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- Tasks: Lead design management for innovative construction projects at Gatwick Airport.
- Company: Join Gatwick Airport, a hub of transformation and innovation in the aviation industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, discounts, and professional training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of one of the UK's busiest airports.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or related field; leadership experience in complex infrastructure is essential.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our culture; everyone has a voice here.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
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Senior Recruitment Partner at London Gatwick Airport (Construction)
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 functionacross 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 siteCareers | 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.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
-
Industries
Airlines and Aviation
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Lead Design Manager employer: London Gatwick
Contact Detail:
London Gatwick Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the aviation and construction sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people who work at Gatwick or similar organisations. Building these connections can give you insights into the company culture and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Gatwick's recent projects and initiatives. Understanding their current challenges and successes will allow you to tailor your conversations and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing multidisciplinary teams. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've driven innovation and quality in past projects, as this is crucial for the Lead Design Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your knowledge of design risk management and health and safety practices. Being able to articulate your understanding of these areas will demonstrate your readiness to fulfil the Principal Designer duties expected in this role.
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 design management and engineering, particularly within complex infrastructure projects. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to manage multidisciplinary teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the company. Mention how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Lead Design Manager position and how you can contribute to Gatwick's transformation journey.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Clearly outline your degree-level qualifications and any chartered status you hold. Highlight any project management qualifications and relevant certifications, such as IOSH-accredited Principal Designer certification, to strengthen your application.
Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Skills: Provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in previous roles. This is crucial for the Lead Design Manager position, so emphasise your communication skills and ability to foster collaboration across teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Gatwick
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Design Manager, you'll be expected to lead and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your ability to foster a high-performance culture and identify future talent.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Expertise
Be ready to discuss your background in engineering design or design management, especially within complex infrastructure programmes. Highlight specific projects where you delivered high-quality, cost-effective solutions.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Strong stakeholder engagement is crucial for this role. Think of instances where you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders, managed expectations, and ensured alignment with strategic goals.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The role requires driving continuous improvement in design processes. Be prepared to share your thoughts on industry best practices and how you've implemented innovative solutions to streamline processes and minimise rework.
