Design Manager in North West

​Hyreus is recruiting an experienced Design Manager for a leading Tier One civil engineering contractor operating within the power and nuclear sectors. This opportunity is based in Cumbria and would suit a technically strong design professional with experience managing engineering design across major civil engineering, infrastructure or complex construction projects.

The successful candidate will oversee and coordinate design activities throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring design deliverables meet technical, contractual, programme, quality and safety requirements. Working closely with engineering teams, consultants, subcontractors and project stakeholders, you will help ensure designs are developed, reviewed and implemented effectively to support successful project delivery.

Experience within major civils, power infrastructure, nuclear, energy or other highly regulated sectors would be highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate design management activities across major civil engineering and infrastructure projects.

• Manage the design process from early development and technical planning through to construction, implementation and handover.

• Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, consultants, specialist subcontractors and other technical stakeholders.

• Ensure design deliverables are completed in line with project requirements, contractual obligations, technical specifications and agreed programmes.

• Develop and maintain design management plans, deliverables schedules, design registers and review processes.

• Monitor design progress against project milestones, identifying potential delays, technical issues and resource constraints.

• Chair and attend design review meetings, technical workshops and coordination sessions with internal and external stakeholders.

• Manage design interfaces between civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and other relevant engineering disciplines.

• Review design submissions to ensure they meet required standards, project specifications and relevant regulatory requirements.

• Ensure design risks are identified, assessed and managed, including consideration of health, safety and environmental requirements.

• Coordinate technical queries, design changes, requests for information and the resolution of design-related issues.

• Work closely with construction and site teams to ensure designs are practical, buildable and aligned with construction methodologies.

• Support value engineering and design optimisation initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce risk and deliver value.

• Ensure appropriate design assurance, verification, validation and quality control processes are followed.

• Maintain accurate design documentation, records, approvals and change-control information.

• Liaise with project managers, commercial teams, planners and engineering leads to ensure design activities align with overall project objectives.

The Ideal Candidate

• Previous experience as a Design Manager, Senior Design Engineer or similar role within civil engineering, infrastructure or major construction projects.

• Strong background managing multidisciplinary design activities on complex infrastructure projects.

• Experience within power, nuclear, energy, utilities or other highly regulated environments would be advantageous.

• Previous experience working for a Tier One civil engineering contractor or on major infrastructure projects would be beneficial.

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or a related discipline.

• Strong understanding of design management processes, technical assurance, design coordination and construction interfaces.

• Experience managing consultants, design subcontractors and multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• Good knowledge of design programmes, deliverables management, technical reviews and change control.

• Understanding of construction methodologies, buildability, temporary works interfaces and site delivery requirements.

• Strong knowledge of health, safety, environmental and quality requirements within civil engineering projects.

• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

• Commercial awareness and an understanding of the relationship between design development, programme, cost and project risk.

• Proficiency in relevant design management, project management and document control systems.