Senior Design Manager - Natural Environment

This role is responsible for project managing the integrated solution development, ensuring that all options are high‑quality, deliverable, and fully coordinated across multiple work packages. It will also lead the timely delivery of tranche package documentation, ensuring alignment with the strategic objectives of the Long Term Growth Programme.

Integrated, design‑led blue and green infrastructure is central to the success of this programme. The role will play a key part in coordinating the design of biodiversity net gain initiatives, habitat management, open spaces, landscaping, and blue green infrastructure. This work will take place within one of the UK’s most complex programmes and involve close engagement with key stakeholders and local communities.

• Collaborate with the Programme Leader – Design Delivery to support the effective execution of responsibilities and ensure successful project outcomes.
• Manage the procurement and oversight of Design & Engineering suppliers, including performance and contract management.
• Lead the delivery of design and engineering outputs for assigned tranches, ensuring all deliverables align with strategic programme objectives and documented requirements.
• Monitor progress and performance across tranches, establishing and applying appropriate performance measures throughout each delivery stage.
• Identify and manage risks and opportunities across the full lifecycle, implementing effective mitigation strategies and promoting informed decision‑making.
• Oversee optioneering and integrated solution development, support the production of DCO and related documentation, and ensure quality, safety, inclusivity, sustainability, and continuous improvement in all design and engineering activities.

• Extensive experience working within major project or programme environments.
• Strong knowledge of project management tools, including Autodesk Collaboration Cloud and P6.
• Proficient in IT systems with strong information management skills.
• Experience collaborating with multi‑disciplinary design, engineering teams, and diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering successful outcomes in complex programme settings.
• Ability to adapt to continuous improvement initiatives and effectively support change management.
• Degree qualified in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience (5+ years).

Ideally, you will also have 

• Experience of working at Heathrow or comparable aviation or large infrastructure environment
• APM or similar professional body membership 
• Development Consent Order Experience