Design Manager - Civils

Vulcain Engineering Group provides Engineering consultancy services across multiple Industry sectors on a global scale. With operations in 30 countries and employing over 4000 staff worldwide, our business responds to the needs of our clients by providing expertise in the form of high added value engineering services. Our UK business, is well positioned within the UK Nuclear industry. By consistently delivering exemplary outcomes for our customers the Group has seen steady growth and expansion.

Job Summary

Take ownership of the end-to-end design coordination and assurance of complex civil works within the Sizewell C programme – a nationally significant low-carbon infrastructure project and one of the UK’s largest megaprojects.

At Vulcain Engineering UK, we are proud to be at the forefront of major energy infrastructure, supporting the UK’s journey to Net Zero through the development of Sizewell C (SZC), one of the most ambitious low-carbon projects in Europe. Building on our extensive experience at Hinkley Point C, our teams are helping deliver the next generation of nuclear power.

As our involvement in this programme continues to grow, we’re looking for a Design Manager to join our Civil Works Programme team. Based from our London office (with hybrid working), this is a fantastic opportunity to lead the design coordination of complex civil engineering packages – working at the heart of a nationally significant megaproject.

Responsibilities

• Define, validate, and manage SZC technical requirements and specifications for your design scope, ensuring alignment with EDF and SZC Design Authority.
• Lead coordination of technical inputs, design deliverables, and assurance activities from the Responsible Designer and wider design supply chain.
• Manage technical change control, open points, and governance processes (TDF, NCC, NPWCC), ensuring configuration control and traceability throughout.
• Oversee the delivery of fully coordinated design deliverables – including integration of constructability input and assurance in 3D environments.
• Support risk management activities by identifying and tracking technical risks and working closely with the Engineering & Technical Project Manager on impacts to cost and schedule.
• Manage key technical interfaces with internal SZC programmes (e.g. Site Establishment, NI Programme, Off-Site Infrastructure) and external stakeholders.
• Ensure design activities comply with SZC Engineering processes, including CDM responsibilities, technical surveillance plans, and digital assurance protocols.
• Support project reporting, communications, early warnings, and technical queries in collaboration with Project Managers and commercial teams.
• Provide line management and technical leadership to a team of Project Engineers assigned to your area of responsibility.

Personal Specification

• Extensive experience delivering and coordinating multi-disciplinary infrastructure design across concept, detailed design, and construction phases.
• Strong technical expertise in ground engineering disciplines; including earthworks, foundations, drainage, pavements, and retaining structures – with sound understanding of UK design standards and industry practice.
• Proven ability to manage technically complex programmes and direct technical inputs across internal teams and external design supply chains.
• Experienced in leading design assurance and digital coordination in 3D environments; confident managing open points, technical governance, and configuration control.
• Skilled in managing stakeholders across a variety of levels; including client organisations, regulatory bodies, technical authorities, and contractors.
• Understanding of CDM Regulations and how to ensure compliance within design activities in a safety-critical environment.
• Familiarity with delivery frameworks used on large capital programmes, particularly in regulated sectors such as nuclear, energy, utilities, or defence.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to influence and lead collaborative outcomes.
• Degree-qualified in Civil or Structural Engineering (or equivalent), with Chartered Engineer (MICE or MIStructE) status or working towards it.
• Prior experience in the nuclear sector or on major infrastructure programmes such as Hinkley Point C is highly desirable.

Benefits:

• Hybrid working
• Private medical & dental insurance
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Matched Pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Training and development
• Employee referral scheme
• Enhanced company sick pay
• Travel & Life Insurance
• Employee assistance program

*Salary dependent on experience*

Due to the nature of the work, candidates will be required to undergo a Basic Security clearance (BPSS) and must have Permanent Independent Right to Work in the UK.

Vulcain Engineering UK is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and respected. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, and do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.