Design Manager - Water

We're partnering with a leading Tier 1 civil engineering contractor to recruit an experienced Design Manager to support the delivery of infrastructure projects across the water sector.

This role will focus on clean water, wastewater and biosolids treatment schemes, as well as pipelines, trunk mains, pumping stations and network infrastructure. It's a key position within the engineering function, responsible for ensuring technically robust, compliant and deliverable solutions across the full project lifecycle.

As Design Manager, you'll lead multi-disciplinary design teams and external consultants to deliver high-quality technical solutions aligned to programme, budget and statutory requirements.

You'll take ownership of technical compliance, design coordination and engineering governance, working closely with Project Managers and operational teams to ensure designs are practical, efficient and buildable.

This role suits someone who combines strong technical capability with commercial awareness and leadership experience.

Design & Technical Leadership

• Take accountability for the technical compliance and appropriateness of design solutions

• Ensure all designs meet statutory, regulatory and client standards

• Lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams through concept, basic and detailed design stages

• Manage external design consultants and ensure contractual obligations are met

• Develop robust, reliable and maintainable asset designs

Programme & Budget Control

• Manage engineering budgets and schedules

• Implement and control engineering change management processes

• Ensure alignment between scope, cost and programme

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure all engineering outputs comply with Health & Safety legislation and internal quality systems

• Oversee checking and verification of calculations, drawings and specifications

• Evaluate and challenge technical solutions to ensure best value

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with Project Managers, Engineering Managers and supply chain partners

• Support specialist supply chain selection where required

• Coordinate with operational, maintenance and strategic stakeholders

• Oversee temporary works design coordination and associated responsibilities

Essential:

• Proven experience in design and design management within civil engineering

• Experience in water infrastructure (foul drainage, potable water mains, treatment works)

• Degree or HNC (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering

• Strong understanding of engineering governance and technical compliance

• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage consultants

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Desirable:

• Experience with BIM and common data environments

• Membership of a recognised engineering institution (or working towards)

• Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status

• Experience managing temporary works design processes

• Competitive salary and benefits package ( 70,000 - 75,000 DOE)

• Long-term secured workload across major infrastructure frameworks

• Technically varied and complex projects

• Clear progression within a structured engineering function

• Supportive, delivery-focused environment with strong governance and quality standards