Design Manager

Reporting to the Stage 4 West Lead, you will be responsible for the Design Management on HS2 Lot S1 or Lot S2, ensuring the design is delivered to an acceptable standard of quality in line with commercial and programme expectations. Working with SCS's design partners, you will plan the delivery for your design elements, defining the detailed scope and enforcing a progressive approach to technical assurance.

You will manage day‑to‑day interactions with internal (e.g. Construction Teams, Logistics etc.) and external interfaces, with the customer and third‑party stakeholders (e.g. Network Rail, London Underground, Thames Water etc.). You will ensure the production of the design deliverables by our design partners meets the correct quality, contract, safety, time and cost requirements. You will also work closely with the other design managers, to ensure coordination of design elements throughout the contract and to identify change.

• Work closely with the Delivery Team to ensure design outputs are fully aligned with the construction strategy and sequencing.
• Ensure temporary case requirements are fully considered within the design, including coordination and integration of temporary works designs where required.
• Track the progress of design documentation, ensuring timely delivery in line with programme milestones.
• Facilitate regular design reviews with construction teams, the client (HS2), and other stakeholders.
• Support Design Lead(s) in reviewing design resources, deliverables, and performance reporting.
• Manage design deliverables in line with project schedules and budgets.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate design risks and opportunities.
• Drive value engineering and design optimisation to improve efficiency.
• Prepare, update, and maintain the design programme on a monthly basis, including progress tracking and forecasting.

• Coordinate technical assurance requirements in line with HS2 standards and processes.
• Ensure design management plans and assurance plans are implemented and adhered to within the assigned area of responsibility.
• Maintain compliance with relevant engineering standards, project specifications, and regulatory requirements.

• Demonstrate commitment to Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) policies and procedures.
• Implement the requirements of the Safety Management System within the area of responsibility.
• Ensure that Construction Teams, Subcontractors, and Suppliers have access to and understand relevant HSE requirements.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure teams are kept informed of any relevant updates, risks, or issues.

• Liaise internally with Construction, Stage 4 and 5 design suppliers.
• Manage external interfaces with HS2 Ltd, subcontractors, local authorities, and other key stakeholders.
• Maintain close coordination with other Design Managers to ensure alignment across all design activities and interfaces.

• Provide guidance, mentoring, and support to junior team members.
• Contribute to the development of team capability and continuous improvement in design management practices.
• Present lessons learned in biweekly Stage 4 Design team meetings.

• Opportunities to take on additional responsibility, join networks for women, military or LGBT+ staff, and participate in cultural and social events with the local community.
• Discuss with the employer how to support further study, professional membership or attainment.

• Must have previous design management experience.
• Degree level qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering (or related subject).
• Holder of a relevant professional qualification (IEng or CEng), or close to obtaining a professional qualification.
• Knowledge and understanding of construction contract law and forms of contract through experience and formal training.
• Computer competence (MS Word, Excel, Document control system).
• Relevant CSCS Card.
• Strong understanding of Engineering Principles and CDM Regulations.
• Extensive technical knowledge of construction techniques and best practices (desirable).
• Training in Health & Safety and Environmental management.
• Experience of working as a design manager for a contractor on a major project.
• Demonstrated that you meet the minimum job criteria and person specification for the role.

Competitive salary with excellent benefits package.

We welcome diverse candidates and are committed to an inclusive recruitment process. All application data is handled in accordance with data protection regulations.