Subject Matter Expert/Design Manager (Airports)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Subject Matter Expert/Design Manager (Airfield Systems) to join a major UK airport, supporting the delivery of a multi-billion-pound capital investment programme focused on enhancing critical airport infrastructure and operational efficiency.
This role sits within a dynamic construction and project delivery environment and will play a pivotal role in leading the design of large-scale, strategically important airfield systems projects (typically £100m-£150m+).

The Role

As the Subject Matter Expert/Design Manager, you will lead design management activities from project inception through to construction, commissioning and handover, ensuring solutions are safe, compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with operational requirements.
You'll manage a small team of Design Management professionals and act as a key interface between internal stakeholders, engineering teams, and external design consultants and contractors.

Key Responsibilities

Lead design management across the full project lifecycle, including associated smaller projects where required
Develop project scope, support business cases, and produce detailed design briefs
Manage and coordinate external design consultants and Design & Build contractors
Drive safe, efficient, and value-led design solutions aligned to engineering standards
Ensure all design outputs meet quality, technical, regulatory, and programme requirements
Monitor and coordinate design changes throughout construction and handover stages
Define asset information requirements in collaboration with internal stakeholders
Support statutory duties in line with CDM regulations (Principal Designer responsibilities where applicable)
Contribute to contractor and consultant selection processes, including technical evaluations
Support continuous improvement of design management and project delivery processes
Work closely with stakeholders, balancing operational impact with project delivery needs
Collaborate with construction teams to ensure design alignment, safety, and quality on-site
Lead the review of as-built information to ensure successful project close-out and handover
Ensure compliance with all legal, statutory, planning, and regulatory obligations
Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a small team

About You

Degree-qualified (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or a relevant construction/engineering discipline
Chartered Engineer (or working towards / highly desirable)
Significant experience (typically ~10+ years) in engineering design or design management on large, complex infrastructure projects (£100m+)
Strong expertise in airfield systems, particularly Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL), navigation and landing systems (ILS/RNP/GNSS etc), surface movement radar as well as civils works related to drainage and monitoring systems etc
Proven experience leading design management teams (typically 3+ years managing small teams)
In-depth knowledge of electrical design, installation, commissioning, and regulatory requirements within an airfield environment
Strong understanding of project lifecycle, including commissioning and handover processes
Solid knowledge of health, safety, environmental, and quality management within construction
Experience coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams
Familiarity with NEC contracts (desirable), including PM instructions and contractor claims
Strong problem-solving skills, resilience, and ability to manage ambiguity
Proficient in MS Office and project tools (e.g., MS Project)
CSCS card required

Environment & Stakeholder Landscape

Part of a Construction function delivering a ~£1bn capital investment programme over 5 years
Projects typically up to ~£50m within this role's direct remit
Extensive stakeholder engagement, including senior airport leadership, airlines, and key suppliers
Close collaboration with Engineering, EHS, Procurement, and Construction teams

Contract Details

Contract role (Inside IR35)
Hybrid working: 3 days on-site / 2 days remote
Long-term opportunity within a major infrastructure programme
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed