Ground Control
Design Manager
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Design Manager
Join Ground Control and Shape the Future of Landscape Construction
Ground Control is seeking an experienced and driven Design Manager to lead and coordinate the design function across our growing portfolio of landscape construction and civil engineering projects.
This is a key technical leadership role, responsible for bringing together internal designers, external consultants, subcontractors, and client teams to deliver compliant, buildable, and cost-effective solutions. You will act as the technical authority across projects, ensuring designs are practical, safe, and aligned with programme and commercial objectives.
Working within our Landscape, Design & Energy Division, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the successful delivery of high-profile projects while helping to develop and enhance our design management capability across the business.
What You'll Be Doing
Design Coordination & Management
- Coordinate design activities across multiple live projects, integrating input from internal teams, external consultants, subcontractor designers, and client stakeholders.
- Manage design programmes, information release schedules, and technical query registers.
- Resolve design issues and information gaps before they impact project delivery.
- Ensure all project interfaces are effectively managed and coordinated.
Design Review & Technical Assurance
- Review designs for buildability, compliance, and completeness prior to site implementation.
- Identify and resolve clashes between civils, drainage, structures, utilities, and landscape elements.
- Provide technical guidance to project teams and act as the escalation point for site-based design issues.
- Hold technical authority for design decisions and approvals.
In-House Design Delivery
- Produce small-scale engineering designs and technical detailing where appropriate.
- Develop foundation and base details for walls, fencing, play equipment, and external structures.
- Design retaining features, level solutions, drainage systems, SuDS components, and surfacing build-ups.
- Prepare and verify supporting engineering calculations.
Temporary Works
- Undertake Temporary Works Design duties in accordance with BS 5975.
- Design temporary works solutions including excavation support, propping arrangements, edge protection, and access provisions.
- Maintain temporary works registers and ensure appropriate design checks are completed.
Health, Safety & CDM
- Fulfill designer responsibilities under the CDM Regulations 2015.
- Ensure safety, buildability, and future maintenance considerations are embedded throughout the design process.
- Identify, document, and communicate residual design risks to delivery teams.
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Consultant & Stakeholder Management
- Manage the appointment and performance of external design consultants.
- Prepare design briefs, review fee proposals, and monitor design deliverables.
- Control design expenditure against project forecasts and budgets.
- Build strong working relationships with clients, contractors, and supply chain partners.
Pre-Construction Support
- Support bid and estimating teams with technical expertise and buildability reviews.
- Provide value engineering solutions and design risk assessments.
- Identify opportunities to improve programme efficiency, reduce costs, and lower embodied carbon.
Technical Leadership
- Ensure compliance with relevant industry codes, standards, and best practice.
- Develop and maintain standard details, technical specifications, and design templates.
- Mentor engineers, project managers, and site teams.
- Drive continuous improvement of design management processes and review procedures.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Chartered Civil Engineer (CEng MICE) or at the final stages of achieving chartership.
- Degree qualified (BEng or MEng) in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering.
- Minimum of 5 years' design experience within civil engineering, infrastructure, or external works environments.
- Strong understanding of BS 5975 Temporary Works requirements.
- Sound knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and designer responsibilities.
- Ability to produce and independently check engineering calculations and technical drawings.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
- Excellent technical problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical matters to a range of audiences.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites as required.
Desirable
- Experience in landscape construction, public realm, external works, or civil engineering projects.
- CITB Temporary Works Coordinator training.
- Structural design experience including retaining walls and small structures.
- Experience using drainage and SuDS design software.
- Working knowledge of NEC and JCT Design & Build contracts.
- Experience mentoring engineers towards professional chartership.
About You
You'll be a confident and collaborative professional who can effectively challenge designs, manage stakeholders, and make sound engineering decisions while maintaining strong working relationships.
You'll also demonstrate:
- A proactive and solution-focused approach to problem solving.
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong leadership and influencing skills.
- A commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Alignment with Ground Control's values and culture.
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Why Join Ground Control?
At Ground Control, we deliver award-winning landscape, environmental, and infrastructure services across the UK. We are committed to investing in our people, encouraging innovation, and creating opportunities for professional growth.
As Design Manager, you'll have the opportunity to influence the successful delivery of significant projects, shape design standards across the business, and contribute to the continued growth of our Landscape, Design & Energy Division.
Ready to take the next step in your engineering career? We'd love to hear from you.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary – aligned with your skills and experience
- Performance-linked bonus: Bonus opportunities aligned to your level and contribution.
- Pension scheme – helping you plan for the future
- Recognition schemes – celebrating and rewarding great work
- Private GP service – fast, convenient access to medical support
- Life insurance – providing added peace of mind
- Subsidised gym membership – supporting your health and wellbeing
- Holiday buy scheme – purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave
#INDHP
Equal Opportunities Statement
At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic as defined in the Equality Act 2010.
We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and across all stages of employment, including training, development, promotion, pay, and termination. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants and employees, and to creating a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation.
We expect all colleagues to uphold our values of dignity, respect, and inclusion. We take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discriminatory behaviour and are committed to continuous improvement through training, inclusive policies, and accountability at all levels. #LDE
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