At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design teams on major infrastructure projects and ensure innovative solutions.
- Company: Reputable contractor in the Rail, Civils, and M&E sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to inclusivity and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on large-scale projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and extensive design management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
About the Company
PSR Rail Team are recruiting for a Senior Design Manager in London. This will be working for a reputable contractor who operate within the Rail, Civils and M&E sector. The Senior Design Manager is responsible for leading the design function across major infrastructure and engineering projects, ensuring the successful delivery of compliant, efficient, and innovative design solutions. The role supports complex programmes within sectors such as rail, energy, and large-scale M&E installations.
- Lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams across multiple projects or major programmes.
- Take ownership of the full design lifecycle, from concept and feasibility through detailed design to construction support and handover.
- Ensure all design outputs meet relevant standards, including client, regulatory, and industry requirements.
- Act as the primary point of contact for all design-related matters with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
- Develop and manage design delivery programmes aligned with project schedules.
- Oversee design reviews, approvals, and technical assurance processes.
- Identify and manage design risks, implementing mitigation strategies where required.
- Support procurement processes by reviewing and approving supplier and subcontractor designs.
- Lead design coordination meetings, workshops, and stakeholder reviews.
- Mentor and develop design managers, engineers, and junior staff.
Qualifications:
- Degree-qualified in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, or related discipline).
- Extensive experience in design management within infrastructure, construction, or engineering environments.
- Strong background in delivering complex projects within sectors such as rail, energy, or utilities.
- Demonstrable experience managing multidisciplinary design teams.
- In-depth knowledge of UK standards and design assurance processes (e.g., Network Rail, TfL, National Grid).
- Experience with digital engineering tools, including BIM and design coordination platforms.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of project delivery constraints.
Additional Skills:
- Risk management and problem-solving.
- Experience in rail electrification, power systems, or large-scale M&E delivery.
- Familiarity with NEC contracts and project delivery frameworks.
PSR Solutions is committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.
Design Lead - to be a manager employer: Psr-Solutions
As a leading contractor in the Rail, Civils, and M&E sector, PSR Rail Team offers an exceptional work environment in London, where innovation and collaboration thrive. Employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development, with opportunities to mentor and grow within multidisciplinary teams while working on complex infrastructure projects. The company champions diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to meaningful design solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Lead - to be a manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Design Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best design projects and achievements. We want to see how you’ve led teams and delivered innovative solutions in the past—make it pop!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to design management and leadership. We suggest you come armed with examples of how you've tackled challenges and led teams to success—confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Lead - to be a manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Lead role. Highlight your experience in managing multidisciplinary design teams and delivering complex projects, especially in rail or energy sectors. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Senior Design Manager position. Share specific examples of your past successes in design management and how you’ve tackled challenges in similar environments.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with UK standards and design assurance processes. If you've worked with digital engineering tools like BIM, make sure to highlight that too! We love seeing candidates who are up-to-date with the latest tech.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Psr-Solutions
✨Know Your Design Lifecycle
Make sure you can confidently discuss the full design lifecycle, from concept to handover. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed each stage in previous projects, especially in rail or large-scale M&E environments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Design Lead, you'll be managing multidisciplinary teams. Highlight your experience in leading teams and mentoring junior staff. Share specific instances where your leadership made a difference in project outcomes or team dynamics.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Standards
Brush up on UK standards and design assurance processes relevant to the role, such as those from Network Rail or TfL. Being able to discuss these standards and how you've applied them in past projects will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Expect technical questions related to risk management, problem-solving, and digital engineering tools like BIM. Prepare to discuss how you've identified and mitigated design risks in previous roles, and be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of NEC contracts and project delivery frameworks.
