Design Manger; Roads

Job Description

WSP is seeking an enthusiastic Design Manager with extensive postgraduate experience in the management and delivery of a range of highway schemes, from complex multi‑disciplinary D&B schemes to smaller safety improvement and maintenance schemes. The role is based in the London & South East region (Cambridge, London (Westferry Circus), Basingstoke, Guildford or Southampton offices).

• Major infrastructure with utilities and third‑party interfaces
• Highway improvement and widening schemes
• Junction and corridor upgrades
• Bridges and structures over/under highways or rail
• Active travel and public realm schemes

• Drive clear communication across internal teams and external stakeholders, chairing design team meetings and ensuring actions are completed.
• Identify and manage design risks.
• Support coordination and resolution of technical queries in the context of cost and programme, and proactively manage change control while ensuring a clear understanding of scope and design responsibility.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards and legislation, including DMRB, MCHW, TSRGD, Manual for Streets, British Standards and Eurocodes, CDM Regulations 2015, and environmental and planning conditions.
• Coordinate design reviews, clash detection, value engineering, and independent checks (e.g. CAT 2 / CAT 3 where required).
• Ensure designs are suitable for construction, maintenance, and operation.
• Strengthen project management processes, manage RFIs, technical transmittals and change control, and proactively mitigate risks and delays.
• Review design information, quotations, and technical documentation to ensure alignment with scope, budget, and client expectations.
• Maintain accurate project records, update delivery programmes, and promote efficiency, innovation, and buildability across all design stages.

• Degree in Civil Engineering or a relevant discipline.
• Chartered Membership of a relevant professional body.
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Significant experience in managing and leading multi‑disciplinary design teams to deliver high‑quality solutions on time and to budget.
• Proven ability to apply the principles of the CDM Regulations to projects to achieve safety during construction, operation and maintenance, ensuring residual risks are captured, managed and communicated throughout the project lifecycle.
• Experience of D&B or similar contractual arrangements.
• Familiarity with NEC form of contract.
• Thorough understanding of the DMRB, MCHW, TSRGD and Manual for Streets would also be beneficial.
• Experience with major UK clients in a design consultancy environment.
• Ability to develop and manage customer and stakeholder relationships through effective listening and influencing skills.
• Naturally curious, solution‑focused and responsive to client problems.
• Contract management experience and/or accreditations would be an advantage.

We encourage applicants from varied backgrounds and experiences. We provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need.