Assistant Design & Engineering Manager

We’re the UK's largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK's seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year.

It’s a story we’re proud of but it doesn’t end there. We’re transforming our business and embracing the future.

We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.

Why should you work for ABP?

• Have the chance to make a difference in a business critical to UK trade.
• Work within an exciting, innovative, growing business.
• You can thrive in an inclusive environment where every individual can be themselves and feel respected.
• Receive a competitive salary and benefits package.
• Get support for training, personal development, and further education.
• Benefit from support and engagement through dedicated management and leadership.

We are seeking an Assistant Design & Engineering Manager to support the technical delivery of Major Capital Projects across our UK portfolio. Reporting into the Group Engineering & Design Lead, you will support and manage the design and engineering workstream across several major projects, working closely with regional teams to adapt solutions to local operating environments.

You will join at a pivotal moment for ABP Southampton, where a major multi‑year RoRo port expansion is progressing through a Development Consent Order. This is a significant, several‑year programme, involving extensive design studies, environmental assessments and development work.

Accountabilities

• Support the technical development and delivery of major capital projects.
• Manage and support scope definition and delivery of technical work packages.
• Coordinate and contribute to design and constructability reviews.
• Review consultant and contractor outputs for safety, quality and compliance.
• Support tendering activities and contract awards.
• Identify and manage technical risks and opportunities.
• Support in monitoring consultant and contractor performance.
• Coordinate stakeholders and manage technical requirements.
• Report on progress, risks and key decisions.

About You

• Experience supporting the technical delivery of civil infrastructure projects, with an ideal minimum of 3–5 years’ experience.
• Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• Engineering design experience in a consultancy or contracting environment.
• Knowledge of drawing and standards production and good understanding of design processes.
• Experience in client‑side environments, or close collaboration with client teams, would be advantageous.
• Ability to challenge constructively and bring solutions to engineering challenges.
• Experience with Common Data Environments and quality systems.

The role comes with a competitive salary, a contributory pension from day one (starting at 3% with a 5% company match up to 18%), private healthcare, access to our Employee Assistance Program, a wide range of discounts and cashback with high street and online retailers. We offer an inclusive work environment with a strong academy that offers ongoing opportunities to develop your skills.

Additional Information

When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.

Please note that ABP undertakes random screening for substance abuse and operates a zero‑tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.

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