Design Manger (Roads)

A little more about your role… As a Design Manager in the SDF (Service Delivery Framework) Roads team you’ll be working alongside a host of talented people ranging from our 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).

What is SDF? 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, accountable for the quality management of the deliverables on the projects and compliance with WSP’s procedures and client requirements. The role will require an excellent to expert knowledge and understanding of multi-disciplinary project delivery as well as management of technical design teams.

You will:

• Take ownership for the successful delivery of multi-disciplinary engineering projects on the framework.
• Manage and coordinate design teams and effectively communicate with all parties.
• Identify and manage design risks.
• Plan and monitor the performance of projects throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure all deliverables and milestones are achieved to cost/quality/time targets.
• Provide a Check/Review role for technical work to meet WSP’s quality management requirements.
• Act as a role model, line manager and mentor for other staff within the Roads team.
• Champion excellent health and safety practice, including safety in design, site visit safety and compliance with CDM regulations.
• Respond to client directions in a professional and customer focused manner and 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 the client and business needs when delivering a major project focusing 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.

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.
• 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.

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.