At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multi-disciplinary engineering projects and manage design teams for impactful road improvements.
- Company: Join WSP, a leader in civil engineering with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, health programmes, and flexible hours to support your work-life balance.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and offers excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in local and strategic road networks while developing your career.
- 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.
Qualifications
- 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.
Benefits
- 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 Southampton employer: Wsp In The Uk & Ireland
WSP is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering flexible hybrid working arrangements and a strong focus on employee wellbeing. With opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and a commitment to health and safety, our Design Manager role in the Roads team provides a meaningful career path in a dynamic environment across our London & South East offices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Manager (Roads) in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working at WSP. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge and project management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams and managed complex projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! During interviews, make sure to highlight examples where you've effectively collaborated with diverse teams and clients to achieve project goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you're serious about joining the WSP team.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Manager (Roads) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Design Manager role. Highlight your project management experience and any technical design work you've done, as this will show us you're a great fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our goals at StudySmarter. Be sure to mention any specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:We love collaboration! In your application, share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams, especially in managing design risks or delivering complex projects. This will help us see how you can contribute to our inclusive culture.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we can’t wait to hear from you!
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 detail, how you managed design teams, and the outcomes of those projects. This will show your expertise and give you confidence.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Design Manager, effective communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully coordinated with various stakeholders, from clients to team members. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you navigated them to keep everyone on the same page.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the client and the business. Think about how you can align project delivery with their expectations while ensuring compliance with contracts. This insight will demonstrate your strategic thinking and client-focused approach.
✨Emphasise Health and Safety Practices
Given the importance of health and safety in this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with safety in design and compliance with regulations. Share specific instances where you championed safety practices and how it positively impacted project outcomes.
