Design Manager - Airfield Engineering in London

What if you could shape a career as unique as you? At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

A little more about your role… Drawing upon extensive and long-standing experience, WSP’s aviation experts plan, design and manage the construction of the airports of tomorrow, with a focus on resilience, sustainability and smart technologies. We are currently looking for an experienced Airfield Civil Engineer to join our team as a Design Manager and help lead some of our exciting UK and international engineering projects. The role will require good knowledge and understanding of multi-disciplinary project delivery as well as management of technical design teams and contractual, programme and financial performance of projects.

Responsibilities include:

• Taking ownership for the successful delivery of airfield civil engineering projects;
• Managing and coordinating design teams, and effectively communicating with all parties;
• Identifying and managing design risks;
• Planning and monitoring the performance of projects throughout the project lifecycle;
• Ensuring all deliverables and milestones are achieved to cost/quality/time targets;
• Providing a Check/Review role for technical work to meet WSP's quality management requirements;
• Acting as a role model, line manager and mentor for other staff within the Airfield Engineering team;
• Championing excellent health and safety practice, including safety in design, site visit safety and compliance with CDM regulations;
• Responding to client directions in a professional and customer focused manner and to develop and maintain relationships with clients, peers and others who are influential in providing future business.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• A University degree relevant to civil engineering, construction, design or related discipline;
• Chartered or Incorporated Status (MICE, MCIHT or equivalent) or equivalent demonstrable experience is preferable but not essential;
• Experience of large, technically complex multi-disciplinary airfield civil engineering projects;
• Understanding of both the needs of the client and the business when delivering a major project with a focus on achieving margin and contract compliance;
• Knowledge and understanding of construction contracts (i.e. NEC) and processes is preferable but not essential;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Enjoy working in a team environment, sharing ideas and collaborating with colleagues and be able to demonstrate a time when you’ve managed to do this successfully to solve complex problems.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself? With us, you can. Apply today.

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Work-life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.
• Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex your time: To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
• Your development: We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.

Full time Posting Date: 2026-02-26