Senior Design Manager

PSR Rail Team are recruiting for a Senior Design Manager in London. This will be working for a reputable contractor who operate within the Rail, Civils and M&E sector. Please see more info below!

Senior Design Manager

- Job Description

Overview
The Senior Design Manager is responsible for leading the design function across major infrastructure and engineering projects, ensuring the successful delivery of compliant, efficient, and innovative design solutions. The role supports complex programmes within sectors such as rail, energy, and large-scale M&E installations.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams across multiple projects or major programmes.
Take ownership of the full design lifecycle, from concept and feasibility through detailed design to construction support and handover.
Ensure all design outputs meet relevant standards, including client, regulatory, and industry requirements.
Act as the primary point of contact for all design-related matters with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
Develop and manage design delivery programmes aligned with project schedules.
Oversee design reviews, approvals, and technical assurance processes.
Identify and manage design risks, implementing mitigation strategies where required.
Drive value engineering and innovation to improve cost efficiency, safety, and constructability.
Ensure effective integration and coordination across all engineering disciplines (M&E, civil, systems).
Support procurement processes by reviewing and approving supplier and subcontractor designs.
Lead design coordination meetings, workshops, and stakeholder reviews.
Mentor and develop design managers, engineers, and junior staff.

Key Requirements

Degree-qualified in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, or related discipline).
Extensive experience in design management within infrastructure, construction, or engineering environments.
Strong background in delivering complex projects within sectors such as rail, energy, or utilities.
Demonstrable experience managing multidisciplinary design teams.
In-depth knowledge of UK standards and design assurance processes (e.g., Network Rail, TfL, National Grid).

Experience with digital engineering tools, including BIM and design coordination platforms.
Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
Strong commercial awareness and understanding of project delivery constraints.

Key Competencies

Strategic leadership and decision-making
Technical excellence and attention to detail
Risk management and problem-solving
Collaboration and stakeholder engagement
Ability to manage multiple complex work streams

Desirable

Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working towards it
Experience in rail electrification, power systems, or large-scale M&E delivery
Familiarity with NEC contracts and project delivery frameworks

Please contact Dan Confrey at PSR Solutions for more information