application process: Applications are urged to apply prior to the advertising closing date of 2nd April 2026.
Background checks & security: Please note that due to the nature of the site we are based on and the work carried out, once offered we carry out a number of pre-employment checks which include UKSV clearance applications – you will need to be eligible for this and willing to go through the process. For more information, please speak with the Talent & Recruitment team.
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 dockyards 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. KBS Maritime is committed to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of every social or cultural background, age, gender, ability, sexual orientation, and belief. We will make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to accommodate any disability. In the first instance, if you require this job advert in an alternative format, or require any assistance, please contact recruitment@kbsmaritime.com
Senior Structural Design Manager in Portsmouth employer: KBS Maritime
KBS Maritime is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and compliance at the HM Naval Base in Portsmouth. With generous benefits such as 25 days of holiday and enhanced pension schemes, alongside robust career development opportunities, employees are empowered to grow and thrive in their roles while contributing to vital maritime operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Structural Design Manager in Portsmouth
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Structural Design Manager in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
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How to prepare for a job interview at KBS Maritime
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
