Subject Matter Expert/Design Manager (Airports)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Subject Matter Expert/Design Manager (Airfield Systems) to join a major UK airport, supporting the delivery of a multi-billion-pound capital investment programme focused on enhancing critical airport infrastructure and operational efficiency.
This role sits within a dynamic construction and project delivery environment and will play a pivotal role in leading the design of large-scale, strategically important airfield systems projects (typically £100m-£150m+).

As the Subject Matter Expert/Design Manager, you will lead design management activities from project inception through to construction, commissioning and handover, ensuring solutions are safe, compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with operational requirements.
You'll manage a small team of Design Management professionals and act as a key interface between internal stakeholders, engineering teams, and external design consultants and contractors.

• Lead design management across the full project lifecycle, including associated smaller projects where required
• Develop project scope, support business cases, and produce detailed design briefs
• Manage and coordinate external design consultants and Design & Build contractors
• Drive safe, efficient, and value-led design solutions aligned to engineering standards
• Ensure all design outputs meet quality, technical, regulatory, and programme requirements
• Monitor and coordinate design changes throughout construction and handover stages
• Define asset information requirements in collaboration with internal stakeholders
• Support statutory duties in line with CDM regulations (Principal Designer responsibilities where applicable)
• Contribute to contractor and consultant selection processes, including technical evaluations
• Support continuous improvement of design management and project delivery processes
• Work closely with stakeholders, balancing operational impact with project delivery needs
• Collaborate with construction teams to ensure design alignment, safety, and quality on-site
• Lead the review of as-built information to ensure successful project close-out and handover
• Ensure compliance with all legal, statutory, planning, and regulatory obligations
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a small team

• Degree-qualified (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or a relevant construction/engineering discipline
• Chartered Engineer (or working towards / highly desirable)
• Significant experience (typically ~10+ years) in engineering design or design management on large, complex infrastructure projects (£100m+)
• Strong expertise in airfield systems, particularly Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL), navigation and landing systems (ILS/RNP/GNSS etc), surface movement radar as well as civils works related to drainage and monitoring systems etc
• Proven experience leading design management teams (typically 3+ years managing small teams)
• In-depth knowledge of electrical design, installation, commissioning, and regulatory requirements within an airfield environment
• Strong understanding of project lifecycle, including commissioning and handover processes
• Solid knowledge of health, safety, environmental, and quality management within construction
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Familiarity with NEC contracts (desirable), including PM instructions and contractor claims
• Strong problem-solving skills, resilience, and ability to manage ambiguity
• Proficient in MS Office and project tools (e.g., MS Project)
• CSCS card required

• Part of a Construction function delivering a ~£1bn capital investment programme over 5 years
• Projects typically up to ~£50m within this role's direct remit
• Extensive stakeholder engagement, including senior airport leadership, airlines, and key suppliers
• Close collaboration with Engineering, EHS, Procurement, and Construction teams

• Contract role (Inside IR35)
• Hybrid working: 3 days on-site / 2 days remote
• Long-term opportunity within a major infrastructure programme