At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multi-disciplinary engineering projects and manage design teams for impactful road improvements.
- Company: Join a leading engineering firm committed to innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, health support, and flexible hours for a balanced lifestyle.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with strong focus on personal development and well-being.
- Why this job: Make a difference in local communities while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in civil engineering or related field; experience in complex projects preferred.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
As a Design Manager in the SDF (Service Delivery Framework) Roads team, you'll be working alongside a host of talented people ranging from early career professionals to established engineers and project managers working across the Roads business to improve the local and strategic networks, based in our London & South East region (located in either of our: Cambridge, London (Westferry Circus), Basingstoke, Guildford or Southampton offices).
The National Highways Scheme Delivery Framework (SDF) is a multi‐billion‐pound procurement strategy used to maintain, renew, and improve England's Strategic Road Network (SRN). It enables regional, collaborative, and performance‐based contracts for works such as pavement, civil engineering, and technology to enhance safety and efficiency.
Being part of this framework team, you will lead the technical delivery of moderately complex projects, be accountable for the quality management of the deliverables, and ensure compliance with WSP's procedures and client requirements. The role requires excellent to expert knowledge of multi‐disciplinary project delivery and management of technical design teams.
Responsibilities- Taking ownership for the successful delivery of multi‐disciplinary engineering projects on the framework.
- 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 WSPs quality management requirements.
- Acting as a role model, line manager and mentor for other staff within the Roads 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 developing and maintaining relationships with clients, peers and others who are influential in providing future business.
- A university degree relevant to civil engineering, construction, design or a 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.
- Work‐life balance: Hybrid working policy offers flexibility to work from home two days a week and collaborate in modern offices across the UK.
- Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences, encourage authenticity, and support an inclusive culture.
- Health & Wellbeing: Thrive programme, Virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, and a comprehensive menopause support package.
- Flex your time: "WSP My Hour" allows you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with flexibility to make up the time earlier or later. Part‐time and flexible working arrangements, additional leave purchase, and bank holiday entitlement options are also available.
- Your Development: Training, mentoring, and chartership opportunities are provided to support your growth.
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.
Design Manager (Roads) in London employer: Wsp In The Uk & Ireland
WSP is an exceptional employer that prioritises work-life balance and inclusivity, offering a hybrid working policy that allows flexibility to work from home two days a week. With a strong focus on employee development through training and mentoring opportunities, as well as a commitment to health and wellbeing initiatives, WSP fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture in its London & South East offices, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in civil engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager (Roads) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at WSP or similar companies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Knowing about the National Highways Scheme Delivery Framework and recent developments in the Roads sector will show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Design Manager, you'll need to effectively manage teams and communicate with clients. Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager (Roads) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing multi-disciplinary projects and any relevant qualifications. 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 passionate about the role and how your background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of client needs and project delivery.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills:We love collaboration, so be sure to include examples of how you've successfully worked in teams. Share specific instances where you’ve managed design teams or solved complex problems together.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wsp In The Uk & Ireland
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the projects you've worked on, especially those that are multi-disciplinary and complex. Be ready to discuss your role in these projects, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will show your potential employer that you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Design Manager, you'll be leading teams, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed design teams, communicated effectively with stakeholders, and mentored junior staff. Highlighting these experiences will illustrate your capability to take ownership of projects.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Familiarise yourself with the types of clients WSP works with and their expectations. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach understanding and meeting client needs while ensuring compliance with contracts. This shows that you can balance technical delivery with client satisfaction.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the importance of health and safety in this role, be ready to talk about your experience with safety practices and compliance regulations. Share specific instances where you championed safety in design or ensured adherence to CDM regulations, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
