Do you have experience working as a Design Manager for a Main Contractor?

Do you have experience working on Civil and Structural Rail projects?

Salary: £50,000 to £60,000 plus car/car allowance and up to 15% bonus
Location: Swindon or Bristol, 2 to 3 days in the office per week, remainder from home

This position offers the chance to work with a Principal Contractor delivering renewal and structures projects under a CP7 framework. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team overseeing approximately 30 schemes, splitting responsibilities with a fellow design manager. This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role requiring strong leadership and ability to manage multiple projects.

Essential requirements:

• Proven experience in project management/design management position with a solid engineering background.
• Experience working on rail renewals and civil/structure projects such as stations, bridges, embankments etc.
• Strong understanding of design and engineering processes, with practical knowledge of delivering multi-disciplinary projects.
• Ability to manage multiple schemes and stakeholders effectively, ensuring alignment with budgets and programmes.
• Familiarity with Network Rail projects.
• Experience working for Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractors. HS2 experience advantageous.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to liaise across multiple levels, from clients to local authorities.
• Ability to manage multiple schemes at once.

Desired requirements:

• Awareness of NEC contracts and cost/contract management principles – specifically NCE, early warning etc.

Responsibilities:

In this role, you will take charge of delivering a diverse portfolio of small-scale rail renewal and structures projects, with individual schemes ranging in value from £10k to £500k. These projects include essential works such as bridge repairs, bridge deck replacements, and embankment improvements.

You will oversee the management of multiple schemes, ensuring they meet client requirements and remain within agreed cost profiles. Collaborating closely with design houses, you will procure and manage these partnerships to deliver practical, cost-effective, and high-quality solutions.

Working in tandem with engineering managers and delivery teams, you’ll ensure projects are executed smoothly, adhering to programme schedules and technical standards. A key aspect of the role involves engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, including clients, local authorities, internal delivery teams, and supply chain partners, fostering productive relationships across all levels.

Additionally, you will maintain oversight of cost and programme controls, identifying and addressing potential issues with basic awareness of NEC contracts, early warnings, and cost management processes. This role offers a dynamic and impactful opportunity to shape the success of multiple infrastructure schemes while ensuring excellence in delivery.

This role is a 2-stage process. My client is looking to interview immediately for the successful candidate to start early in the New Year.