At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create innovative designs for the busy Anglia rail route.
- Company: Join a leading contractor shaping the future of UK railways with a £35bn investment.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a significant project impacting millions of passengers and enhancing rail infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Experience in railway design management and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on complex projects with a focus on safety and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.
Our client is currently recruiting a Design Manager to lead a multi-disciplinary technical team providing safe, practical and economic designs for our CP6 Anglia Framework to a high standard of professional competence and in compliance with Company procedures. They have been awarded the single contractor multi-disciplinary CP6 framework to maintain and renew the Anglia route for Network Rail. This is a significant step forward in meeting their ten year plan and will help build scale, fuel and resilience.
The Anglia route is the second busiest in the UK and covers 1,700 miles of track from London Liverpool Street to Norfolk. It takes 63.6 million passenger journeys a year. There are 3,177 services a day through 320 stations. The framework award is one of the most substantial of Network Rail’s CP6 contracts following the Office of Rail and Road’s final determination for £35bn of funding for rail maintenance and renewals. This framework will include complex and challenging works covering all Renewals for the route, including Bridge Replacements/Refurbishments/Strengthening; Earthworks; Overhead Electrified Lines; Power Upgrades and Station Enhancements.
As the Design Manager you will be responsible for delivering high quality designs (GRIP stages 1-8) in accordance with the budget and programme.
Key Responsibilities- Manage a portfolio of design packages and the interfaces with external or in house design teams with project values ranging from £0.5m to £30m +
- Manage a team of Assistant Designs Managers and Design Coordinators
- Represent the design department when necessary at internal and external meetings and, in the absence of the Lead Designer, to be the focal point of contact within the department
- Liaise with other departments and project teams within the Company with respect to design requirements
- Undertake site visits when appropriate
- Allocate design tasks to individuals within informal internal teams whilst maintaining responsibility for the team’s overall performance
- Ensure that the work in the department is carried out in accordance with Company procedures and that a high level of professionalism is maintained
- Ensure that chargeable work is identified and evaluated including the preparation of adequate records of time spent
- Ensure feedback on design work is collated and saved in accordance with procedures
- Carry out staff appraisals when required and identify appropriate development activities
- Manage the preparation of GRIP stage 1-4 design (concept through to single option approved in principle)
- Manage the preparation of GRIP stage 5-8 design (detailed design, construction phase design support, and project close out)
- Work collaboratively with the wider engineering team, in particular the CRE’s (Contractor’s Responsible Engineer’s) and CEM (Contractor’s Engineering Manager) to ensure all designs are produced in accordance with company procedures and Network Rail standard NR/L2/INI/02009
- Monitor and control cost and programme for the design phases
- Experienced in managing designs within the railway environment and able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of Network Rail’s standards and processes
- Management skills and confident when dealing with staff, clients, figures, design issues and programmes
- Computer literate with a good working knowledge of Microsoft packages, including Microsoft Project
Design Manager – Rail employer: Pinnacle Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Pinnacle Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager – Rail
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Network Rail's standards and processes. Understanding these will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the rail design sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the Design Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've managed that align with the responsibilities of this role. Highlight your experience with GRIP stages and managing design teams to showcase your suitability.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Anglia route and its significance within the UK rail network. Being knowledgeable about the specific challenges and opportunities in this area will set you apart during discussions with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager – Rail
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Design Manager in the rail sector. Familiarise yourself with GRIP stages and the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in managing design projects within the railway environment. Emphasise your understanding of Network Rail’s standards and any previous roles that demonstrate your management skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for rail design and your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams. Mention specific examples of past projects where you successfully managed design packages and liaised with various stakeholders.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects professionalism and attention to detail, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pinnacle Recruitment Ltd
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
As a Design Manager in the rail sector, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of Network Rail's standards and processes. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, highlighting your experience with GRIP stages and how you ensured compliance with safety and quality standards.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
You'll be managing a team of Assistant Design Managers and Design Coordinators, so it's important to showcase your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams, resolved conflicts, and motivated staff to achieve project goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Prepare scenarios related to design challenges or project management issues you've faced in the past, and explain how you approached them and what the outcomes were.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Collaboration is key in this role, as you'll need to work closely with various departments and external teams. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively liaised with other stakeholders in previous roles, ensuring that design requirements were met while maintaining strong professional relationships.