Civils Senior Design Engineer at FERROVIAL CONSTRUCTION (UK), Heathrow

Civils Senior Design Engineer

The Civils Senior Design Engineer will play a key role in managing and coordinating the design process across projects at Heathrow Airport. Working as part of the Design Management team, the successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Project Manager and engage with Clients, Design Consultants, and other key stakeholders on all design and engineering matters.

The role is responsible for ensuring that design solutions are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with all applicable design, quality, health, safety and wellbeing, and sustainability requirements. The Civils Senior Design Engineer will support the Design Manager in the administration of the design contract, including the management of design changes, risks, and opportunities, while also contributing to the selection and appointment of design consultants.

In addition, the successful candidate will proactively identify and explore opportunities to apply emerging tools, technologies, and innovative approaches that enhance project delivery and drive continuous improvement.

Location: Heathrow Airport

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the achievement of Health and Safety objectives in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Lead the tendering of design packages from client briefs, including scope definition, technical review, and negotiation with upstream and downstream stakeholders.
• Develop and manage the Design Responsibility Matrix, ensuring clear ownership and eliminating gaps or overlaps in responsibilities.
• Manage, coordinate, and monitor design team activities and resources to deliver the design safely, on time, and within budget in line with the project programme and cost plan.
• Lead and develop direct reports (where applicable), supporting performance, capability development, and effective resource planning.
• Define, manage, and coordinate all design interfaces, ensuring effective integration across disciplines and project stakeholders.
• Lead design reviews with internal and external stakeholders, capturing requirements and ensuring alignment with project objectives.
• Promote innovation, sustainability, and value engineering opportunities throughout the design development process.
• Work closely with procurement teams to define subcontract scopes, support package procurement, and ensure compliance with project financial parameters.
• Ensure designs comply with all applicable health, safety, environmental, quality, inclusion, accessibility, client, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with Health & Safety, Quality, and Environmental teams to support consultant audits and demonstrate the integration of Health by Design, Design for Safety, and Design for Sustainability principles.
• Liaise with client representatives, project stakeholders, and construction teams to coordinate design development and ensure buildable, cost-effective solutions.
• Present design proposals and technical solutions to stakeholders, capturing feedback and incorporating requirements as appropriate.
• Liaise with Engineering Services in Spain (where applicable) to ensure alignment with Ferrovial design standards, processes, and best practice.
• Review and certify consultants' monthly applications for payment.
• Prepare and submit monthly design KPIs, monitoring performance against agreed targets.
• Promote company values and maintain effective working relationships with employees, clients, consultants, subcontractors, and external stakeholders.

Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience in design coordination or design management roles within the construction industry.

• Strong understanding of civil engineering design principles and multidisciplinary project delivery.

• Working knowledge of BIM processes and digital engineering tools.

• Good knowledge of relevant Health and Safety legislation and industry standards.

• Experience managing design programmes, budgets, and deliverables within a cost-conscious environment.

• Strong people management and leadership skills, with experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams.

• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.

• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and work independently.

• Proactive approach to innovation and the implementation of emerging technologies throughout the project lifecycle.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.