Design Manager – Major Projects in Southampton

We are seeking experienced Design Managers – Major Projects to lead the successful delivery of complex, high‑value infrastructure schemes across the UK (and occasionally internationally). This role is ideally suited to a senior construction or engineering professional with Development Consent Order (DCO) experience and a strong background in regulated or nationally significant infrastructure projects. You will be responsible for the design management of large, multidisciplinary project teams working on the end‑to‑end delivery of major capital and design‑led projects, from early concept and consenting through detailed design, construction and handover. You will also play a key role in client engagement, governance, and business development, contributing to the continued growth of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver major, complex infrastructure projects from inception to completion, including DCO‑led schemes where applicable.
• Manage the design process, including the interface coordination of large multi‑disciplinary teams, internal resources, consultants, contractors and supply chain partners.
• Set communication guidelines across disciplines to ensure progress and quality in design solutions, including the use of best practices to create solutions to satisfy client needs and requirements.
• Lead technical discussions with clients.
• Act as the client’s senior representative, managing relationships with clients, regulators, statutory bodies and key stakeholders.
• Champion health, safety, environmental, sustainability and customer outcomes, embedding best practice across projects.
• Undertake project and programme reviews to drive continuous improvement and lessons learned.
• Support and lead business development activities, including client engagement, bid leadership and preparation of winning proposals.
• Contribute to the professional development of the wider team and the strategic growth of the business.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Professional accreditation (e.g., Chartered Engineer) is required.
• Proven track record delivering large‑scale, complex construction and/or design‑led infrastructure projects.
• Experience managing and directing large project teams (often 100+ people), both insourced and outsourced.
• Experience in one or more of the following sectors is highly desirable: Water & Wastewater Engineering, Civil Engineering / Energy Infrastructure, Highways & Transportation, Aviation, Rail.
• Demonstrable experience delivering to demanding schedules, targets and quality standards.

Personal Attributes

• Leader with the ability to motivate and develop project teams.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a proactive approach.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels in both matrix and non‑matrix environments.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Commitment to Ramboll’s values and sustainability goals.
• Able to bring energy, positivity, and constructive challenge.

What we can offer you:

• Commitment to your development.
• Leaders guided by our Leadership Principles.
• A culture that welcomes you as the unique person you are.
• Inspiration from colleagues, clients, and projects.
• The long‑term thinking of a foundation‑owned company.
• Flexible work environment.
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Matched pension contributions.
• Private medical cover and life assurance.

Ready to join us? Please submit your application with your up‑to‑date CV. We invite diversity in all its forms and encourage applicants from all groups to apply. We recognise that some candidates only apply when they tick every box. However, passion and potential often outweigh a perfect resume and Ramboll’s supportive learning culture can help you grow. So if this role resonates with you but you don’t meet all the requirements, we encourage you to apply. You might be the perfect fit for this opportunity or another within our team.

Work at the heart of sustainable change with Ramboll. Ramboll is a global architecture, engineering, and consultancy company. As a foundation‑owned people company, founded in Denmark, we believe that the purpose of sustainable change is to create a thriving world for both nature and people. Our history is rooted in a clear vision of how a responsible company should act and being open and curious is a cornerstone of our culture. Ramboll employs more than 18,000 people globally across 35 countries. Ramboll experts deliver innovative solutions across Buildings, Transport, Water, Environment & Health, Energy, Management Consulting, and Architecture & Landscape. Combining local experience with global knowledge, we help shape the societies of tomorrow.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. At Ramboll, we believe that diversity is a strength and that different experiences and perspectives are essential to creating truly sustainable societies. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive work environment where everyone is able to flourish and reach their potential. We also know how important it is to achieve the right balance of where, when, and how much you work. At Ramboll, we offer flexibility as part of our positive and inclusive approach to work. We invite applications from candidates of all backgrounds and characteristics. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it more comfortable for you. You can contact us at job.advert.accessibility@ramboll.com with such requests.