Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.
Do you have a passion for designing schemes that make a real difference to people? If so, we want to hear from you.
Our delivery directorate have a brand-new role for a Design Manager to lead the design strategy for Transport for West Midlands’ (TfWM) £2.2Bn capital delivery programme. You will be a technical design expert, supporting the development of a new design panel and approval processes, ensuring governance and high standards are met throughout the programme. This is a vital role for the organisation as you will be responsible for ensuring that our designs are functional, safe and have a place-based approach, considering public realm, skills, and housing as elements alongside transport and infrastructure projects.
Focusing on ambitious projects including Dudley Interchange, the Wednesbury/Brierly Hill extension, Sprint and rail packages you will provide guidance on design and interpret policy from the local Transport plan to build a healthier, fairer and greener West Midlands. Looking at governance and approvals, you will implement new control processes and policies to ensure our new major transport infrastructure are designed to the highest standards for the people of the West Midlands.
This is a great opportunity to make a positive change to the region, working on ambitious projects that will improve travel for the West Midlands. To be successful in this role you will need to be a creative thinker, people focused and results orientated.
What you will be doing.
- Support the development of the Design Panel and manage the gateway approvals for design.
- Engage with TfWM stakeholders during the project lifecycle to advise on best practice design.
- Review, challenge, and feedback on designs from our principal designers and contractors.
- Ensure designs are fit for purpose and support our strategic design aspirations.
- Provide expert advice to shape and inform designs associated with the delivery of major transport infrastructure.
- Input into tendering exercises for major construction programmes.
- Maintain collaborative relationships and tactical governance across TfWM.
- Prepare reports for senior management, elected members, WMCA committees, programme boards and Local Cabinet.
What’s essential.
- Experience of approving design packs.
- Experience of developing and preparing designs which include features that support Net Zero and improve Biodiversity Net Gain.
- Experience of commissioning technical services through procurement and working across the construction sector supply chain to ensure compliance against standards and policies.
- Experience of developing and delivering strategies across construction phases to monitor, and audit designs to ensure they meet standards and requirements.
- Experience of managing key stakeholders both internally and externally and the wider supply chain within the construction industry.
- Experience of collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience of line managing junior staff.
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- Knowledge of best practice for design and materials that reduce carbon footprint.
- Understanding of standards for designing transport infrastructure on highways including LTN 1/20, Manual for Streets.
- Innovative thinking and creative approach to problem solving around design of infrastructure.
How to apply.
On clicking ‘apply for this job’, you will be prompted to register for an account, which you can do using your name and email address. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV when registering. Uploading your CV will auto-populate the employment and education sections of your profile. Please note, we do not see your CV once you have submitted your application. Our shortlisting decisions are based on what you tell us in your profile - and so it is important to check the information is correct and format your profile so that it really stands out. You will be asked to provide a supporting statement which should fully outline your suitability for the role, highlighting how your skills and experience match the essential job criteria. If you already have one that you have prepared earlier, you can simply copy and paste this into the application form. For more information on how to apply, please visit the FAQ page on our career site.
Reasonable adjustments.
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Recruitment Team. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.
Salary and benefits.
We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK), 28 days paid annual leave (plus an option to purchase more!), ethical saving options and healthcare plans, paid volunteering days, free financing for the latest technology, discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.
Hybrid working and location.
We believe hybrid working is the best way for our organisation to fulfil our commitment to a modern, agile workplace while continuing to provide a great service to our customers. Hybrid working means having flexibility between working in the office and at home on agreed days, where a role allows.
The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, with regular site visits required. It is expected that you can split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 2 days a week spent in the office. Please note, this is the minimum expectation.
Creating an inclusive workplace.
We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. We believe that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.
WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.
We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.
We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. If your values align with ours and you are dedicated to working towards a future that we can all be proud of, we would love to hear from you.
Right to Work in the UK
Applicants will need to evidence that they have the legal right to work in the UK, in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.
Thank you for considering joining our team at WMCA. We look forward to receiving your application and the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.
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