About the Role

The Physical Security Technical Design Manager is the technical authority for Physical Security Engineering within the Smart Buildings team. The role is responsible for establishing and maintaining engineering excellence across all physical security projects by ensuring every design produced by the team meets the highest standards of technical accuracy, compliance, coordination and operational performance.

Working across multiple projects simultaneously, the Technical Design Manager provides technical leadership throughout the entire project lifecycle, overseeing security strategies, engineering methodologies, design standards, technical reviews and quality assurance processes. They are responsible for ensuring consistency across all deliverables while driving continual improvement in design quality, technical capability and innovation.

As the recognised Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Physical Security, the role requires exceptional knowledge of integrated security systems, international design standards, critical infrastructure security principles and emerging technologies. The successful candidate will mentor engineering teams, support complex client engagements, develop internal technical standards and ensure all security designs reflect current industry’s best practice and operational requirements.

Responsibilities

Technical leadership

Act as the technical authority for all Physical Security Engineering projects across the business.
Provide technical leadership throughout the design lifecycle from concept through detailed design, construction support and project close-out.
Establish and maintain engineering design standards, technical guidance documents, templates and best practice methodologies.
Define and continuously improve the technical design processes used across the Physical Security discipline.
Lead the development of innovative engineering solutions for complex and mission-critical facilities.

Technical Assurance & Governance

Oversee the technical accuracy, completeness and consistency of every physical security design produced by the team.
Chair technical design reviews, peer reviews and QA/QC reviews across all projects.
Ensure all designs comply with relevant legislation, European & British Standards, International Standards and client-specific design requirements.
Provide final technical approval for security design documentation prior to client issue.
Identify technical risks and ensure appropriate engineering solutions are implemented.
Develop and maintain technical review checklists, design assurance procedures and governance frameworks.

Engineering Design

Lead the development of integrated physical security solutions including:

CCTV
Access Control
Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS)
Intrusion Detection Systems
Intercom
Security Management Systems (SMS/PSIM)
Security Networks
Review and validate security strategies, system architectures, calculations, specifications, schedules, schematics and detailed design drawings.
Ensure coordinated multidisciplinary design integration with ICT, Electrical, Mechanical, Architectural, Civil and Structural engineering teams.
Lead engineering workshops with clients, operators, contractors and specialist vendors to develop technically robust security solutions.
Review specialist supplier proposals and technical submissions to ensure compliance with project requirements.

Standards & Technical Development

Maintain expert knowledge of emerging security technologies, international standards and evolving industry best practice.
Monitor changes to legislation, regulations and standards affecting physical security design.
Develop internal engineering standards aligned with recognised industry frameworks.
Drive standardisation across design documentation, specifications and technical deliverables.
Represent the business on industry working groups, technical committees and professional forums where appropriate.

Team Development

Mentor and develop Senior Engineers, Design Engineers and Graduate Engineers.
Provide technical coaching and guidance across the engineering team.
Support competency development and technical training programmes.
Promote a culture of engineering excellence, innovation and continual learning.
Assist with technical recruitment and capability development.

Project Support

Provide technical support to project teams throughout design, procurement and construction.
Support client presentations, technical workshops and engineering reviews.
Resolve complex technical issues during design and construction.
Support commissioning strategies, witness testing and system acceptance where required.
Assist commercial teams with technical input into proposals and bids

About You

Qualifications & Experience

Degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
Extensive experience designing integrated physical security systems for mission-critical facilities, hyperscale data centres or critical infrastructure.
Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering projects within a consultancy environment.
Strong experience delivering RIBA Stage 2–5 (or equivalent) design packages and leading technical assurance activities.

Technical Expertise

Strong knowledge of:

Integrated CCTV, Access Control, IDS, PIDS, Intercom and SMS/PSIM systems
Security network architecture and structured cabling
Video analytics, biometrics and security integration platforms
Defence in Depth, layered security, TVRA, security zoning and operational concepts
Critical infrastructure protection and high-security facilities

Excellent understanding of key industry standards, including:

EN 62676

EN 60839 Series

EN 50131

EN 50600

ISO 27001

NIS2

NPSA guidance

Relevant IEC, BS and EN standards

Skills

Expert design review and technical assurance capability.

Strong multidisciplinary coordination and stakeholder management.

Excellent specification writing and technical reporting skills.

Good understanding of BIM, Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam and IP networking.

Strong communication, mentoring and leadership skills.

Desirable

Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards chartership.

ASIS PSP, CPP or equivalent certification.

Membership of IET, ASIS, Security Institute, BICSI or similar.

Experience developing engineering standards or contributing to industry guidance.

Experience in hyperscale data centres, defence, healthcare or critical infrastructure projects.

Knowledge of Digital Engineering, BIM, Digital Twins and Smart Buildings.

Why Join us?

At Ethos, we’re dedicated to fostering an environment that encourages both technical excellence and personal wellbeing.

We offer:

Flexible Fridays and a 9-day fortnight working schedule — enjoy every second Friday off to maintain work–life balance.
A culture that values flexibility, learning, and teamwork, with clear progression pathways and support toward professional accreditation.
Opportunities to work alongside some of the most experienced engineers in the industry, within a forward-thinking, technology-driven consultancy.

Benefits:

Flexible working times
25 Days holidays
Pension Scheme
Working travel out-of-pocket expenses
Travel tax scheme or bike-to-work scheme
Regular training/mentoring / further college support
Support for Chartership
Subsidised Health Insurance Allowance
A Professional Subscription Fee paid by the company
Paid Statutory Leaves
Healthcare check-ups and flu vaccinations
Gym / Fitness membership
Heavily subsidised social committee (5 a side, golf society, climbing club and regular social events)