Lead Design Manager

Job title:

Lead Design Manager

Company

Gatwick Airport

Job description

London Gatwick is on a journey of transformation-and we’re looking for a Lead Design Manager to help shape the infrastructure of one of the UK’s busiest and most innovative airports. This is a rare opportunity to take a pivotal role in leading the design management function across Gatwick’s Capital Investment Programme, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective, and forward-thinking engineering solutions.What is the role?

• Lead and oversee all design management activities across Gatwick’s construction projects.
• Set and embed design management procedures that drive consistency, clarity, and quality across the project lifecycle.
• Lead and mentor a team of design specialists, fostering a high-performance culture and identifying future talent.
• Assure key project stages, validating technical proposals and ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Monitor and evaluate external design consultants to drive continuous improvement in delivery quality and efficiency.
• Ensure all designs meet cost benchmarks and challenge conventional approaches where innovation can add value.
• Champion industry best practice to streamline processes and minimise rework.
• Promote health, safety, and environmental excellence in all design related activities, including the fulfilment of Principal Designer duties.
• Manage the graduate engineering programme and maintain engagement with professional institutions.
• Support safety tours, inspections, and reporting across capital programmes.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation across design processes.

What are we looking for?

• Degree-level qualification (or equivalent) in engineering, construction, or a related field.
• Chartered status with a recognised engineering institution (highly desirable).
• A strong background in engineering design or design management within complex infrastructure programmes (typically of £50m+ value).
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams and oversight of external design consultants.
• Strong grasp of design risk management; IOSH-accredited Principal Designer certification is advantageous.
• Demonstrable knowledge of quality management, capital project delivery, and business process optimisation.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Project management qualifications (e.g. APMP, Prince2 Practitioner) are a plus.
• Previous experience in operational environments (such as aviation) is desirable.
• A track record of delivering results in high-pressure, fast-paced settings.

What do I get?Our employees tell us that working here is something special, and no day is like another, where our teams do something every day that other airports only dream of. Along with a competitive salary, our employees enjoy a range of personal, health and financial benefits, including:

• Welcome Bonus
• Performance-based bonus scheme
• High street shops and restaurant discounts
• Healthcare scheme
• Life and disability insurance
• Professional training to develop
• Professional subscriptions
• Discounted travel
• Volunteer days

What it’s like to work at London Gatwick?Our people are our biggest asset. We want people to thrive and have the best experience while working with us. We know we are all at our best when we feel comfortable and included.We are an organisation that places diversity, equity and inclusion at its heart. We aim to create a place where everyone belongs and has a voice, and we recognise we all play an important role in our success.To find out more about what it’s like to work at Gatwick, visit our careers siteShould you require any reasonable adjustments to be made as part of the application process, please contact us directly.Click apply to start your career with Gatwick.DocumentsLoading…Close mapLocationGatwick AirportGatwick Airport, Gatwick, United Kingdom, RH6 0NPLoading…Show NearbyMeet the recruiterDavid Weavingdavid.weaving@gatwickairport.comLocationLoading…Job benefitsHover over a benefit for more information!Bonus SchemeDiscretionary bonus plans look to reward colleagues for their hard work, talent and commitment to Gatwick achieving excellent results.PensionWe offer a defined contribution pension (DC) plan with the flexibility to select your monthly contribution.Life AssuranceOur life assurance benefit provides peace of mind by offering financial protection to your loved ones.WellbeingPutting yours and your loved ones health first, with private medical and cash plan options, including access to a free virtual GP for all colleagues.Electric Vehicle SchemeOur approved tax efficient salary sacrifice scheme, could help you achieve your environmental ambitions with a shiny, new electric vehicle.Share Plan Scheme (VINCI)Become a VINCI Group shareholder, offering buy one get one free shares in London Gatwick’s majority shareholder.Discounts & CashbackYou’ll have access to discounted shopping from over 800 retailers including restaurants, insurance companies and supermarkets.Discounted Rail & Bus TravelAt London Gatwick, we encourage sustainable and lower-emission transport options for our employees. To support this, we offer a range of discounts on public transport.Airside Perks & Free Holiday ParkingOur colleagues enjoy discounts at our airport retail partners & restaurants. Also available is 28 days free holiday parking, and 20% discount for family & friends.Share this pageJob AlertsRegister for job alerts to be the first to know when our latest opportunities arise

Expected salary

£7200 per month

Location

Gatwick, West Sussex

Job date

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 07:16:32 GMT

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