At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in delivering innovative water and wastewater design projects.
- Company: Join Avove, a forward-thinking company transforming utilities infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and a range of lifestyle benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for continuous development and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while advancing your career in engineering.
- Qualifications: Experience in water and wastewater design and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Working here isn’t just a job. You can advance your career at Avove, and we’ll reward you with a range of benefits that recognise great work. We provide full training and continuous development to help you reach your potential. We strive to create an inclusive working environment where everyone can be themselves. Join us and take the next step towards a fulfilling career.
About the role
Due to continued growth, Avove is seeking to appoint a Principal Engineering Manager to work on our United Utilities framework. The role will lead the development and management of a water and wastewater non‑infrastructure design team, with responsibility for people leadership and project financial performance. The Principal Engineering Manager will foster a strong project delivery culture, underpinned by technical excellence, efficient design, and balanced client, staff, and commercial expectations.
Location: Warrington (Avove offers flexible hybrid working, with a combination of office and remote working)
Key Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with construction and commissioning teams to ensure seamless project delivery
- Define and agree the scope of design deliverables, including design fees, assumptions, exclusions, and risks/opportunities, and incorporate these into a priced programme of work
- Ensure delivery of all design requirements across the full project lifecycle, meeting time, cost, quality, and carbon targets
- Provide technical advice on regulatory compliance and other specialist subjects
- Lead technical discussions with clients and key stakeholders
- Act as the single point of contact for coordinating internal and external approvals, consents, and permits
- Manage and coordinate external sub‑consultants as required
- Provide guidance on best practice design methods to meet technical and project requirements
- Maintain awareness of industry best practice and share knowledge across the team
- Scope, plan, and manage investigations (e.g. SI/GI) to support design development
- Advise on technical and procedural aspects of projects
- Ensure compliance with health & safety, CDM, and all relevant regulations
- Brief and train teams on design and technical matters
- Maintain strong working relationships with clients and stakeholders, providing technical reports and responses as required
- Contribute to business development activities, including producing technical input for tenders
- Manage project administration, including design programmes, resources, and budgets
- Lead, motivate, and inspire team members to deliver high‑quality project outcomes
Skills & Experience Required
- Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams
- Ability to work largely unsupervised, while appropriately seeking guidance when required
- Previous people or line management experience
- Strong management, coordination, and organisational skills
- Well‑developed problem‑solving and technical delivery capabilities
- Proven ability to produce clear, concise, and well‑structured written documentation
- Broad experience of water and wastewater non‑infrastructure design delivery
- Sound technical and commercial awareness, including statutory processes and technical standards
- Client‑focused approach to service and project delivery
- Self‑motivated with a commitment to continuous improvement
- Strong focus on health, safety, and regulatory compliance
- Computer literate, with experience working in a multidisciplinary design environment
- Proven track record of successful project delivery, supported by clear evidence
Please note that candidates with qualifications that do not fully match the above criteria but have relevant equivalent experience are invited to apply.
What’s in it for you…
We offer a rewarding salary that is tailored to your skills and experience. But that’s not all! We celebrate hard work and give recognition to our colleagues. In addition to this, we understand that one size doesn’t fit all so everyone has access to a variety of flexible benefits that work for you.
- Company pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Family friendly policies
- A selection of lifestyle benefit options
- Financial wellbeing programme
- Employee assistance program for health and wellbeing and onsite mental health first aiders to support our colleagues
- Volunteering days in your community and charity matched giving where we will boost your fundraising
About us:
We design, build and maintain the UK’s utilities infrastructure to help transform local communities for the better. We provide cutting‑edge and sustainable engineering solutions and play a critical role in helping to keep the water running, the lights on and people connected. We are an expert, responsible and agile partner, providing vital services to water and power sectors. We work closely with our clients to help protect and improve their assets, enhance customer experience and protect the natural environment. Everything we do is designed to drive continual improvement and move life forward. We are proud to work in partnership with leading utility providers, including Severn Trent, United Utilities, Yorkshire Water, Northern PowerGrid, Northumbrian Water Group, and Scottish Power Energy Networks.
We are an equal opportunities employer: We welcome applications from candidates of all races, genders, disabilities, religions, ages and sexual orientations. We know that having a diverse workforce encourages new perspectives, inspires creativity and creates an engaging workplace and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all colleagues can thrive.
What next:
We encourage you to apply for this role as soon as you can. We recognise talent waits for no one, so we progress candidates individually through all stages of recruitment process. If you have any questions, please reach out for an informal discussion.
Design - Principal Engineering Manager employer: AVOVE LIMITED
At Avove, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters inclusivity and personal growth. As a Principal Engineering Manager in Warrington, you'll benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements, a comprehensive range of employee benefits, and opportunities for continuous professional development, all while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design - Principal Engineering Manager
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We think you need these skills to ace Design - Principal Engineering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to AVOVE LIMITED specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
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How to prepare for a job interview at AVOVE LIMITED
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
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✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
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Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
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In a full-time role, companies like AVOVE LIMITED value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.