Colas Rail UK is looking for a Pre Construction Design Manager to lead the development and coordination of project programmes from early concept through to construction completion for the CWAC contract. In this role, you will manage design partners from feasibility to detailed design, ensuring deliverables meet standards and support efficient construction.
What You'll Do
- Create accurate, realistic programmes, including annual cyclical works, ensuring they reflect appropriate methodologies, sequencing and timescales.
- Maintain and update programmes for client submissions, prepare progress and mitigation reports, and support Compensation Events with clear, evidence‑based assessments.
- Manage design partners from feasibility to detailed design, ensuring deliverables meet standards, are well‑coordinated and support efficient construction.
- Oversee the design change‑management process, ensuring clear communication, proper documentation and contractual compliance.
- Provide buildability input and identify opportunities for alternative or innovative methods that add value.
- Work closely with Commercial and Estimating teams to contribute to tenders, valuations, change processes and final accounts, offering programme insight and pre‑construction expertise.
- Advise on preliminaries, resource needs and temporary works considerations.
- Ensure all planning and design activities comply with NEC procedures, DMRB standards and relevant regulations.
- Deputise for the General Manager when required, offering informed guidance on programme and design matters.
What We're Looking For
- Strong technical capability, analytical thinking and clear, confident communication.
- Experience in programme development, design coordination, construction sequencing and pre‑construction methodologies.
- Experience reviewing design information and guiding project teams.
- Strong digital skills, particularly advanced Microsoft Project.
- Knowledge of NEC contracts, programme compliance, design change management, highways design and temporary works.
Nice to Have
- Relevant ONC, HNC, HND or Degree in Construction or Civil Engineering.
- Familiarity with Primavera P6.
Technical Stack
- Microsoft Project
- Primavera P6
Team & Environment
Works closely with designers, engineers, commercial teams and the client. Reports to the General Manager and may deputise for them.
Benefits & Compensation
- Salary: £65,000 to £75,000 per annum (depending on experience).
- Colas Pension Scheme with combined contributions of up to 10%.
- Life Assurance Scheme (x4 basic salary).
- 25 days annual leave + Public Holidays.
- Family-Friendly Benefits, including enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
- Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme.
- Hybrid working options (role dependent).
- Opportunities to study towards fully funded professional qualifications.
- Ongoing personal and professional development.
- Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more via our employee benefits portal.
Work Mode
This role offers a hybrid working model.
Colas Ltd is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
