Senior Design Manager - General Contractor (Civil)

Senior Design Manager - Civil Engineering & Construction

Location : Lisbon, Portugal with travel required across Portugal

Employment Type : Full-time

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Senior Design Manager for a Main Contracting client to lead the design delivery of complex civil engineering and construction projects. Based in Lisbon , this role will oversee the full design process from concept through to completion, ensuring coordinated and efficient workflows, high-quality outputs, and effective consultant management across all disciplines.

Key Responsibilities :

Lead and manage the end-to-end design process across multiple projects, ensuring alignment with client requirements, project timelines, and regulatory standards.

Manage and coordinate external design consultants across architectural, civil, structural, maintaining accountability for quality and delivery.

Develop, implement, and maintain the design programme , ensuring all design milestones are met in line with overall project schedules.

Oversee design workflows and governance , streamlining communication, information flow, and change control across internal and external teams.

Review and approve design documentation , ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, technical standards, and project-specific criteria.

Chair regular design coordination meetings , ensuring issues are identified, tracked, and resolved promptly.

Collaborate closely with Pre-Construction, Planning, Procurement, and Delivery teams to ensure design supports construction sequencing and cost planning.

Drive value engineering and buildability reviews , promoting practical and cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.

Ensure integration of subcontractor and supplier designs, supporting full coordination during construction.

Maintain oversight of design risk and quality assurance processes throughout the project life cycle.

KEY REQUIREMENTS :

Degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Construction Management (or equivalent).

6-10 years' experience in design management or coordination roles on civil engineering or large-scale construction projects.

Strong knowledge of CSA (civil, structural, architectural) interfaces.

Proven experience managing external consultants and leading multidisciplinary design teams.

Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines effectively.

Knowledge of Portuguese planning laws, construction codes, and permitting processes is advantageous.

Fluent in English (Portuguese language skills are a plus).

Strong leadership, coordination, and communication skills.

Eligibility to work in Portugal.