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Design Manager
Design Manager – Civil Engineering (High Speed Rail)
Location: UK & Ireland About the Role
At SYSTRA, our specialists worldwide design, integrate, test, commission, and deliver mass transit and mobility solutions trusted by over 50 million people daily. For over 60 years, we’ve led cities and regions to sustainable, accessible, and innovative transport advancements. With 10,300 colleagues globally, including 1,000 in the UK & Ireland, we’re expanding and seeking top talent to shape the future of infrastructure design.
We’re looking for an experienced Design Manager to join our civil engineering team, driving high-speed rail infrastructure projects while supporting other UK and international product lines. This dynamic role is perfect for an ambitious lead engineer with exceptional leadership, commercial awareness, and interpersonal skills.
Key Responsibilities
The Design Manager will ensure effective design delivery for allocated civil engineering work packages, covering:
- Project Plan Management:
- Establish and implement project plans for allocated work packages
- Maintain forecasts, cost, and revenue budgets
- Stakeholder Coordination:
- Manage program and scope changes, documenting all modifications
- Coordinate between design and construction teams for seamless workflow
- Foster strong relationships with external parties to uphold SYSTRA’s reputation
- Ensure all client specs and project requirements are met
- Operational Oversight:
- Deliver projects on time, within budget, and to specification
- Monitor cost-effectiveness, quality, safety, and environmental compliance
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Core Duties & Areas of Focus
Working alongside designers and contractors, the Design Manager will:
- Design & Compliance Protocols:
- Implement systems ensuring sustainable, safe, and legally compliant design processes
- Track design progress against programmes and budgets
- Conduct cost, risk (quantified/qualitative), and HAZOP analyses in line with environmental policies
- Oversee CDM Regulations compliance, ensuring health, safety, and environmental safeguards
- Project Controls & Reporting:
- Liaise with Bid Managers for tender preparations
- Prepare monthly progress reports and lead design review meetings
- Maintain resource allocation plans and coordinate cross-functional teams (UK/Global)
- Procurement & Contract Support:
- Support construction teams through all project phases
- Develop and refine design management documentation
- Assist with contract preparation, project planning, and procurement
- Ensure budget adherence and resource management
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Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
- Team Leadership:
- Supervise APM’s, Graduates, and Apprentices, providing guidance
- Support the Engineering Manager where needed
- Client Liaison:
- Act as the project interface with clients, ensuring requirements are translated into execution
- Engage with multi-disciplinary teams (UK/Overseas) for cohesive project delivery
Required Profile & Skills
- Qualification & Experience:
- Degree qualified in engineering or related field
- Proven track record in multidisciplinary team coordination on major infrastructure projects
- Technical Expertise:
- Strong experience in design delivery programmes and budget management
- High-speed rail infrastructure familiarity preferred
- Deep understanding of CDM Regulations
- Working knowledge of NEC3 contracts and systems like ProjectWise/Bentley
- Soft Skills & Behaviours:
- ** Exceptional communications** (internal & client-facing)
- Commercial acumen alongside technical expertise
- Committed to innovation and value-for-money solutions
- Strategic thinker with the ability to drive high-performance teams
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