8 Design Manager roles in Leeds

What you'll be doing

You will be responsible for:

• Managing the design process from scope definition through to design delivery, construction support and project handover.


• Leading and coordinating multidisciplinary design teams across our diverse portfolio.


• Working collaboratively with preconstruction, operational, commercial, planning and procurement teams to develop safe, buildable and cost-effective engineering solutions.


• Providing advice, challenge and leadership on buildability, construction methodology, temporary works interfaces, logistics and programme constraints.


• Managing the performance of external design consultants ensuring deliverables are produced to the required quality, programme and budget.


• Supporting work-winning and Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) activities, helping to develop technical solutions, design strategies, programmes and tender submissions that deliver competitive advantage.


• Facilitating effective integration of all design disciplines, ensuring designs are fully coordinated and aligned with project objectives.


• Driving compliance with Client Requirements, Employer's Requirements, relevant standards and Balfour Beatty design management processes.


• Leading the identification, management and mitigation of design risks and opportunities, including compliance with CDM Regulations and Safe by Design principles.


• Working closely with project teams during construction to resolve technical queries, manage design change, and ensure design intent is maintained throughout delivery.


• Supporting Temporary Works coordination by ensuring appropriate consideration of temporary and permanent works interfaces throughout the design process.


• Championing innovation, digital engineering, BIM and modern methods of construction to improve project outcomes.


• Collaborating with clients, stakeholders, supply chain partners and project teams to build strong relationships and deliver successful project outcomes.


• Contributing to value engineering and continuous improvement initiatives, helping to optimise designs and improve the way projects are delivered across the Regional Civils business.


• Promoting the sharing of lessons learned and best practice to continuously improve design management across the business.

Who we're looking for

The majority of our projects are civil engineering focused, although many schemes also incorporate significant building, mechanical and electrical elements. We are therefore looking for a candidate with experience in both civil engineering and design & build environments, capable of managing multidisciplinary design teams across a diverse range of infrastructure projects.

We are looking for a proactive and collaborative individual who is comfortable working in a fast-paced project environment. You will be a strong communicator with the ability to build effective relationships, influence multidisciplinary teams, challenge constructively, and deliver successful outcomes for our clients and projects. You will demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement, technical excellence and safe, sustainable delivery.

We are looking for someone with:

• Relevant experience in a Design Manager role within a main contractor, civil engineering contractor or design and build environment.


• Proven experience delivering multidisciplinary infrastructure projects from tender and ECI through to construction and handover.


• Experience managing external consultants and multidisciplinary design teams.


• Experience supporting projects through construction, managing design change, technical queries and contractor-designer interfaces during project delivery.


• Demonstrable experience of managing design risk and ensuring compliance with CDM Regulations and Safe by Design principles throughout the project lifecycle.


• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence clients, project teams, consultants and supply chain partners.


• Working knowledge of NEC contracts is required.


• Good working knowledge of BIM is required.


• Excellent IT Skills relevant to the Business Stream are desirable and Microsoft Office is essential.


• Relevant Professional membership with an appropriate institute, e.g. ICE aligned to the work stream is desirable.


• CSCS card is essential.

Why work for us

Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

Why join us?

As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn’t rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You’ll have the freedom to shape the package that’s right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:

- Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
- 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
- Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
- Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more…

About us

With a strong track record of delivery, our civils teams connect communities through infrastructure projects in the highways, public realm, rail, flood and coastal defence, and industrial sectors across England and Wales.

Diversity and inclusion

At Balfour Beatty, we want everyone to be able to thrive and achieve their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. We’re making great progress through our Value Everyone DEI Action Plan, but we know we’ve got more to do.  Find out more about our values and DEI initiatives. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this role will be offered an interview. 

We are committed to our processes being barrier-free and will support adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Please let the recruiter for this role know if you require any adjustments. 

We’re looking to continually improve our recruitment process, so if you have any feedback, please share this with us via candidaterecruitmentenquiries@balfourbeatty.com