Civil Engineering Design Manager
Engineering Design Manager – Civils
Location: Maidstone, Kent
Salary: £55,000 to £80,000 + Package + Benefits
Hours: Full-time, Permanent
About the Company
Up Front Recruitment are recruiting on behalf of a leading civil engineering contractor, groundworks specialist and housebuilder. This business is part of a respected construction group with a strong reputation across South East England, delivering residential, commercial, healthcare, and education projects.
With a focus on sustainability, and engineering excellence, they are committed to delivering high-quality projects and long-term partnerships with major developers, housing associations, and public sector clients.
The Role
We are seeking someone with a few years experience in a civil engineering design office to take ownership of all engineering aspects of proposed developments across land acquisition, planning, design, procurement, and construction stages.
This role requires a few years of Civil Engineering design office experience, ensuring the successful candidate can confidently design and/or critique the designs of others to achieve the most efficient and commercially sound outcomes.
You’ll lead on foul and surface water drainage strategies, flood risk, levels and retaining structures, highways, foundations, and structural proposals. Working closely with the Engineering Director, technical teams, consultants, and stakeholders, you’ll help shape the engineering direction of key developments.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead or assist in the due diligence process for land acquisitions.
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Deliver engineering information and prepare sites for project commencement.
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Review and advise on foul and surface water drainage, earthworks, retaining and foundation strategies for cost efficiency and buildability.
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Assist in selecting and managing civil and structural consultants for planning and detailed design work.
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Procure and oversee external consultant services including geotechnical and land surveys.
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Review infrastructure and structural tender and construction drawings, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and economy of design.
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Manage engineering-related legislative frameworks and agreements such as the Water Industry Act, Highways Act, Section 38, Section 278, and Approvals in Principle.
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Ensure timely delivery, sign-off, and financial recovery of these agreements.
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Attend site inspections, advising on construction standards and rectifying any defects during and post-construction.
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Provide engineering advice to internal departments and support layout planners on highways, retaining walls, and foundation solutions.
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Represent the business at meetings with statutory bodies such as Water Authorities, Planners, Highways Authorities, and the Environment Agency.
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Fully manage the design and construction interface of projects.
Skills, Experience & Background
Essential:
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A few years of Civil Engineering design office experience, enabling you to design and/or critique the designs of others.
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Experience in residential development within a developer or consultant engineer environment.
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Proven understanding of engineering, planning, and design processes.
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Experience delivering major residential infrastructure projects (typically 500+ units).
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Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and motivate others.
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Skilled in stakeholder management, organisation, and working to strict deadlines.
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Commercially aware and able to identify cost-efficient engineering solutions.
Desirable:
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Relevant degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
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Member of a UK professional body such as ICE or IStructE (Chartered or working towards).
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Strong technical understanding of drainage schemes, levels strategies, retaining wall design, and foundation solutions.
The Person
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Decisive, proactive, and commercially astute.
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Excellent communicator with leadership and negotiation skills.
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Capable of managing multiple projects and priorities within tight deadlines.
If this sounds like you, Apply Now. Contact Mark at Up Front Recruitment for more details