Design Manager Civils & Geo

Laing O'Rourke group; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 50,000 - GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure firm in South Wales is seeking an experienced Design Manager to oversee a major substation project in Bridgend. The role involves leading the design team, ensuring compliance and quality throughout the project lifecycle, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Ideally, candidates will have over 5 years of experience in civils and geotechnical engineering, a relevant degree, and familiarity with design processes. Join us to make a significant impact on a project that supports the UK's energy resilience!

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a design-led role within civils & geotechnical engineering.
• Experience managing design across the project lifecycle.
• Familiarity with various procurement routes.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate, and manage design delivery from concept to handover.
• Oversee design reviews and ensure robust technical governance.
• Support construction teams with technical clarity and timely resolution.

Skills

Design compliance understanding

Technical assurance

Risk management

Collaborative problem-solving

Education

Degree in Engineering or Architectural discipline

Chartered or working towards chartership

Job description

🌟 Design Manager – Bridgend Substation

Location: Margam,South Wales (Site‑based)

⭐ Help Shape the Future of Critical National Infrastructure

We're delivering a major substation scheme in Bridgend – a project central to strengthening the UK's energy resilience and enabling a low‑carbon future. To help us achieve this, we're looking for an experienced Design Manager with a background in Civils & Geotechnical design to play a pivotal role in leading, coordinating and assuring design delivery.

If you thrive in complex, multidisciplinary environments and enjoy bringing clarity, technical rigour and collaborative leadership to design, this is an opportunity to grow your impact on a project of national importance.

🔧What You'll Be Doing

As a key member of our project team, you will:

• Lead, coordinate, and manage design delivery from concept through to handover.
• Ensure all design information is complete, compliant, buildable, safe and aligned to contractual, technical and programme requirements.
• Oversee design reviews, manage queries and ensure robust technical governance and change control.
• Work closely with internal specialists, external designers and supply chain partners to produce high‑quality, coordinated solutions.
• Support construction teams on‑site with technical clarity, design assurance and timely resolution of queries.
• Drive continuous improvement, adopt innovative practices, and champion digital tools and sustainable design approaches.

🧩What You'll Bring

Essential experience:

• 5+ years in a design‑led role within civils & geotechnical engineering.
• Experience managing design across the project lifecycle – concept to handover.
• Strong understanding of design compliance, buildability, technical assurance and risk management.
• Comfortable working with multidisciplinary teams and designer supply chains.
• Familiarity with various procurement routes.

Qualifications (recommended):

• Degree in an Engineering or Architectural discipline (Civil, Structural, Geo, Mechanical, Electrical, Architectural, Facades).
• Chartered or working towards chartership (ICE, IStructE, RIBA, CIAT etc.).

⚙️Our Ideal Candidate

You will enjoy this role if you:

• Are naturally collaborative and thrive in environments where design, construction and operations intersect.
• Have strong problem‑solving skills and can bring structure and clarity to complex design challenges.
• Are proactive, adaptable and able to manage changing priorities in a fast‑paced delivery environment.
• Are passionate about quality, safety, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Enjoy empowering others, sharing expertise and helping teams succeed.

🌍 Why Join Us?

• Work on a major UK infrastructure project that will make a real difference.
• Join a design and technical community focused on excellence, innovation and professional growth.
• Opportunities for career development through chartership support, mentoring and internal progression.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

🤝 Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences and identities. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, we'll work with you to ensure you have the support you need.

📩Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're an experienced Design Manager looking to shape the next generation of infrastructure, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us deliver something extraordinary.

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