Head of Design and Engineering (Terminal 5 Optimisation)

Overview

You will lead the design and engineering delivery of a major infrastructure programme within a diverse, multidisciplinary environment. You will develop and implement design strategies, oversee procurement and suppliers, and manage risk, quality and governance to senior stakeholders. You will build cross‑functional relationships, drive safety improvements through thoughtful design, and chair governance forums. This is a high‑impact role shaping public‑use infrastructure in the aviation sector, with a clear opportunity to influence delivery at scale.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary engineering delivery on a large, complex infrastructure programme.
• Develop and implement design and engineering strategies with clear quality, assurance, and collaboration methods.
• Oversee technical suppliers and procurement processes, ensuring performance against scope and milestones.
• Manage technical risk, quality, and governance; provide objective advice to senior stakeholders.
• Build effective relationships with internal teams and external partners to reach shared decisions.
• Improve safety outcomes through design and adoption of best practices.
• Lead the development and delivery of the programme’s design and engineering strategy; ensure high‑quality outcomes.
• Oversee design and engineering suppliers, supporting procurement and managing performance.
• Set technical requirements and ensure they are met through consistent methodologies.
• Engage with internal teams, delivery partners, airlines and senior stakeholders to build strong partnerships.
• Provide expert technical guidance, including chairing technical governance forums and presenting progress to leadership groups.

Key requirements

• collaborative mindset
• stakeholder management
• strong communication
• design and engineering strategy
• procurement oversight
• risk management and governance

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