Airside Civil Engineering Design Lead / Project Manager

Description:

Airside Civil Engineering Design Lead / Project Manager - Flexible UK location (hybrid working)

We are seeking an experienced Airside Civil Engineering Design Lead / Project Manager to lead the design and delivery of multiple aviation infrastructure projects within live operational environments.

This role sits at the interface between technical design leadership and project delivery. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading civil engineering design, coordinating multidisciplinary inputs, managing programmes and fees, and acting as a key point of contact for clients and stakeholders.

This is a delivery‑focused position for someone who enjoys being close to the work while retaining ownership of project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Design Leadership

Lead the civil engineering design of airside infrastructure projects, including runways, taxiways, aprons and associated works.
Ensure designs are compliant with relevant aviation standards and are suitable for construction within a live airfield environment.
Coordinate and review inputs from other disciplines, including AGL and drainage, ensuring designs are integrated and buildable.

Project & Delivery Management

Manage multiple projects concurrently, balancing technical input, programme, cost and stakeholder expectations.
Develop and manage project programmes aligned to airport operational constraints.
Oversee design deliverables through all stages, from concept and optioneering through detailed design and construction support.

Stakeholder Engagement

Act as a key technical and delivery interface with airport operators, contractors and internal teams.
Engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, translating technical design issues into clear, practical outcomes.
Support technical meetings, reviews and design presentations.

Commercial & Fee Management

Prepare and manage fee proposals, scopes of work and change control.
Monitor project budgets and resource allocation.
Support ongoing work‑winning activity through technical input and scoping.

Technical Knowledge & Experience

Essential

Strong background in airside civil engineering projects.
Experience leading design within live airport environments, with an understanding of operational, safety and access constraints.
Working knowledge of:
DMG 27 (pavement design principles)
UK CAA UK 139
CAP 168
Appreciation and understanding of:
Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) interfaces
Airside drainage and surface water considerations
Experience coordinating multidisciplinary design teams.

Desirable

Experience supporting projects through construction and on‑site technical support.
Familiarity with Civil 3D and digital design workflows.
Previous client‑facing role within aviation or regulated infrastructure environments.

Candidate Profile

A hands‑on design leader rather than a strategic or purely managerial profile.
Comfortable taking ownership of design quality while managing delivery pressures.
Confident operating across technical, commercial and stakeholder interfaces.
Able to prioritise and manage workload across several projects simultaneously.

Qualifications

Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
Chartered or Incorporated Engineer (ICE) desirable but not essential if experience is demonstrable.

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy