Lead Design Manager
Berkshire / Reading / Newbury / Basingstoke
Introduction / Background
We are continuing to grow the strength of our teams within the defence and nuclear sector. We are a sector‑leading construction organisation, delivering complex infrastructure with integrity for a broad range of UK clients.
Our projects integrate civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering, supported by enhanced security arrangements and rigorous quality control. Safety is prioritised throughout the project lifecycle, and we deliver with control, efficiency, and innovation that truly sets us apart in this highly regulated sector.
Are you looking for your next career challenge? Ready to take a leading role in shaping design outcomes on nationally critical infrastructure?
The Role
Lead Design Manager
Your Impact
As Lead Design Manager, you will hold overall responsibility for the successful leadership and delivery of the design scope across complex, secure infrastructure projects.
You will lead and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, driving collaboration between our design partners, client stakeholders, delivery teams, and supply chain. You will provide clear direction, governance, and assurance, creating certainty and predictability at construction stage by eliminating design risk and resolving buildability challenges early.
You will be accountable for ensuring the design is delivered to programme, fully aligned with the client brief, compliant with legislation and design codes, and incorporates the practical construction expertise of our delivery teams and suppliers.
Through the adoption of technology, BIM, and innovation, you will drive improved outcomes both in construction delivery and in long‑term operational performance for our customers.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in leading and managing design delivery to achieve successful project outcomes.
- A confident leader and communicator, able to influence at all levels and create a high‑performing, collaborative environment across multiple organisations.
- Extensive experience managing design consultants and subcontractors, including the use of NEC contract mechanisms, performance reporting, and change control.
- A strong advocate for BIM, with working knowledge of ISO 19650, able to manage deliverables, information flow, and approvals.
- Experience working within nuclear, defence, or other highly regulated environments, including enhanced assurance, governance, and specification compliance.
- Strong technical or engineering background; an engineering degree and chartered status are highly desirable.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to balance technical detail with programme, risk, and commercial considerations.
Everyone who works at Morgan Sindall Infrastructure brings unique skills and perspectives. We recognise that great people don’t always tick every box. We value potential, transferable skills, and alignment with our values just as much as experience. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply.
What’s in It for You?
We believe in rewarding and supporting our people. You can expect:
- Competitive salary and annual bonus scheme
- Generous holiday entitlement (with the option to buy up to 5 additional days)
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Family‑friendly policies and a genuine commitment to work‑life balance
- Private Medical Insurance and car scheme
- Contributory pension plan
- Share‑save scheme and lifestyle discounts (including cycle‑to‑work and gym memberships)
- Recognition and long‑service awards
- Continuous learning and development, including mentoring programmes
- Employee assistance and wellbeing support for you and your family
Important Information
- We recommend applying promptly, as this role may close early if applications are high.
- You will need to obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance. Due to the nature of our work, you must be a British Citizen and meet our clients’ vetting requirements. All security clearance costs will be covered by Morgan Sindall Infrastructure.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
At Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, we are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
About Us
Morgan Sindall Infrastructure delivers some of the UK’s most complex and critical infrastructure across six core sectors. We connect communities through responsible infrastructure, with our people at the heart of everything we do.