Posted March 1, 2026

Design Manager (Airfield Systems)

  • Employer London Gatwick
  • Location Gatwick Airport
  • Salary Circa £86,000 + 5% Welcome Bonus + £4,750 Flex Allowance + up to 20% Bonus + Benefits

Great journeys happen at London Gatwick. Where will your career take you?

The buzz, the energy, the sheer magic of travel… You can feel it in the air all around you. Here, you'll be part of an energetic team and a vibrant community. We can help you thrive in a career that's a world away from the everyday.

This role takes an office first hybrid approach here at London Gatwick, with three days a week in the office, two days remote, managed around the needs of the business.

What is the role?

London Gatwick is evolving rapidly, presenting an exciting opportunity for a Design Manager (Airfield Systems) to join our integrated project team for dual runway operations, working on delivering and shaping London Gatwick's future infrastructure.

As a Design Manager at London Gatwick, you'll lead the design and engineering aspects of airfield systems and controls construction projects from conception, through execution and closeout. We have strategically significant airfield systems work to undertake to enable dual runway operations.   You will be supporting the Design Lead and the project team to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget to the highest standard.

In this pivotal role, you will lead the full design lifecycle of strategically important Navigational and Airfield Systems projects within an operational airport environment. Working alongside key stakeholders and suppliers, you will manage the technical aspects to achieve both project, programme and business objectives, resultantly shaping of the future of one of the world's busiest airports.

If you have a proven track record of delivering the design and engineering of systems and controls related projects above £100m, this is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic team and make a significant impact.

What will you do?

Reporting to the Design Lead, you'll be responsible for taking complex airfield systems design projects through various stages, from pre-concept design and procurement to delivery and handover.  You'll be focused on high-quality results and handing over the design and engineering aspects, confident in the knowledge that you have played a pivotal role in helping London Gatwick deliver something impactful for the business and its customers.

Do you have what we're looking for?

The live environment at London Gatwick requires all our teams to have a flexible and adaptable approach, with problem solving skills and an innovative outlook. In addition, this role requires:

  • Significant experience as a Design Manager, leading the design management on systems-oriented infrastructure projects in a live operational environment. Your experience will demonstrate handling the design and engineering of big projects or multi-year programs worth over £100 million (ideally in a relevant industry, for example, airfields, rail or nuclear)
  • Experience in leading teams of up to 5 direct reports and consultant design teams of up to 50 designers.
  • Demonstrable experience in communicating with a wide range of stakeholders, with multiple and sometimes conflicting priorities, to explain how you are working and why in a straightforward way.
  • Proven leadership and influencing skills, along with the ability to motivate, coach, facilitate, and create learning opportunities for others.
  • Experience in leading infrastructure projects as part of significant programmes in a live operational environment. Experience in Aerodrome Systems, such as Navigational Aids or Airfield Ground Lighting, is highly desirable.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the airport environment are desirable.
  • Experience in the areas of aerodrome operations, including Air Traffic Control and CAA Safety Cases, is highly desirable.
  • A degree in an applicable Engineering or Construction field is desirable.

Skills

  • Strong leadership and influencing skills.
  • Effective communication skills.
  • Strong practical problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to manage complex stakeholder requirements.
  • Sound commercial and financial management of designers and consultants.
  • Knowledge of the NEC suite of contracts is desirable.
  • Knowledge of aerodrome system and controls related design standards.
  • Track record of managing complex multidisciplinary design delivery.
  • Familiarity with the airport environment, particularly aerodrome navigational systems.

What's in it for you?

We value our people and reward every employee fairly with a highly competitive package, enhanced by a discretionary annual bonus, free staff parking, discounted rail travel to work, share matching scheme and more. We offer a rewarding world of flexible benefits you can tailor to the things that matter to you most.

There are also plenty of opportunities for career progression, as well as training to support your personal and professional development.

At London Gatwick, we're also very well connected, just 30 minutes from central London and directly linked to over 100 towns and cities. Whether you prefer to travel by cycle, electric car, or train, we aim to make your journey to work as convenient and cost-effective as possible.

Our employees tell us that working here is something special and no day is like another; Where our teams do something every day that other airports only dream of. Along with a competitive salary, our employees enjoy a range of personal, health and financial benefits, including:

  • 5% Welcome Bonus
  • Performance-based bonus scheme
  • High street shops and restaurant discounts
  • Healthcare scheme
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Professional training to develop
  • Discounted travel
  • Volunteer days

What's it like to work at London Gatwick?

At London Gatwick, our people are our biggest asset. We want our people to thrive and have the best experience while working with us. We know we are all at our best when we feel comfortable and included.

We are an organisation that places diversity, equity and inclusion at its heart. We aim to create a place where everyone belongs and has a voice, and we recognise that we all play an important role in our success.

London Gatwick supports an inclusive recruitment process, enabling you to perform at your best. Please make us aware, as part of your application, should you require any reasonable adjustments.

Click here now to start your career journey with London Gatwick.

Kelly Chapman

Kelly Chapman
Recruitment Advisor

[email protected]
07455 320 117

Grant Prior

Grant Prior
News Editor

[email protected]
07775 870 417

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