Design Manager (Roads)
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?
At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.
A little more about your role…
WSP are seeking an enthusiastic and Design Manager with extensive postgraduate experience in the management and delivery of a range of highway schemes, from complex, multi-disciplinary D&B schemes to smaller safety improvement and maintenance schemes. The role is within our high performing team based in London & South East region (located in either of our: Cambridge, London (Westferry Circus), Basingstoke, Guildford or Southampton offices). If you are looking for a challenge and professional development within our talented team, then we would love to hear from you.
Typical projects delivered by our team include
Major infrastructure with utilities and third‑party interfaces
Highway improvement and widening schemes
Junction and corridor upgrades
Bridges and structures over/under highways or rail
Active travel and public realm schemes
You will:
Drive clear communication across internal teams and external stakeholders, chairing design team meetings and ensuring actions are completed.
Identifying and managing design risks.
Support co-ordination and resolution of technical queries in context of cost and programme and proactively manage change control though clear understanding of scope and design responsibility.
Ensure compliance with relevant standards and legislation, including:
DMRB, MCHW, TSRGD, Manual for Streets
British Standards and Eurocodes
CDM Regulations 2015
Environmental and planning conditions
Coordinate design reviews, clash detection, value engineering, and independent checks (e.g. CAT 2 / CAT 3 where required).
Ensure designs are suitable for construction, maintenance, and operation.
Strengthen project management processes, manage RFIs, technical transmittals and change control, and proactively mitigate risks and delays.
Review design information, quotations, and technical documentation to ensure alignment with scope, budget, and client expectations.
Maintain accurate project records, update delivery programmes, and promote efficiency, innovation, and buildability across all design stages.
What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…
Degree in Civil Engineering or a relevant discipline.
Chartered Membership of a relevant professional body.
Excellent communication skills and an ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities
Significant experience in managing and leading multi‑disciplinary design teams to deliver high quality solutions on time and to budget.
Proven ability to apply the principles of the CDM Regulations to projects to achieve safety during construction, operation and maintenance. Ensuring residual risks are captured, managed and communicated throughout the project lifecycle.
Experience of D&B or similar contractual arrangements.
Familiarity with NEC form of contract.
Thorough understanding of the DMRB, MCHW, familiarity with TSRGD and Manual for Streets would also be beneficial.
Experience with major UK clients in a design consultancy environment.
Ability to develop and manage customer and stakeholder relationships, through effective listening and influencing skills.
Naturally curious, solution focussed and responsive to client problems.
Contract management experience and/or accreditations would be an advantage.
Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.
Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.
With us, you can. Apply today.
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